The Sasquatch of Harriman Lake

Gr 4-7–In this series sequel, Jake Nelson and his cryptid-spotting crew, the Sasquatch Hunters of Washington, Inc., are trying to solve a mystery around a friend’s sabotaged birthday piñatas. At the birthday party, Jasmine’s father invites Jake and Lanny’s families along to their upcoming trip to the family cabin at Harriman Lake (set near Leavenworth, WA). Local legend says Harriman Lake is home to a “hairy man” and a lost treasure. The kids spend the weekend searching for the treasure and hoping for a Sasquatch sighting. With each clue, the group gets closer, but in the process learn that sometimes true treasure isn’t what you find but who you find it with. Alongside this mystery plot, Jake is still dealing with his cross-country move, and the return of a father who had been absent his whole life. All of Jackson’s characters are written with a high level of emotional awareness. The search for treasure and Sasquatch creates the story’s mystery, but the true conflict and growth happens among Jake and his friends. Jake navigates his new friendships and confusing feelings with aplomb, but also with help from the supportive adults in his life.