Marvelous Middle Grade Monday
The Trouble with Heroes (Bloomsbury Children’s Books, 2025) by Kate Messner is a compelling read.
Finn Connelly is about to fail seventh grade. He’s not a hero like his dad was. He’s never been in the news like Dad, until now. For vandalizing a cemetery. The daughter of the dead woman will drop the charges, if he will climb all forty-six Adirondack High Peaks this summer. And he has to bring along the dead woman’s dog!
I love the first two lines: “If I were a better kid, this story would start with my seventh-grade diploma. Instead, is starts with this.” What follows is a news clipping with the headline “Local Cemetery Vandalized.” How could you not read on after that?
See this prolific author’s books here and also sign up for her newsletter on the same page. And, yes, Kate has climbed all those mountains that her character Finn climbs!!!
Thank you for a great summary and teaser of my latest fav MG fiction. I just blogged about it myself at http://www.BESTBOOKSBYBETH.wordpress.com
after a hiatus of a full year. I’ll share about Kate Messner’s webinar with a local elementary school.
Cool!
Forty six peaks in one summer is a lot of climbing and a lot of logistical support. It will be interesting to read the secondary characters arcs. Thanks for sharing.
He definitely has some interesting climbing companions.
I loved this book, too. Kate Messner is incredible– for her writing and her mountain climbing! 🙂
How does she do it all?!
This sounds like a fantastic story, especially since you and Kasey both like it. I hope my library gets it in.
Or ask them to order it…
I’m intrigued! I will have to check this out!
Good!
One of my top favorite books this year. Thanks for featuring your post on this week’s Marvelous Middle Grade Monday!
Yea!
This sounds an interesting setup (and setting!), and Finn obviously has a lot of issues to work through. I love that there is a dog in the story! Thanks for sharing!
Finn isn’t so impressed with the dog. Ha ha!
I love Kate Messner’s books, and this one sounds amazing. I will be looking for a copy. Thanks for the heads up.
Terrific!
I have a copy of this one and am eager to read it!
I’d love to hear what you think!