The Canyon's Edge
on Goodreads (7,733)
What’s inside...
A novel in verse about a young girl's struggle for survival after a climbing trip with her father goes terribly wrong.
One year after a random shooting changed their family forever, Nora and her father are exploring a slot canyon deep in the Arizona desert, hoping it will help them find peace. Nora longs for things to go back to normal, like they were when her mother was still alive, while her father keeps them isolated in fear of other people. But when they reach the bottom of the canyon, the unthinkable happens: A flash flood rips across their path, sweeping away Nora's father and all of their supplies.
Suddenly, Nora finds herself lost and alone in the desert, facing dehydration, venomous scorpions, deadly snakes, and, worst of all, the Beast who has terrorized her dreams for the past year. If Nora is going to save herself and her father, she must conquer her fears, defeat the Beast, and find the courage to live her new life.
Character compass
Discussion points
How did Nora's journey in the canyon change her perception of fear and bravery?
What role does the setting of the canyon play in Nora's adventure?
How do Nora's memories of her father influence her actions and decisions throughout the story?
In what ways do you think surviving the canyon could affect Nora's life after the book ends?
What did you learn about dealing with sudden changes and challenges from Nora's experiences?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts about Nora’s emotions throughout her journey, making parallels to any personal challenges they’ve faced.
Discuss the significance of the setting by asking your child why they think the author chose a canyon as the main backdrop for this story.
Explore the theme of memory and loss by asking your child how they think memories can influence present decisions, using Nora’s reflections on her father as a starting point.
After reading, encourage your child to imagine what Nora’s life might look like after the book ends, discussing how overcoming big obstacles can lead to personal growth.
Encourage your child to talk about what they would do in challenging situations similar to Nora's and discuss different ways of handling fear and anxiety.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of adversity
Explanation: The protagonist, Nora, demonstrates resilience as she navigates through challenges and dangers in a canyon after a tragic incident.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to tackle challenges head-on and withstand setbacks in their own lives, building a resilient mindset for future obstacles.
Example Lesson: The healing power of nature
Explanation: Throughout the book, the natural environment plays a crucial role in Nora's emotional healing process.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to connect with nature, understand its calming effects, and use outdoor activities as a coping mechanism during tough times.
Example Lesson: Importance of self-reliance
Explanation: Nora relies on her own skills and judgment to survive, displaying significant self-reliance.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to develop and trust their abilities, promoting independence in problem-solving and decision-making.
Example Lesson: Processing grief and trauma
Explanation: Nora’s journey is also about dealing with her grief and coming to terms with loss, which is portrayed sensitively.
Real-World Application: It helps children understand that grief is a process and encourages them to seek healthy ways to express and cope with their emotions.
Example Lesson: Courage to confront fears
Explanation: Facing physical and emotional challenges in the canyon, Nora shows courage by confronting her deepest fears.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to face their own fears, understanding that courage is not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it.