A parent might reach for this book when their child is haunted by a painful memory or facing a big fear they can't quite articulate. The story follows two best friends, Seth and Daniel, on a camping trip to Black Spruce Mountain. For Daniel, this is more than just a hike; it is a journey back to the place where his father died years ago in a plane crash, an event he has repressed. The adventure forces him to confront his trauma and grief head-on. With quiet power, the book models how true friendship can provide the safety needed to face our deepest fears. It's an excellent choice for a thoughtful child ready for a story that balances outdoor adventure with significant emotional depth.
Standard peril associated with a wilderness camping trip, but the main tension is emotional.
Sensitive Topics
The book deals directly with the death of a parent and childhood trauma. The approach is secular and psychological, focusing on the concept of repressed memory. The reveal of the trauma is gradual, building like a mystery. The resolution is deeply hopeful and realistic: Daniel is not magically cured, but he has faced his past, integrated the memory, and is now able to move forward. The ending emphasizes peace and acceptance rather than forgetting.
Ideal Reader
An introspective, sensitive child aged 9-12 who is grappling with a past loss, a persistent anxiety, or a family tragedy. It is also perfect for a child who loves quiet, character-driven wilderness stories that value emotional intelligence over high-octane action.
Parent Prep
A parent should preview Chapter 10, which contains the direct description of the plane crash from Daniel's rediscovered memory. While not graphic, it is emotionally powerful and describes a child's-eye view of a parent's death. The book can be read cold, but if it's being used to address a specific trauma, pre-reading is essential to prepare for the conversations it will spark. A parent hears their child say something like, "I keep having a bad dream but I don't know what it's about," or notices their child is withdrawn and avoids talking about a significant past event, such as the death of a relative or a frightening accident.
Age Experience
A younger reader (8-9) will connect most with the friendship and the surface-level mystery and adventure. They will see it as a story about being brave. An older reader (10-12) will better understand the complex psychology of trauma, repressed memory, and the slow, non-linear process of grieving. They will appreciate the story's emotional subtlety and depth.
What Makes It Special
This book's unique strength is its focus on the long-term effects of early childhood trauma, a topic rarely addressed with such gentleness in middle-grade fiction. It masterfully braids a compelling wilderness survival story with a profound psychological journey, demonstrating how confronting a physical place can unlock emotional healing. The spare, poetic prose sets it apart from more plot-driven adventure novels.
Read plot summary
Twelve-year-old best friends Seth and Daniel embark on a multi-day camping trip to the remote Black Spruce Mountain. Seth is excited for the adventure, but Daniel is quiet and anxious, haunted by a past he can't fully recall. During their hike, they discover the wreckage of a small airplane, which triggers Daniel's repressed memories. He realizes this is the site where his father died in a crash when he was a toddler, and that he was there too. With Seth's steady friendship as an anchor, Daniel finally confronts the traumatic memory and begins the process of healing.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
Discussion Prompts
1
Daniel was afraid to go to Black Spruce Mountain but went anyway. What do you think gave him the courage to go? How did having Seth with him make a difference?
2
When Daniel finally remembers the plane crash in Chapter 10, the memory is confusing and scary. Why do you think it's important for him to remember what happened, even though it's painful?
3
Seth is a very quiet and supportive friend. What are some of the specific things he does (or doesn't do) that help Daniel feel safe enough to face his fears?
4
At the end of the book, Daniel feels 'clean and new and empty in a good way.' What do you think the author means by this? How has the journey changed him?
