About This Book
Reach for this book when your pre-teen is grappling with the weight of a secret, the pressure of a mistake, or the complicated definition of courage. Set in Idaho during the 1950s, the story follows fourteen-year-old Jamie, who defies his father's orders and takes a handmade raft onto a dangerous river with his cousin. When a tragic accident occurs, Jamie is faced with an agonizing choice between self-preservation and the truth. It is a powerful exploration of moral integrity, the crushing nature of guilt, and the realization that being a hero often means facing one's own failures. Parents will appreciate the thoughtful depiction of a father-son relationship and the realistic, non-sugarcoated handling of grief and accountability. It is an ideal bridge for the transition from middle grade to young adult literature, offering deep emotional substance without explicit content.
