Into Eden

What a great surprise! This was an excellent survival novel. I actually learned something about the Florida Everglades while I was at it. This novel reminded me that, in this world, I am small. It was humbling to read about this deadly nature of alligators, snakes, and bugs. But it is also a humbling reminder of middle school, and being accepted and dealing with mean girls. I loved Sarah, yes, she gets a bit whiny, but who wouldn't? I loved Andy. I thought he was really realistic-he is this hero pushing his way through the saw grass, and he is a boy-drinking the last of the water because he could not control his thirst.
Don't let this novel fool you! It is not only a survival novel, but an examination of “fitting in” in a school environment and a natural setting. It is also a look at race and social class.
It is ripe for a teen book club read!