“Did this place ever make you happy, Grandpa? Is this all there is?”

This wilderness-focused graphic novel for teens and tweens revolves around a protagonist named Ash. Ash grew up spending summer vacation at their family’s ranch in northern California, near Shasta-Trinity National Forest. They look forward to the trip every year, mainly because the ranch is where they first bonded with their grandpa Edwin and discovered their love for the environment. To Ash’s horror, the family has decided to sell the ranch following Edwin’s passing, and their visits will cease. However, Ash comes up with a crafty plan to sneak off during one final trip, tracking down their grandfather’s rumored cabin in the woods and living out their dreams of spending their days with only their dog, Chase, for company. Does Ash have the survival skills and nature knowledge they need to make it on their own?

I read Ash’s Cabin in one sitting because Jen Wang does such an excellent job keeping readers engaged and connected to the story. While Ash’s parents sometimes struggle to understand them, they are ultimately open-minded and incredibly loving. The real standout pairing of the book, however, is Chase and Ash. Their bond is incredibly evident throughout the book in the gorgeous illustrations. Chase is the definition of a loyal companion, supporting Ash unconditionally. Unfortunately, there was one heartbreaking situation where Ash handled Chase in an uncharacteristically selfish way. However, that was just one small flaw of this book in a sea of positive attributes. One of the aspects of the book that I appreciated was how the author blacked out the name whenever Ash was deadnamed by other characters, acknowledging Ash’s past and the ill treatment they receive while also finding a way to honor and respect them. Ash’s entire gender identity arc was handled very empathetically. I also valued the recognition for Native American cultures and knowledge, which made the book feel more educational without detracting from the narrative. Another standout was the heavy-hitting messages about how important it is to find the right people who are willing to organize and fight for the environment. Though Ash seems like a classic misunderstood teen at times, their passion for nature and sustainability really shines through in a unique and realistic way.

WOW!! A new classic perfect for fans of The hatchet by Gary Paulson or Alone by Megan E Freeman. This was a heartfelt, moving, California wilderness survival story featuring a young nonbinary teen, Ash who hikes into the woods in search of their grandfather's remote cabin. They learn how to survive for 48 days with only their dog for a companion before wildfires chase them back to civilization. Important messages of acceptance, environmental activism, climate change and queer identity pervade in this graphic novel that has amazing illustrations and is spare in text. I absolutely loved it!! Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy in exchange for my honest review!

Ash is a Chinese American nonbinary high schooler who is struggling to feel accepted by their family and peers. They are passionate about the environment and are still dealing with grief after their grandfather’s passing. Ash is convinced the only way they can be themself is to run away and live in the wilderness.
The art does a phenomenal job of expressing the pain felt by hearing one’s deadname (which is blacked out of the text) and feeling misunderstood and not supported by family.
The survival portion will be very appealing to teens and it’s a modern alternative to Hatchet and My Side of the Mountain for reluctant school assignment readers. Native history and survival techniques are incorporated into the text.
Highly recommend.

Jen Wang the creator that you are!!! I'm literally writing this with tears in my eyes after reading the whole thing in a day, mostly just in the last couple hours. What an intense and emotional read! I felt like I really understood Ash and why they did what they did, even if people might view it as extreme. And the ending really got to me! Just everything about this book was so real and and I feel like I felt it in my soul!! Not a light read for sure, but a very important and good one. Would recommend for anyone who like survival stories, and books with a focus on environmental issues. This is why I will read anything and everything that Jen Wang creates!!!

There was a lot to love about Jen Wang's graphic novel, Ash's Cabin. First and foremost, this is a book that I think middle grade students would really enjoy reading. The survivalist elements are captivating, and I appreciate that Wang truly highlights the challenges that come with living "off the grid" (even though the protagonist initially romanticizes the idea). The book also highlights the themes of identity, family, and isolation. From an adult perspective, I sometimes struggled with the choices made by the protagonist. (The parent/teacher in me felt nervous about their safety for most of the book.) But this tension also kept me turning the pages. This is one that I definitely plan to add to my 5th/6th grade classroom library.

This was a lovely and sentimental book. It really captures that late-adolescent feeling of needing to find your own way. I genuinely felt for Ash and their dog. I liked the focus on ethnobiology and being a good steward of the land. It's a great book for any reader who feels a bit out of place in modern life.

