About This Book
A parent would reach for this book when their teenager feels like an outsider due to physical differences or when a child is struggling to find the courage to stand up for an unpopular but righteous cause. It is a powerful choice for families navigating the transition from childhood innocence to the complex realities of community conflict and environmental ethics. The story follows Sam, a girl living near the North Carolina swamps, and Chip, a boy severely scarred from a plane crash who has retreated from society. Together, they navigate a dangerous mystery involving a bear hunting moratorium and a local disappearance. It handles themes of disability, conservation, and systemic bullying with a realistic, unvarnished lens. While there are moments of tension and grit, the book offers a profound look at how shared purpose can heal isolation. It is best suited for mature readers aged 12 and up who are ready for a story that values character over appearance.
