Trouble

Fourteen-year-old Henry Smith lives a privileged life with his family in Massachusetts until a tragic accident changes everything. His older brother Franklin, a star athlete at their private school, lies in a coma after being struck by a truck while jogging. As Henry seeks answers about the accident, he learns the driver was a Cambodian immigrant teenager named Chay Chouan, leading to tension in the community. Henry decides to fulfill his brother's plan to climb Mount Katahdin in Maine, embarking on a journey that becomes more than just a mountain ascent. The story explores grief, prejudice, and the complexities of truth as Henry confronts his assumptions about his family and community. Through parallel narratives of Henry's present-day journey and revelations about the past, the novel examines how trouble can arrive uninvited and transform lives in unexpected ways.

Readers connect with the authentic portrayal of grief and friendship in this coming-of-age story. Many note that the book handles serious themes while remaining accessible to middle-grade readers. What readers liked: - Complex character development, especially Henry's growth - Integration of Cambodian refugee storylines - Real-world issues presented at an age-appropriate level - Strong father-son relationships - Subtle handling of racism and prejudice What readers disliked: - Slow pacing in the middle sections - Some found the running metaphor heavy-handed - A few plot points felt contrived to readers - Secondary characters could use more depth Ratings: Goodreads: 3.9/5 (6,800+ ratings) Amazon: 4.4/5 (90+ reviews) Common Sense Media: 4/5 Notable reader comment: "Schmidt doesn't shy away from difficult topics but presents them with grace and hope rather than darkness." - Goodreads reviewer

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🌟 Author Gary Schmidt was inspired to write this book after losing his own son in a car accident, channeling his grief into a powerful story about healing and redemption 🌊 The novel's Cambodia storyline was informed by Schmidt's extensive research and interviews with Cambodian refugees who survived the Khmer Rouge regime 📚 "Trouble" won the 2009 Maine Student Book Award and was named an ALA Best Book for Young Adults 🏃‍♂️ The story's running theme parallels the real Boston Marathon, which plays a significant role in New England culture and history 🗺️ The book's setting in coastal Maine authentically captures the region's deeply rooted fishing industry and the cultural tensions between longtime residents and newcomers to the area