Mystery in the Grand Canyon

Gr 2-4–A genre-blending chapter book that mixes ghost story, mystery, and animal adventure. At its heart is a service dog named Edmund, rehomed to a U.S. veteran who longs to solve the real-life mystery of Glen and Bessie Hyde’s 1928 Grand Canyon disappearance. Edmund has a unique ability to see and speak with ghosts, and a flair for “proper” British manners; the story ­layers themes of grief, identity, loyalty, and resilience against the dramatic setting of the canyon. Educators should be aware that the novel tackles complex, occasionally heavy, themes: death, seizures, airplane accidents, privilege, and misjudgment all surface throughout the narrative. While the concept of a talking service dog and the intrigue of a historical unsolved mystery are appealing hooks for upper chapter book readers, the shifting tones, multiple subplots, and dated cultural references (such as Murder, She Wrote) may prove confusing for some. Edmund’s dual identity, British in manner though American-born, adds another layer of potential misunderstanding. That said, the book’s ambition provides rich opportunities for discussion around how stories can braid together history, folklore, and contemporary challenges like chronic illness or PTSD. Classroom connections might include a research activity on real-life Grand Canyon mysteries or a compare/contrast exercise where students analyze how different authors handle themes of loss and resilience. Teachers might also guide students in exploring how perspective, whether through a ghost, a dog, or a veteran, shapes narrative voice.