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Milligan Creek #1
Up the Creek!
Four best friends, one raging creek. What could possibly go wrong?When four friends set out on a canoe trip down Milligan Creek during spring runoff season, little do they realize their voyage through small town Saskatchewan is about to turn into one of the wildest experiences of their lives--if they survive! Facing raging rapids, frigid "icebergs," spinning whirlpools, roaring culverts, and their own recklessness, soon the boys find themselves in uncharted waters with no clue how they're going to get home. With night falling fast and no one to rely on but each other, the boys must figure out how to work together or risk falling victim to the merciless powers of nature--and their parents' wrath!
The first book in the Milligan Creek Series, "Up the Creek" has sold over 37,000 copies and spent over 17 weeks at the top of Amazon's Canadian literature best-seller list. This is a perfect series for kids ages 7-12 who love humor, adventure, and the outdoors.
Books in the Milligan Creek Series:
Up the Creek!
Unlimited
The Water War
The Great Grain Elevator Incident
Snowbound!
The first book in the Milligan Creek Series, "Up the Creek" has sold over 37,000 copies and spent over 17 weeks at the top of Amazon's Canadian literature best-seller list. This is a perfect series for kids ages 7-12 who love humor, adventure, and the outdoors.
Books in the Milligan Creek Series:
Up the Creek!
Unlimited
The Water War
The Great Grain Elevator Incident
Snowbound!
140 pages, Paperback
Published November 11, 2015
370 people are currently reading
126 people want to read
About the author
Kevin Miller
36 books46 followersKevin is an award-winning author, and filmmaker. His debut novel, "Up the Creek," topped Amazon.com's Canadian literature best-seller list for over 17 weeks. Kevin has been involved in over a dozen films in various capacities, and as a writer, editor, co-writer, and contributor, he's been involved in too many books to count. Kevin has been featured on CBC Radio, CNN, and numerous other radio and TV outlets and podcasts. His work has his been written about and reviewed in dozens of publications, including the New York Times, Variety, and the Globe and Mail. Raised on a farm outside of Foam Lake, Saskatchewan, Kevin still thinks the prairies are the best place to be, but the mountains are a close second. He currently makes his home in Kimberley, BC, with his wife and four kids. Learn more about Kevin at www.kevinmillerxi.com.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
July 5, 2021
I'm not into outdoorsy things, so this really wasn't geared to me.
I think young people (who like leaving the house) would probably enjoy this one.
The characters are fun and it's a cute story, but I didn't relate.
Outside is not for me!
Thanks to Kevin Miller for hooking me up with the Audible version.
I think young people (who like leaving the house) would probably enjoy this one.
The characters are fun and it's a cute story, but I didn't relate.
Outside is not for me!
Thanks to Kevin Miller for hooking me up with the Audible version.
March 28, 2021
Up the Creek! by Kevin Miller is an excellent start to the incredibly fun Milligan Creek series.
I read this series out of order, starting with 2 and ending with one. Regardless, this book is such a gem (if only you knew what was to come...). This book starts the series off in a delightfully fun way. You meet Matt, Andrew, Chad and Dean as they decide to take off on an incredible adventure. These wickedly smart kids (in good ole Canada), grab some canoes and decide to ride the waves in the creek. They get into some seriously funny mischief, getting lost along the way. But, don't you worry! These boys are geniuses of getting into and out of trouble. Add in Canadian humour, play on words and a book full of pure friendship and you've got yourself a real winner!
Be prepared for an apprehensive Dean (and a Mother who packed him half of North Dakota), whirlpool and bridge obstacles, fast paced plot and comedy, and a book that can easily be a standalone but also starts the best series around.
I love this series from the bottom of my heart. I can't get enough of it and I love when I get to jump back into these books. Knowing that the series only gets better (and how amazing this book was), it's truly a series you don't want to miss out on. If you're seeking a middle grade book that is fun and engaging, this book is it. I seriously cannot stop recommending this series. I find it fun and it's everything I wanted in middle grade books when I was that age. You can't go wrong with this series!
Five out of five stars!
Thank you to Kevin Miller for sending me a free copy of this book in exchange of an honest review. I'm so happy I finally got to finish off my Milligan Creek set!
I read this series out of order, starting with 2 and ending with one. Regardless, this book is such a gem (if only you knew what was to come...). This book starts the series off in a delightfully fun way. You meet Matt, Andrew, Chad and Dean as they decide to take off on an incredible adventure. These wickedly smart kids (in good ole Canada), grab some canoes and decide to ride the waves in the creek. They get into some seriously funny mischief, getting lost along the way. But, don't you worry! These boys are geniuses of getting into and out of trouble. Add in Canadian humour, play on words and a book full of pure friendship and you've got yourself a real winner!
Be prepared for an apprehensive Dean (and a Mother who packed him half of North Dakota), whirlpool and bridge obstacles, fast paced plot and comedy, and a book that can easily be a standalone but also starts the best series around.