Every August Ash and her family have gone to the family ranch in northern California to visit her uncle, aunt and cousin. That all changes the year that Ash is about to turn 16 years old when her uncle and aunt plan to sell the ranch. Her parents have decided to go to Disneyland instead of going to the ranch and allow Ash and her dog Chase to stay at the ranch with just cousin Reese. Once Ash arrives at the cabin, Reese leaves her alone to attend some teen party. Part of her plan all along, Ash has set out to find the hidden secret cabin built near the ranch. With her prepared camping backpack, Ash and Chase learn, adapt and survive being in nature without modern conveniences. With excerpts on how to scour for food, sanitize water, build a shelter, deal with bears, etc., it was partyly nonfiction. This book was strongly reminiscent of a graphic novel I recently read on survival in the mountains.

Ash is a nonbinary Chinese-Irish Catholic-American. I always enjoy the diversity of her characters and her strong stories. This is a lovely coming of age novel that will appeal to young adults.

I received an ARC from NetGalley for purposes of an unbiased review.

Is this my favorite graphic novel of the year? YES, YES IT IS.

I really liked both Stargazing and The Prince & the Dressmaker, but Jen Wang honestly knocked it out of the park with this one. 10/10.

ASH'S CABIN comes out in a few weeks and I'd highly recommend it for any teen who loves outdoor survival stories, especially if they're looking for queer rep as well.

(Seriously, I'm OBSESSED.)

This book, is about the things a child goes through in life……wanting to be independent and trying to find yourself. I live in Wisconsin, and last summer a boy went missing. This book reminds me of that boy in the woods, camping on his own and finding himself. The boy in Wisconsin is still missing, whereas the child in this story ended up back home and happy with their self. I feel this book would also be good for adults to read, so they can understand children’s. Sometimes we adults forget what it’s like. Also times have changed and thugs are not always the same. A lot was also learned on the journey they took. I am going to suggest students to read this book, and also suggest to some of the staff I work with. I think the Sources of Strength group will also enjoy this book.

A story of a young person trying to find their place in the world. I really enjoyed this book. I could feel Ash’s hurt and heart in this wonderfully written graphic novel. I loved the illustration! Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this advanced reader’s copy.

This is a story of discovering oneself and the trials of growing up.

We meet Ash. For quite a while Ash has felt like no one understands them. Alone. After the passing of their Grandfather, Ash decides to go on a journey to find one of the very places he could be happy. Away from the harsh reality of life in a cabin hidden deep in the woods. After careful planning and preparation to leave their harsh world behind to chase after their own happiness in this cabin… is it everything Ash hoped for?

This story was lovely.

Stunning artwork and a beautiful storyline, Jen Wang created the perfect Graphic Novel for both growing youths and adults alike. I’m giving this a 4/5-star rating. I’m sure many will take Ash’s story and relate to the struggle they battle with their mental health as well as how they come to a solution to keep moving forward. This was truly inspirational and a joy to read.

My thanks to First Second Books and NetGalley for the Advanced Reader’s copy. This book is expected to be published August 13th, 2024.

Feeling alone, loneliness, climate change concerns, running away, DIY wilderness skills and survival. YA graphic novel, though it could also be for middle school.
Ash is struggling with mental health challenges and makes a plan to get away to the woods where they have always felt happiest. Plans are very well thought out and they are skilled at overcoming challenges.
This book will stay with me for a long time. Ash felt very real.

4.5 stars

Ash has always felt alone. They love being outside, and the feeling of the wind in their hair when riding their bike. But it doesn't seem like anyone at school or anyone in their family cares about the environment as much as they do. No matter how much they try to get them to care.

When Ash remembers a story about their Grandpa Edwin building a secret cabin in the woods, they decide to make it their goal to find it. It seems like a good place to start a new life, and escape society for a little while. But surviving out in the woods all by yourself isn't as easy as it might look. Can Ash make it on their own?

Thanks to First Second and NetGalley for an advanced copy of Ash's Cabin by Jen Wang! At its core, this is a graphic novel about survival and figuring out how you fit into the world. Wang nails the voice of a teenager, and the art works so well for the subject matter. This is a sort of quiet story, but one that teens who like survival stories will definitely enjoy. Fair warning, there is a bear attack and Ash's dog gets injured.

Because Ash is alone for a good portion of this book, you really get to know them as a character. They have such drive; determined to live off the land on their own, believing they don't need anyone else to be happy. There's a lot of great stuff packed into this graphic novel that would make excellent discussions, especially paired with a book like My Side of the Mountain or even Hatchet.

Wang includes extra reading at the back of the book, adding even more depth to the overall story. There's so much to like about this book, and I hope it reaches the right hands when it comes out in August!

