Fourteen-year-old New Yorker Gwynne Franklin’s summer is ruined.  What was supposed to be a great trip to LA during her parent’s anniversary vacation somehow morphed into a nightmare stay in Oregon where there is nothing to do but look at trees.  Dreading her “vacation,” Gwynne packs her things and a bad attitude to visit her Aunt Madeline, Uncle Judd, and cousin Neeta.  Fishing, hiking and sleeping without the comfort of traffic whizzing by are unwelcome additions to Gwynne’s life, but during a camping trip in an endangered part of ancient forest, Gwynne must face her fears and learn there is more to life than shopping and indoor plumbing.

Ann Herrick creates the story of a young girl pulled between childhood and adolescence as well as the fast-past life of the city and the expansive forests of Oregon.  Most interesting, perhaps, is the use of nature in this story as the driving force behind Gwynne’s growth as a person. 

However, while the writing is smooth and often witty, more advanced readers will find this story lacks conflict.  Once Gwynne is in Oregon, the story loses direction and Gwynne’s character becomes one dimensional.  It is also hard to believe this supposedly smart, city-savvy teen at times can be so unknowledgeable.  Still, young readers will probably sympathize with Gwynne as she is forced to leave her home and be entertained as she learns to make the best of an unwanted situation.

Reviewed by Joelle Charbonneau-Blanco
6/21/2006

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