Click on book cover to learn where Will got his ideas for this story, and to see photos.

No adults, no permit, no river map. 15-year-old Jessie and her six companions from Discovery Unlimited, an outdoor ed program she's been sent to by her father, "borrow" the company's rafting gear and take off down the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon on their own. Floating beneath sheer red walls, camping on white sand beaches, exploring caves and waterfalls, Jessie and the others are at first having the time of their lives. Pursued by helicopters, they boldly push on into the black-walled inner gorge, the heart of the Grand Canyon, only to encounter huge rapids, bone-chilling rain, injuries, and conflict within the group. What will be the consequences of their reckless adventure?

CLICK HERE to see photos and to learn where Will got his IDEAS for this story, and for its sequel, River Thunder.

Unabridged audiotape available from
Recorded Books, Inc. (800-638-1304)

Awards and Honors for DOWNRIVER
Best Books for Young Adults, American Library Association (ALA)
One of the "100 Best of the Best" Young Adult Books of the past 25 years (ALA)
One of the "100 Best of the Best" Young Adult Books of the 20th Century (ALA)
Quick Picks for Reluctant Young Adult Readers (ALA)
Pick of the Lists, American Booksellers
Winner, California Young Reader Medal
Books for the Teen Age, New York Public Library
Winner, Colorado Blue Spruce Young Adult Book Award

Hardcover publisher: Simon & Schuster
Paperback publisher: Dell