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Description
Jamie is determined that nothing—not even his annoyingly popular younger brother Seth—is going to spoil his fun at a mountain biking camp in the backcountry.
Nothing except stumbling on a giant grow-op in the woods, that is. And watching their fellow campers get captured by violent drug dealers. And working with Seth to figure out a way to save them without getting caught themselves.
This short novel is a high-interest, low-reading level book for middle-grade readers who are building reading skills, want a quick read or say they don’t like to read!
Contributor Notes
Alex Van Tol grew up reading a wide range of books, from Enid Blyton to Stephen King. She has worked with kids all her life as a swim instructor, camp counselor, teacher and mother. She traded the chalkboard for the keyboard in 2007. Alex’s first novel with Orca Book Publishers was Knifepoint. She lives and writes (but no longer mountain bikes) in Victoria, British Columbia.
Recommended Age, Grade, and Reading Levels
- Age:
- 9 to 12
- Grade:
- 4 to 7
- Reading age:
- 9 to 12
Awards
- Commended, Resource Links, The Year's Best Books
Editorial Reviews
"This book has a highly engaging storyline mixed with descriptions of mountain biking that will appeal to boys."
— Tacoma School District #10
"Jamie is a solid character, and his actions and reactions throughout the book are quite believable...Van Tol does an excellent job of keeping the story advancing quickly while still allowing the reader to catch subtle nuances of character as each of the camper/bikers get to know one another....Gravity Check is very suitable for its audience, having been published for reluctant readers through "Orca Sports." The reading level is simple and the plot compelling as well."
— CM: Canadian Review of Materials
"Plenty of sports action, just enough specialized jargon to provide flavor, and some character conflict...Climaxed by a melodramatic rescue from armed thugs, and then the arrival of a surprise villain (just ahead of the police), this quickly paced tale offers multiple “whoop-de-doos” (look it up) for Matt Christopher fans and older reluctant readers."
— Booklist
"Can be summed up in one word: adventurous...A great book for reluctant readers, especially one who is into sports...Van Tol has a fantastic voice to appeal to a teen crowd."
— Resource Links
"Van Tol does it again with her newest novel, enticing the reader through mystery and suspense as the plot unfolds!...Jamie is a well-thought-out, quick thinking, teen that reacts to his situations with caution and gumption; all of the characters are balanced very well, adding to the chilling reality and believability of the story at hand...Concern and trepidation for the characters seized me as I read, and I highly recommend this novel for all readers 10+, regardless of reading level or interest in mountain biking. This phenomenal novel is a testament to Van Tol's sheer writing genius. Five stars!"
— Book Vacations
