It's Marvelous Middle Grade Monday with a review of The Long Way Around by Anne Nesbet

The Long Way Around by Anne Nesbet

Publisher:  Candlewick Press
Format:  Paperback ARC
Number of pages:   256 pages
Publishing:   September 10th, 2024
Source:  Publisher

Opening Line: "Sometimes adventures start with a big boom or a mysterious letter or a knock at the door—and sometimes they simply begin at a little after 6 a.m. in the back seat of a crowded car." 

This is the fourth book by Anne Nesbet that I've read.  There was The Cabinet of Earths, then The Orphan Band of Springdale, which is an intriguing historical fiction and the lovely fantasy The Wrinkled Crown, which is my favorite of her previous books.  

The Long Way Around features three cousins, Owen (12yo), and sisters Vivian (11yo) and Amy (8yo) who convince their parents to take them on a camping trip to Sequoia National Park.  The arrangement was that the parents would hike with them up to Twin Lakes and then the cousins would spend one full day and night camping alone.  Just as the kids settle into their tents, a huge earthquake causes a landslide, separating them from their parents and blocking the path they were supposed to use to return on.  Left with no other way out, they make plans to take the long way around the lake.  Unfortunately, their new route also passes through some harsh terrain, a wilderness filled with fierce animals, a fast-moving river and prospects of continued unstable weather patterns.  As the trio begin their trek through the wilderness, they encounter various obstacles and find strength in relaying their own struggles and worries at home and school.  

 I truly enjoy adventure stories, and this one was an excellent reminder to always be prepared for the unexpected in the wilderness.   Not only to bring adequate provisions but having backup plans in case you get separated.  And most importantly, keeping bear spray within reach.  Owen's character resonated with me deeply, as he appeared to suffer from PTSD following a car accident where he was a passenger.  His struggles, emotional trauma and dealing with all the changes that happened following his friend's brain injury really made my heart go out to him.  Vivian's apprehensions about starting middle school were also relatable, capturing the universal feeling of isolation and uncertainty about one's place in the world.  And Amy is just so adorable and is such a trooper.  This was a long hike, across multiple days, and despite her initial reluctance to camp alone, she doesn't really whine or complain and continues to follow their lead.  I loved that she carried around a copy of The Dragon with the Chocolate Heart and made an occasional reference to it.

Despite all the obstacles they faced, I really enjoyed following along as they navigated back to safety.  You really got the sense of being on a camping/hiking trail and I could vividly imagine them navigating their way around the lake.  The map at the front of the book was the perfect addition to root me in the setting.  The children came off as genuine and relatable, complete with their own insecurities, fears and anxieties.  It was heartwarming how much they supported one another and addressed their issues with love and care.  How they were able to help confront their problems and overcame them.  Give this to an outdoor enthusiast who enjoys some adventure. 

 A huge thank you to Candlewick Press for the print copy in exchange for an honest review.

  **I hope you'll check out all the other Marvelous Middle-Grade Monday posts at Greg Pattridge's blog HERE   **