About BC Books Online
BC Books Online was created for anyone interested in BC-published books, and with librarians especially in mind. We'd like to make it easy for library staff to learn about books from BC publishers - both new releases and backlist titles - so you can inform your patrons and keep your collections up to date.
Our site features print books and ebooks - both new releases and backlist titles - all of which are available to order through regular trade channels. Browse our subject categories to find books of interest or create and export lists by category to cross-reference with your library's current collection.
A quick tip: When reviewing the "Browse by Category" listings, please note that these are based on standardized BISAC Subject Codes supplied by the books' publishers. You will find additional selections, grouped by theme or region, in our "BC Reading Lists."
Description
Ryan is determined to be a professional snowboarder but he's learned from what happened to his whistle-blower father that doing the right thing doesn't always pay off.
When his parents leave Kamloops, Ryan decides to stay with relatives so he can be near the Salmon Valley Ski Resort. He spends all his time at the ski hill, volunteering with the Junior Safety Patrol to cover the cost of his lift pass. Ryan's board is stolen and he discovers that his cousin, Kevin, knows more than he should about recent thefts at the resort. Kevin's in way over his head, and soon Ryan's involved, whether he wants to be or not. As Ryan prepares for the video shoot that could be his big break, he learns that Kevin's in danger. Ryan has to choose between career and family, and hope that, for him, doing the right thing will pay off.
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
A mediocre skier with exceptional first-aid skills, Erin Thomas spent five years as a ski patroller, before giving it up to focus on her writing and primary schoolteaching. Erin lives with her family in Whitby, Ontario.
Recommended Age, Grade, and Reading Levels
- Age:
- 9 to 12
- Grade:
- 4 to 7
- Reading age:
- 9 to 12
Awards
- Commended, CCBC Best Books for Kids & Teens
- Commended, Resource Links, The Year's Best Books
Editorial Reviews
"The snowboarding sequences are exciting, and Ryan's conversational voice as narrator is accessible and likable…The exciting climax cleverly draws all the storylines together in a way that showcases Ryan at his best [and] features dramatic racing down the runs. Recommended."
— CM: Canadian Review of Materials
"Thomas has written a fast-paced story that never feels like it is being rushed. Boarder Patrol's plot unfolds quickly, but Ryan remains an engaging character whose struggle to do the right thing for himself and his cousin feels genuine. Even readers who are not interested in sports will enjoy the unravelling of the mystery surrounding the crime spree at the ski hill...Highly recommended."
— Resource Links
"This hi/lo novel takes readers on a fast-paced ride filled with action and danger…The story includes vivid descriptions of snowboarding and mountain rescue, and the mystery is involving."
— School Library Journal (SLJ)
"A fast-paced read filled with not only snowboarding action, but also skiing accidents and rescues, competitions, and even duffel bags filled with pot. Erin Thomas's book should appeal to adventure fans, thrill seekers, and mystery readers."
— Teen Reads Too
