Ages 10+1-min guideLossNatureFamily
The Trouble with Heroes
by Kate Messner
Read togetherBest for 10 and up, and a good one to read together. Funny and hopeful, but heavy. It deals with a parent’s death, PTSD, drinking and a scary final climb.
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What it’s about
Two years after his firefighter dad dies, Finn, 13, kicks over a headstone. To make amends, he must climb all 46 Adirondack High Peaks by Labor Day. He brings the dead woman’s dog, Seymour, and tells it all in poems.
The ending
What might come up
Death and lossA lotFinn’s dad died two years ago, during COVID. Finn’s grief and anger drive the story.
DrinkingSomeHis dad had PTSD from 9/11 and struggled with drinking. Finn wonders what really killed him.
Scary momentsSomeSteep climbs, and a dangerous last hike with an animal attack and injuries.
ViolenceA littleMemories of 9/11, with smoke, screams and rescues from the wreckage.
Rule-breakingA littleFinn kicks over a headstone and has to make amends.
LanguageA littleA 'crap' and a few uses of God’s name as an exclamation.
RomanceA littleFinn notices that some college girls are cute.
Why kids like it
A drooling dog, 46 mountains, funny poems and real cookie recipes.
Free printable quiz
- 1Why does Finn have to climb the mountains?
- 2How many peaks must he climb?
- 3What is the dog’s name?
- 4What was Finn’s dad’s job?
