BOYS, BEARS, AND A SERIOUS PAIR OF HIKING BOOTS

Author (last name first):
McDonald, Abby 

Publisher, Date of Publication: 

Candlewick Press/2010

Grade Level/ or Age Level: 

8th-10th

Classification:

Fiction 

It was a pretty good story about finding your place when you are at awkward stage and feeling alone. It was predictable. Jenna is part of a school group who's purpose is to raise Eco-awareness. When summer approaches she learns that her father will be working in Sweden. Her mother says she and herself will be going to spend the summer with her grandmother. This dismays Jenna for several reasons, but when her best friend, and fellow eco-teen, Olivia suggest that she stay with her God mother in the Canadian wilderness, Jenna jumps on the chance. When summer comes and Jenna and Olivia spend their summers apart, they both immerse themselves in finding out who they are and what's most important to themselves. It is a story of becoming self aware, facing change, making friends, and moving on past old friendships when your goals are no longer common. There are some very good moments in this story to give young people some identifiable scenarios with very positive action to move though them successfully.

Reviewed By: Stacy Burton ( Teacher, City View Jr./Sr. High School)