I love this series from the bottom of my heart. I can't get enough of it and I love when I get to jump back into these books. Knowing that the series only gets better (and how amazing this book was), it's truly a series you don't want to miss out on. If you're seeking a middle grade book that is fun and engaging, this book is it. I seriously cannot stop recommending this series. I find it fun and it's everything I wanted in middle grade books when I was that age. You can't go wrong with this series!
Five out of five stars!
Thank you to Kevin Miller for sending me a free copy of this book in exchange of an honest review. I'm so happy I finally got to finish off my Milligan Creek set!
March 22, 2021
This book was highly recommended for young boys ages 9-12. I agree that this book # 1 in the Milligan Creek Series is good for a boy in this age bracket.
I bought this book as an Easter present for a boy who is 9 years old. His grandmother told me that he is very interested in having a daring adventure. He likes to roller skate and go roller blading, too.
I especially liked this book because it did not contain any bad language or bathroom humor. I don't need to encourage any of this because boys hear a lot of this from other children and adults.
If the young boy that receives this book likes it, I will buy another one in this series. I am thankful for a great gift idea.
I bought this book as an Easter present for a boy who is 9 years old. His grandmother told me that he is very interested in having a daring adventure. He likes to roller skate and go roller blading, too.
I especially liked this book because it did not contain any bad language or bathroom humor. I don't need to encourage any of this because boys hear a lot of this from other children and adults.
If the young boy that receives this book likes it, I will buy another one in this series. I am thankful for a great gift idea.
January 14, 2021
Good read
I read this with my ten year old before bedtime. It was a fun read for both of us. At the end of the story he said he wants to get a canoe and go up the creek by our house!
I read this with my ten year old before bedtime. It was a fun read for both of us. At the end of the story he said he wants to get a canoe and go up the creek by our house!
February 12, 2018
“Up the Creek” is a wonderfully adventurous tale of four boys in Milligan Creek, Saskatchewan who are determined to take a canoe trip down the swollen creek during the spring runoff. Facing frigid water and chunks of ice an apprehensive Dean with friends Chad, Andy and Matt who long for the thrill of a whitewater rafting experience are swept into the churning water of culverts, powerful currents, and a swirling whirlpool. Even Matt and Andrew’s collision with a submerged log, and the rescue of their sunken canoe only dampens their spirits temporarily.
Laughing over their escapade when they reach the graveyard bridge, their ride late picking them up and Matt and Andrew deciding to save a drifting paddle, the adventure continues through unchartered waters with night falling and a thunderstorm on the horizon. Knowing their parents will be worried, and with no rescue in sight the four must depend on team work and their ingenuity to see them through the crisis.
Skillfully Kevin Miller builds a fast-paced and action-packed plot as the four boys, three hungering for adventure and one unsure and fearful, band together to overcome one trial after another. Amidst all the drama, there is a wealth of humor like the boys teasing Dean about the mountain of gear his mother forces him to bring along which Andy and Matt are grateful for when they need towels, clothing and food after a spill from their canoe. Well-written and gripping as events unfold the story progresses naturally and quickly to an ending that has the boys facing their parents’ wrath.
Bringing the story to life are realistic and memorable characters like nervous and overly prepared Dean Muller; the daring, reckless thrill-seeker Matt Taylor; resourceful and knowledgeable Andrew Loewen; and Matt’s practical brother Chad.
I thoroughly enjoyed “Up the Creek” a story of survival, friendship and love of adventure that will keep youngsters clued to their seats wanting to know if Dean, Chad, Andrew and Matt not only endure their hardships but can overcome their parents’ anger.
Laughing over their escapade when they reach the graveyard bridge, their ride late picking them up and Matt and Andrew deciding to save a drifting paddle, the adventure continues through unchartered waters with night falling and a thunderstorm on the horizon. Knowing their parents will be worried, and with no rescue in sight the four must depend on team work and their ingenuity to see them through the crisis.
Skillfully Kevin Miller builds a fast-paced and action-packed plot as the four boys, three hungering for adventure and one unsure and fearful, band together to overcome one trial after another. Amidst all the drama, there is a wealth of humor like the boys teasing Dean about the mountain of gear his mother forces him to bring along which Andy and Matt are grateful for when they need towels, clothing and food after a spill from their canoe. Well-written and gripping as events unfold the story progresses naturally and quickly to an ending that has the boys facing their parents’ wrath.
Bringing the story to life are realistic and memorable characters like nervous and overly prepared Dean Muller; the daring, reckless thrill-seeker Matt Taylor; resourceful and knowledgeable Andrew Loewen; and Matt’s practical brother Chad.
I thoroughly enjoyed “Up the Creek” a story of survival, friendship and love of adventure that will keep youngsters clued to their seats wanting to know if Dean, Chad, Andrew and Matt not only endure their hardships but can overcome their parents’ anger.
June 16, 2022
More enjoyable than I was expecting as an adult. I thought it would be chock full of bad behavior and boys egging each other on to do foolish things, but they were actually mostly making smart decisions (or occasionally foolish but understandable decisions), and it was the situation that caused problems for them. A solid adventure story.
