Off the Beaten Track
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- $9.99
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- $9.99
Publisher Description
A breathtaking mountain adventure, in which a boy finds his inner strength, from the author of the critically-acclaimed, award-winning novel The Heart
Paul is ten years old and lives with his aunt and uncle. Bruce, an old family friend, suddenly reappears after three years of silence, eager to keep a promise he made to Paul to take him on a three-day mountain trek.
Paul longs for Bruce’s friendship and wants badly to prove himself. But he is also timid and unsure, and Bruce—who is better at doing than explaining—doesn’t make it any easier.
A dramatic event gives Paul the chance to find his inner strength, and to show himself and everyone else what he is capable of.
This uniquely illustrated coming-of-age story for teens can help create thought-provoking discussion about:
Finding independence, resiliency, and self-confidence The importance of guidance and mentorship from trusted adults
An Aldana Libros Book, Greystone Kids
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
When dark-haired Paul was seven, Paul's parents' redheaded friend Bruce promised him a mountain adventure. Bruce returns three years later, surprising Paul, who now lives with his uncle when not at boarding school. Paul isn't sure he still wants to go, but he does desire to "get away, far away." At a French chalet, the duo skis past an ominous wooden cross, tall and black, reminding skiers of "those who have disappeared—skiers, walkers, climbers—a sign of their presence on the mountain." As they rappel into a crevasse, Paul's courage flags, but when Bruce falls, Paul's mettle is tested as he seeks help. A back matter note reveals the book's unusual process: Haugomat (Through a Life) created the art first using a digital serigraph technique, in a palette of cyan, red, and brown, then de Karangal (Painting Time) wrote a story around it, simply translated by Mixter. What results is almost frustratingly sparse text that allows the reader to feel both the serenity and danger of nature, while graphic, faceless illustrations against white space hauntingly portray the vastness of the snowy landscape in this quiet, taut adventure. Ages 9–up.