Desperate for connection, but finding it nowhere, Ash decides the only way they will find peace in this world is if they discover their grandfather's lost hideout in the woods. The goal: to turn that hideout into a home where they can live in harmony with nature (and their trusty companion, Chase). Told primarily through journal entries, the reader follows alongside Ash on their journey for the space to be themselves.

I thoroughly enjoyed this survival story told in graphic format. Ash, a non-binary teen angry with their family, school, and society, decides to venture into the wilderness without telling anyone. What follows is a captivating tale of survival with little more than a survival guidebook, some food and water, and their pet.

The full-color illustrations are exceptional. The text includes dialogue, diagrams, Ash's journal entries, lists, and more. Ash's earlier name is blacked out, adding a layer of mystery.

The story is non-linear, jumping back to memories and skipping days at a time, which can be confusing. Younger or less accomplished readers might get lost in these transitions.

I highly recommend this book to students in grades 7-10. It's very accessible for readers of varying skill levels.

Thank you Netgalley for the arc

I’m still recovering from this story. It’s sad and beautiful and it hit me in the guts.
I was so sad for Ash. And the dog. Oh my. I cried my eyes out.
This is a beautiful story about belonging and not fitting in. I was so happy it has some kind of happy ending because otherwise I would not have recovered.

"Surviving is the easy part. Feeling at peace in your heart is the hard part."

From the author of the Prince and the Dressmaker comes a new story about a non-binary teen's adventure in the wilderness. Although I don't know if this was the author's intention, it almost felt like Hatchet for a new generation of kids & teens, and I immensely enjoyed it. I loved Ash's determination and could relate to their feelings of isolation and loneliness. Looking forward to this book's release in August!

What would you do if it felt like you were losing everything? Even yourself?

Absolutely a must-read! I adore Ash! Dealing with the loss of a grandparent, trying to make your voice heard to your family, and becoming yourself is difficult. And Ash is trying. Really. But nobody seems to be listening. Except their dog, Chase.

And to Ash, that means finding Grandpa's cabin in the woods and making a life.

"You're sure? You won't be lonely out here?"
"I already know what it's like to be lonely. I don't mind it."

Gorgeously drawn, and excellently crafted story, with the underlying hopeful reminder that writing about it helps. And reminds me of the My Side of the Mountain novel from years ago.

"Speak your fear into the fire, and the fire will consume it."

Everyone needs to be seen for who they are. If I had 10 stars to give, this book would deserve every one.

"Surviving is the easy part. Feeling at peace in your heart is the hard part."

Ash doesn't feel like they fit in anywhere. Not with their family or at school. The only place that they felt at peace was at their grandfather's ranch. The family lore is that their grandfather built a secret cabin in the woods. Ash sets out to find this cabin after studying up on how to survive in the wild. Along with their dog, Chase, Ash learns how to find food, start a fire, and build a shelter. All along, their family is looking for them. Eventually a forest fire forces them to return home. Ash learns a lot more than just survival skills including being okay with who they are and how they connect to the world. A good graphic novel for fans of survival tales like Hatchet and My Side of the Mountain.

Reminding of My Side of the Mountain, this graphic novel takes a peek at a teen's struggles to deal with the relationships around her and an attempt to find solace by heading to nature to live on her own.

Ash feels alone in life. No one seems to understand her, nor are they trying. The recent death of her grandfather makes matters worse, but she's found a goal—to find his secret cabin in the forest and live there alone. She's not stupid, though, and uses several months to research survival techniques and gather the money she needs for supplies. When she finally finds herself at a relative's house for vacation near the forest, she sneaks out with her supplies and heads into the great outdoors. But soon she learns that surviving alone takes more than book knowledge and a few practiced skills.

This is a very well done, graphic novel with tons of heart. It's easy to understand and sympathize with Ash as she (at the end of the book she chooses they/them pronouns but I'm just going with what held 99% of the story on that front) just doesn't seem to fit in anywhere. It fits a problem many teens face and her desire to head out on her own is also understandable. This actually had me smiling, since it reflected a dream one of my own siblings had when they were younger. The problems she faces are realistic and the tale does not sweet-talk the truth behind survival skills. I was surprised that only a few facts were dropped, leaving this to concentrate more our her character development. Her determination is inspirational and her twist toward positive hope when things didn't work out as planned, is also uplifting and makes a smooth lead to the message at the end.

The graphics are well done and balance nicely with the text. This isn't always a graphic novel in the traditional scene form but, at times, also builds in usual paragraphs with illustrations in between. It's a nice touch. The entire thing is quick and easy to read, is smoothly paced to keep the interest the entire way through, and offers enough tension and heart to make the messages hit home.