Official Review: The River of No Return by Craig Vroom

[Gabriel Merêncio]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "The River of No Return" by Craig Vroom.]

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4 out of 4 stars

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Despite its somewhat ominous title, Craig Vroom’s The River of No Return is a delightfully light-hearted chapter book. Featuring the Lucky Penny Detectives (Olivia and Jenny), the story centers on a rafting expedition of the U.S. president and her daughter across the Middle Fork of the Salmon River. Said river is also known as “The River of No Return.” It’s up to Olivia and Jenny to make sure everyone will defy that nickname and return safely.

The book is divided into twenty-eight short chapters narrated in the third-person point of view. Occasionally, we see glimpses of the president daughter’s diary, which summarizes the events and adds a personal touch to the story. There’s also a helpful glossary at the end with terms related to rivers and rafting. The author even includes an original composition that one of the characters sings!

There aren’t big conflicts or involved plots in the book, which might disappoint readers interested in page-turners. The story is all about Olivia and Jenny’s rafting adventures alongside the president, her daughter, and the accompanying crew. Of course, there are still tense, exciting moments here and there. I particularly enjoyed the rafting adventure when the gang reached the Impassable Canyon.

Besides telling an exciting story, the book doubles as an educational resource for getting kids interested in rafting. We also learn interesting historical facts about the Middle Fork, the Main Salmon, and the people who lived in the area. There’s even a small environmental message at the very end.

Illustrator Jenn Chic delivers simple but charming hand-drawn sketches. Since the book is aimed at readers aged eight to twelve, there aren’t as many drawings as in a picture book, but each chapter features at least one illustration. The book’s editing is also exceptional; I only found two minor issues with quotation marks.

The River of No Return is a short and fun read that should appeal to young readers. The paragraphs are simple and straightforward, having an appropriate vocabulary level. There are also no profanities whatsoever. I rate the book 4 out of 4 stars. I especially recommend it to children interested in outdoor activities. I don’t recommend it to readers who prefer more action-packed and plot-driven stories.

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The River of No Return
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[Prisallen]

This seems like an entertaining and educational children's book. Thanks for the great review!

[unamilagra]

I like that this story introduces kids to rafting. It sounds like a delightful little read! Thanks for the great review!

[Gabriel Merêncio]

I like that this story introduces kids to rafting. It sounds like a delightful little read! Thanks for the great review!

This seems like an entertaining and educational children's book. Thanks for the great review!

Thanks for the comments! It's certainly a good children's book.

[Lorretta47]

I agree with the review and would like to add that the president was a woman and the Lucky Penny detectives are girls. The girls are clever and brave and good role models. Hooray!

[Gabriel Merêncio]

I agree with the review and would like to add that the president was a woman and the Lucky Penny detectives are girls. The girls are clever and brave and good role models. Hooray!

That's true, the book has excellent role models for girls. Thanks for the comment!

[Fairyland1010]

This book sounds like it has a lot of adventures. I might read it next. Thanks for the recommendation.

[Gabriel Merêncio]

This book sounds like it has a lot of adventures. I might read it next. Thanks for the recommendation.

It's certainly a great book for adventurous kids. Thanks for the comment!

[Ogoskino]

4 out of 4 stars suggests that this book was well written. I am looking forward to reading it. Thanks for the review.

[Gabriel Merêncio]

4 out of 4 stars suggests that this book was well written. I am looking forward to reading it. Thanks for the review.

It is indeed well written. If you end up reading this, I hope you enjoy it. Thanks for the comment!