Blending elements of Laurie Halse Anderson's Speak and Gary Paulsen's
Hatchet, this gripping story from Kathryn Holmes was deemed "a page
turner" by author Richard Peck and "an intense story of survival" by ALA
Booklist in its starred review.
Sophomore Hallie Calhoun has just endured the most excruciating six
months of her life. Once the rumors about her and the preacher's son,
Luke, made their way around school, her friends abandoned her, and as a
result, Hallie has completely withdrawn.
Now on a hiking trip in the Smoky Mountains with the same people who
have relentlessly taunted her, Hallie is pushed to her limit. Then
Hallie, outgoing newcomer Rachel, and Jonah--Hallie's former friend--get
separated from the rest of the group. As days go by without rescue,
their struggle for survival turns deadly. Stranded in the wilderness,
the three have no choice but to trust one another in order to stay
alive...and for Hallie, that means opening up about what really happened
that night with Luke.
From the catty atmosphere of high school to the unpredictable terrain of
the mountains, this novel is a poignant, raw journey about finding
yourself after having been lost for so long.