May 12, 2020
A great read for my kids
I read it to my two girls whom loved it. They enjoyed the adventure and they said they imagined how the boys must've felt along each step of their journey
I read it to my two girls whom loved it. They enjoyed the adventure and they said they imagined how the boys must've felt along each step of their journey
May 26, 2020
I wish adults could/would let this story actually happen, but may I say that the boys are slight idiots.
November 13, 2021
Great middle-grade kids book that could also be a read-aloud book for younger children. Great adventure with plenty of danger to capture the boy's imagination.
May 5, 2019
Not my cup of tea
Well written but the genre is not to my liking. Now I have to add ten more words to make happy.
Well written but the genre is not to my liking. Now I have to add ten more words to make happy.
September 25, 2019
It's kind of relatable because there were kids, and it's was also an adventurous book.
May 6, 2022
A good one for middle graders who like nature adventure stories.
June 14, 2021
SPOILER ALERT. Summary of book: There are 4 kids. The story starts out with a hot summer day and 4 kids. The kids all are bored so they sought after the idea of brilliantly slithering down the creek that runs through their neighborhood. Spoiler: the kids end up 6 miles away from where they had begun their journey and they were miraculously saved by one of the boys’ overprotective mother’s packing skills. In conclusion, this book was pretty good. For me, on my kindle, this book only showed as a 1 hour 20 minute read for me so this definitely could’ve been betterly elaborated and stretched. The storyline is fantastic though and would make a great movie plot. For parents, this book does teach many life lessons and is a great book for your middle school or late elementary children. My 4th grader son read this book and enjoyed it greatly. Disclaimer: there are also sequels to this book and this book is part of a series. The author who wrote this book, Heather Morris, originally wrote this book in 2013. Therefore, some information in this book is outdated. (exg. Telephone, clothing, grammer) This book emphasizes friendships and hardships. The story isn’t very scary though, as the only scary part in the whole book is when a thunderstorm struck. This book also isn’t very realistic but tries to be realistic. The boys’ universally decided they would take a duplicate lap around the whole pathing of the creek just to save a single paddle worth >50$. The book for me would be rated a 7/10 and I’m an english teacher. This book definitely couldn’t be considered a ‘classic’ but is a realistic and motivating book for kids.
TLDR; great short life story book that anyone could enjoy
Signing off,
Mavin.
TLDR; great short life story book that anyone could enjoy
Signing off,
Mavin.
July 8, 2021
I admit to putting this book aside after I started reading it, to finish several other books. However, I had to wait one afternoon, and grabbed this book as a companion during that time. It was full of descriptive adventure, suitable for young teenagers - and myself. Mind you, I would have enjoyed a few breaks in the adventures along the way, but I realize that adventures don't wait for a break, especially as you are in a canoe moving down fast moving water!!
Fun that this adventure took place in Saskatchewan, actually happened and is vividly remembered. I found it stumbled a bit as things progressed, jumping from one discussion/event to the next. Thus, 3 stars. The dialogue and events are consistent with young teenagers, and suitable for their reading enjoyment. I will plan on reading the next book in the series as well.
Fun that this adventure took place in Saskatchewan, actually happened and is vividly remembered. I found it stumbled a bit as things progressed, jumping from one discussion/event to the next. Thus, 3 stars. The dialogue and events are consistent with young teenagers, and suitable for their reading enjoyment. I will plan on reading the next book in the series as well.
September 19, 2024
I am waaaay older than the targeted age group. However I am looking for books for a book discussion and this one sounded interesting.
Although I decided not to use for the book discussion, I enjoyed this book. Someday, I am planning on finishing the series.
i do recommend it for the targeted age group. Now on to the next!
Although I decided not to use for the book discussion, I enjoyed this book. Someday, I am planning on finishing the series.
i do recommend it for the targeted age group. Now on to the next!
December 4, 2024
Boyhood adventure
UP THE CREEK is a modern day Tom Sawyer adventure. It is a quick read based around a boyhood outdoors experience gone awry. A suitable read for preteens and adolescence, as well as entertaining for nostalgic older adults! Wholesome and enjoyable read! Well done, Kevin Miller
UP THE CREEK is a modern day Tom Sawyer adventure. It is a quick read based around a boyhood outdoors experience gone awry. A suitable read for preteens and adolescence, as well as entertaining for nostalgic older adults! Wholesome and enjoyable read! Well done, Kevin Miller
November 19, 2025
Fun outdoor adventure with educational tidbits thrown in, this will definitely be one my children will enjoy.
content considerations which we wish were left out (but we will scratch out):
-what the heck several times
-boy infatuated with friend's sister gets ribbed about it plenty and called "lover boy"
-random song they're making up suddenly rhymes with "women's bras"
content considerations which we wish were left out (but we will scratch out):
-what the heck several times
-boy infatuated with friend's sister gets ribbed about it plenty and called "lover boy"
-random song they're making up suddenly rhymes with "women's bras"
February 25, 2022
A great book about four boys setting out on a canoeing adventure. It is fun to see their personalities unfold throughout the story.
July 27, 2024
A. fiction, children's upper elementary, adventure; 4 boys take canoes down flooded creek
Want to read
September 20, 2024A
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews