The Long Way Around

Gr 4-7–Eleven-year-old Vivian is extremely excited about a much-anticipated family trip to Sequoia National Park. Although her dad is not much for camping, her mom, uncle, and 12-year-old cousin Owen are also onboard. Reluctantly dragged along and out of her comfort zone is Vivian’s younger sister Amy. The cousins are especially thrilled because the adults have agreed to let the kids stay by themselves at Ranger Lake. The kids are sorely tested when they are awakened suddenly by an earthquake and unfortunately, as they are making their frantic escape, a bear decides to tag along. Lots of suspense and tense situations occur as the children make their way around the tumultuous park to locate the adults. Meanwhile, Owen is still dealing with trauma he experienced when he was in a terrible car accident with his friend Marco. And even though Vivian appears to be so comfortable in her skin, she too is struggling with the stress of starting middle school. The characters are well developed, though the plot point of the adults permitting young children to camp alone in such an isolated and wild environment requires some suspension of disbelief.