The Trouble with Heroes

Reviews

This verse novel covers a lot of ground, literally and metaphorically, and thoughtfully grapples with the big ideas of life. A timely meditation on grief, anger, and the solace offered by nature. An adventurous work whose authentic voice celebrates the outdoors and everyday heroism. Tenderly proffers the the healing power of nature. . . . A gently reflective, bittersweet, and redemptive story. Sincere, and heartrending. . . . Hiking, and the way it encourages us to test our physical and emotional limits, could be an apt metaphor for healing. Hopeful . . . with complex, imperfect characters that feel effortlessly real. . . . [Reminds] readers that everyone, including heroes, faces challenges, but by working hard and finding support and community, they can move forward, one step at a time. Tween and young teen readers who appreciate contemporary fiction or mixed media novels should find plenty to ponder in this emotionally potent narrative that contains more heart-wrenching moments than the Adirondacks have high peaks. Take one drooling dog, add one pretty desperate kid, mix in mountains—a lot of mountains—sprinkle with unexpected cookie recipes and hard-nosed quirkiness, and let rise. You’ll know it’s finished when the generosity and hope and truth of this novel run over. Let it. With astute intention and invention, each verse touches your soul and puts tears in your eyes--the kind of tears that comfort and heal. Split this story like a log, and you'll find concentric circles of metaphor and meaning on every page. There are passages that will gut you, and others that will leave you laughing out loud. Equal parts suspenseful adventure and heartrending emotion, this beautiful book will capture your heart. The Trouble with Heroes is a heartfelt, moving page-turner that tackles grief, loss, anger and redemption. Another Kate Messner triumph! The pitch-perfect tween voice spills out of the poetry with raw authenticity. Any tween who’s ever lost someone, made bad choices, or felt unworthy of love will identify with Finn. As always, Kate Messner writes with an acute understanding of the emotional lives of today’s kids, and her respect for readers shines on every page. Messner is the Judy Blume of a new generation. Pack your tissues and hold onto your hearts as Finn sweeps you into a tale that traverses the peaks and valleys of adolescence, of life, of grief, of growth. A masterpiece. . . . Part funny, part fascinating, and fully rooted in a deep emotional soul, readers of all kinds will be rooting for Finn Connelly with everything they've got. Finn’s journey will speak to every kid who’s felt the weight of the world on their shoulders. Magnificent and moving. The Trouble with Heroes is a triumph—as healing and inspiring as the view
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