The Expeditioners and the Treasure of Drowned Man's Canyon: The Expeditioners
#1 of 2 in The Expeditioners Series
on Goodreads (1,269)
What’s inside...
Computers have failed, electricity is extinct, and the race to discover new lands is underway! Brilliant explorer Alexander West has just died under mysterious circumstances, but not before smuggling half of a strange map to his intrepid children—Kit the brain, M.K. the tinkerer, and Zander the brave. Why are so many government agents trying to steal the half-map? (And where is the other half?) It’s up to Alexander’s children—the Expeditioners—to get to the bottom of these questions, and fast. Famed Explorer of the Realm Alexander West is presumed dead in the Fazian rainforest when a mysterious man with a clockwork hand leads Alexander's son Kit to half of a strange map. Soon Kit, his brother, Zander, and his sister, M.K., are on their way to a remote canyon in the Arizona desert, pursued by government agents and on the trail of a fabled treasure in gold. As danger of all kinds closes in on them, the Expeditioners must use all of their smarts and talents to follow their father's map, no matter where it leads them.
Character compass
Kit West
Zander West
M.K. West
Ronald Oates
Discussion points
What do you think motivated Kit, Zander, and M.K. to go on their expedition, and how do their motivations differ from each other?
How would you solve a problem if you were in the explorers’ shoes, faced with an unknown challenge?
In what ways do the characters in the book show teamwork and trust? Can you give an example from your own life where you had to work as a team?
How do you think the setting of Drowned Man's Canyon contributes to the story? What mood does it set?
What did you learn about discovery and exploration from this adventure? How does it inspire you to explore new things?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use prompts from the book, like descriptions of the canyon or the gadgets the characters use, to visualize the scenes together. Ask your child to draw what they imagine.
Relate the challenges faced by the characters to real-life scenarios your child might encounter, to help them connect with the characters’ experiences.
Encourage your child to think about what character they relate to the most and why, fostering empathy and self-reflection.
Discuss the outcomes of the explorers’ decisions and what alternative choices could have been made, enhancing critical thinking skills.
Post-reading, encourage your child to create a treasure map, using clues and symbols, stimulating creativity and application of the book’s themes.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Teamwork and Collaboration
Explanation: The protagonist siblings in 'The Expeditioners' learn to work together to navigate unknown territories and solve puzzles. This collaboration is crucial for their success throughout their adventure.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by participating in group activities that require cooperation, whether in school projects, sports, or family tasks, reinforcing the importance of working harmoniously with others.
Example Lesson: Curiosity and Exploration
Explanation: The main characters' quest in 'The Expeditioners' is driven by their curiosity about the world around them and the mysteries it holds, which leads them to discover the Treasure of Drowned Man's Canyon.
Real-World Application: This sense of adventure can encourage children to explore new subjects and areas of interest, fostering a lifelong love of learning and discovery in both academics and personal hobbies.
Example Lesson: Resilience in the Face of Challenges
Explanation: Throughout their journey, the characters encounter numerous obstacles and challenges that they must overcome, highlighting their resilience and determination.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to persist despite difficulties in their endeavors, such as mastering a new skill or handling interpersonal conflicts, teaching them the value of perseverance and grit.
Example Lesson: Problem Solving and Critical Thinking
Explanation: To advance in their expedition, the siblings must solve complex puzzles and think critically about the clues they find, which are integral to navigating their adventures successfully.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to apply critical thinking to their schoolwork and everyday problems, improving their analytical skills and decision-making abilities.
Example Lesson: Valuing Diversity and Learning from Differences
Explanation: The diverse backgrounds and skills of the characters in 'The Expeditioners' contribute to their success, showing that different perspectives are a strength rather than a hindrance.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children appreciate the diverse cultures and viewpoints in their community, enhancing social interactions and teamwork.