Backwater

Joan Bauer's "Backwater" tells the story of Ivy Breedlove, a young woman grappling with her family's strong expectations for her to become a lawyer. Instead, Ivy dreams of being a historian, a pursuit that takes center stage as she prepares a family history for her beloved Great-Aunt Tib's 80th birthday. This project leads Ivy on an adventurous journey into the wilds of the Adirondacks, where she seeks out her mysterious, reclusive Great-Aunt Jo. The book explores themes of self-discovery, family legacy, and the courage to follow one's own calling, making it a compelling read for young adults navigating similar pressures.

Ivy doesn't want to be a lawyer. Who cares? Well, her father, for starters, who expects his daughter to take up the Breedlove family profession with dedication and enthusiasm. But Ivy wants to be a historian, a vocation that's getting quite a workout as she prepares a family history in honor of her beloved great-aunt Tib's eightieth birthday. This undertaking takes Ivy on a great journey, as she hikes into the wilds of the Adirondacks to find her reclusive aunt Jo -- and her own destiny.