Written by Kate Messner
13-year-old Finn Connolly is caught vandalizing a cemetery when he kicks (and breaks) a gravestone in frustration. To make reparations, he must hike all 46 high peaks in the Adirondack mountain range over the course of the summer. Why this punishment? Because the damaged grave marker belonged to the secretary of the hiking club, and her daughter feels the hiking will help Finn more than paying a fine.
As he embarks on his summer of summiting, Finn grapples with his anger, grief, and jumbled feelings related to his deceased dad. His trail “nannies,” including a big drooling dog, all bring a different perspective to Finn’s healing journey.
Finn has such a big heart and strong voice in this novel-in-verse. His English teacher is requiring him to complete a poetry anthology assignment, which makes the format feel very appropriate. Text message photo exchanges with his mom, newspaper articles, and cookie recipes are enjoyable additions to the text. I’ve passed this book on to several readers of various ages, and they have all enjoyed it.
Fun note: the author has also hiked all 46 peaks!
Reviewed by Kim Winterton, Librarian, Upland Terrace Elementary School
Review shared in June 2025
Rating: ★★★★★ (5 stars)
Interest Level: Grades 3-8
The Trouble with Heroes
Written by Kate Messner
Bloomsbury Children’s Books
356 pages
Release Date: April 29, 2025
ISBN: 9781547616398
