Jo was supposed to go on this hike along the northern edge of Lake Superior with her dad. He took her older brother years ago and promised to repeat the hike with Jo this year. Instead, Jo's parents have gotten divorced, and her brother has gone off to college.
It was a real surprise when Jo's mother offers to do the hike with her. They have plan the route and shop for the gear they need and are ready to start. Hiking is a lot harder than they thought. The first couple of days are rough. When they finally reach their campsite for the night, they realize their work isn't over. They have to pitch their tent, get water from the nearest source and purify it, find the latrine, and then fix supper.
The days pass as they both get smelly, and Jo counts her blisters and knee pain. Being alone with her mother does give Jo the chance to ask what happened to cause the divorce. The answer isn't completely satisfying, but it is a bit clearer, and Jo begins to think about whether she should work on reconnecting with her dad when they get home.
When Jo's mom hurts her ankle and can't continue, Jo has to decide if she will join with a couple of women who offer to let her finish the hike with them. This could be Jo's chance to show herself and everyone else that she is capable of more than she ever expected.
Author Erin Soderberg Downing takes readers on a realistic adventure that illustrates courage and family connection. This fast read is perfect for middle grade readers.
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