Andreo and his friend Raul were both adopted from Bolivia, but neither knows much about the circumstances surrounding their adoption. Shortly before Andreo, his brother David, his mom and dad and his friend Raul leave Canada and travel to Bolivia to compete in a multi-sport cycling and caving race, two events happen which change the way Andreo thinks about his adoptive family; he gets a look inside the family safe and sees his adoption papers and he sees a televised newscast about a criminal who has been arrested in Bolivia for illegally selling babies for thousands of dollars. He suspects that he and Raul were among the babies acquired illegally. Quick paced and entertaining especially if you're into cross country cycling or off road bike racing. ( )

Sixteen-year-old Andreo and his friend Raul were both adopted as newborns in Bolivia. When Andreo's adoptive family plan a week-long multi-sport adventure race in Bolivia, the boys see it as a chance to find details of their births. News of a recent criminal investigation into the adoption agency suggests they may have been adopted illegally as part of a baby trafficking business. Long days and nights of canoeing, cycling, hiking, and caving in harsh mountain conditions are combined with their research in an adventure-packed story. This is a book I would have devoured when I was a teen for the adventure alone never mind the mystery element. Highly recommended for young adults - and even some of us older adults. ( )

I received this book through Librarything.com's Early Reviewer giveaway. I have tried several times to read it, but I have not been able to get past the first few pages. I usually enjoy teen fiction, so I'm not sure why this one has been so difficult for me to read.

Andreo and his adopted family sign up for an adventure race in South America, his land of origin. Since a 5th person is needed on the team, they take along Andreo's friend Raul who was also adopted from the same village. It is the perfect time for Andreo and Raul to try to track down their birth parents, and what they find out, leads to more questions. Between the thrill of the race and the excitement of the hunt, Andreo and Raul find themselves facing one hurdle after another. Mystery, intrigue and danger fill this novel as well as the sentiment of adopted boys trying to find out their past. An excellent choice for reluctant readers, this 164 page is recommended for grades 7 & up. ( )

I received this book as an Advanced Reader Copy. I was especially pleased, because I do enjoy reading YA books.

I liked this story for a couple of reasons: I haven't read anything, before, about adventure racing--this is a new concept to me, and I thought it sounded really exciting; also, I guess I haven't read many books about adopted children searching out their birth parents--I can't even imagine the struggle the children, birth parents, and adoptive parents go through when the adopted children come of age and start asking those questions! I thought this book was very interesting, with regards to that topic; and placing this core idea in the middle of an adventure race added an exciting element to it!

I'll definitely look for more by this author!!! ( )