Trouble

Gary D. Schmidt's 'Trouble' is a poignant and adventurous young adult novel that follows 14-year-old Henry as he grapples with the recent death of his older brother, Franklin. To honor Franklin's dying wish, Henry, accompanied by his best friend and dog, attempts to hike the challenging Mount Katahdin in Maine. The narrative deepens significantly when the Cambodian refugee accused of causing Franklin's fatal injury unexpectedly becomes part of their journey. This book explores complex themes of grief, justice, prejudice, and the search for truth, revealing layers of trouble that existed long before the accident. It is suitable for mature middle schoolers and high school students, offering a rich opportunity for discussion about empathy, forgiveness, and understanding different perspectives.

Fourteen-year-old Henry, wishing to honor his brother Franklin's dying wish, sets out to hike Maine's Mount Katahdin with his best friend and dog. But fate adds another companion--the Cambodian refugee accused of fatally injuring Franklin--and reveals troubles that predate the accident.