Nature Girl

I am such a sucker for a survival story. And don't get me wrong this is THAT kind of survival story- it has nature, danger, bears, making fires, etc. Our little heroine, Megan, is in real danger. But it also another kind of survival story-surviving that weird time between childhood and teenager years. That time in a relationship when one friend needs the total support of another. It made more difficult because Megan just lacks the maturity to handle any of this, but she grows up in this story. Kelley really nailed 11 year old Megan's voice. I thought she was spot on, and her growth is apparent but not in your face.

Here is a quote I that struck me. “Let me tell you the whole trouble with the world. You never get to choose between something you want and something you don't want. Your mom never says, “Would you like broccoli or a chocolate-pudding cup?” Your mom says, “Would you like broccoli or cauliflower?” (pg 187)

Yep, Wiser Megan, I feel ya.

Highly recommended for 8 to 10 year olds.

It loses a star for Megan's poor treatment of My Side of the Mountain. She learns to regret that.