I LOVED reading Into The Rapids! You have done it again! Accessible characters dealing with situations we all do to some extent! Mid Grade readers will love the adventures and the friendships/sense of community that Addy (and her mom!!!) cultivate in the book. I loved when she did not leave/stayed with Caleb for the funeral - she was so mindful about her growing friendship with him!!!! This story is also a great example/lesson in relative problems in ones' life - others may have it "worse" but that does not mean your situation is not less worse to you. I wrote down the quote... "It can always be worse but that doesn't mean it's good"

I think I should probably stop requesting books about survivalism, because they never seem to hold my attention.

Into the Rapids
Ann Braden
Addy’s father attended Survival Camp and wrote his name on the ceiling. He and Addy’s mother met at the camp. For years Addy has planned to go the same Survival Camp; she wants to sign her name on the ceiling next to her father’s. Addy wants to connect with her father in some manner. Her father died in a Superstorm when she was a baby.
A superstorm hits the small mountain town in Vermont. The storm leaves the area without power, the bridge was washed out and the area flooded. Caleb was a classmate of Addy; they weren’t friends, as a matter of fact she thought of Caleb as an enemy. He is concerned about the welfare of Ike, a neighbor, who is missing and presumed dead. The town is searching for Ike. Addy and her mother have secluded themselves from everyone. While they live in a community, they have never allowed themselves to become part of the community. Addy is shocked to see people helping each other. When Caleb formulates a way to get Addy to her camp, she is amazed to see people caring about each other.
Addy is concerned about leaving her mother at home alone. The storm has brought back bad memories. Without power her mother has no way of contacting her therapist. Addy is amazed that so many people would help her, a person they do not know.
This is a beautiful story. The intended audience is middle school age students. Author Ann Braden offers readers a realistic tale of fiction. The topic is relevant and will touch many. Readers will be touched by the distress, anguish, apprehension, and despair shown in this tale. But fear not there is also promise, family, acceptance, and closeness in this tale. The characters are amazing. There is a lesson to learn from this tale “People need people and its ok to ask for help.”
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC

Loved this latest Ann Braden novel about bravery, trust, survival, friendship, and resilience. Addy can’t wait to go to Survival Camp and sign her name just like her parents did even though her dad is gone now. When the bridge is washed out near her home Addy finds out she won’t be able to leave. She ends up talking to Caleb who was mean to her once, and they slowly become friends. When Addy’s travel plans change she and Caleb take off in a canoe. When they get to one point, Caleb jumps out but Addy takes off. Little does she realize there are challenges ahead with the rushing river. Will she be okay? Does she ever get to camp?
Thanks to the publisher and Nancy Paulsen books for the eARC of this book. All opinions are my own.

Thanks to NetGalley and Nancy Paulsen Books for the advanced review copy!
This is a fantastic middle grade survival book! It's short overall and has short chapters, which my students gravitate towards. The pacing is also really fast - there are no filler chapters here, everything is written with the goal of advancing the story. I loved all the characters and that Braden didn't shy away from having tragic events unfold. There were also so many beautifully written lines that I highlighted while reading - the writing in here is really well done. This was my first Ann Braden book, but I will definitely be checking out more of her novels, and will be purchasing this book for my classroom library once it releases.

#IntotheRapids #NetGalley

Resilient.

It's what came to mind when describing the main character, Addy. What she survived as a toddler and what she hopes to achieve at the Survival Camp requires resilience. Nature tests this when it unleashes heavy rains and gusts of winds on her town. Roadways are destroyed.

As much as this is a test for Addy in pitting herself against nature, the story teaches that no hu(man) is an island. And, that I think, was the best lesson of all. This will appeal to the young reader as it imparts lessons in a meaningful way.

This ARC was provided by the publisher, PENGUIN GROUP Penguin Young Readers Group, via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Once again, I didn't like the writing style. I think I'll not request anymore books like this. They're just not my style.
However; I did like the idea of going camping and learning survival skills. This is what truly made the book interesting and kept me turning the pages.
Addy is a remarkable character that strives and works for what she wants. I did like that about her.
Caleb is another interesting character. At first I didn't like him. But he turned out OK.
In this story it takes time and patience especially with mother nature when she's at her worst!
The cover is cute as a button. I can just imagine Addy's expression.
I'm giving this 4.5 stars simply for the adventure.
I love coming of age novels. I just wished that it weren't written in this way.
I'm recommending it regardless because others might like it.
My thanks for a copy of this book I was NOT required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine.

I'm a long-time Ann Braden fan, and have loved all of her books for different reasons (I love how she's always able to pack a huge emotional punch in a nice, slender, accessible MG package!) - but this one is especially powerful. I love the survival and outdoor aspect of it, and love the nurturing and supportive mother-daughter bond in this story. Like all of Ann's MCs, Addy is a relatable, likeable character who is forced to deal with SO much - but handles it with patience, calm, and grit. LOVED Into the Rapids!