Into the Rapids, Ann Braden
Into the Rapids, Ann Braden
List: $15.00 | Sale: $10.50
Club: $7.50

Into the Rapids

Author: Ann Braden

Narrator: Candace Fitzgerald, Ann Braden

Unabridged: 3 hr 28 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Published: 05/13/2025


Synopsis

Sometimes even a girl who likes to rely only on herself needs to be brave enough to ask for help.

When a super-storm hits Addy's remote mountain town, knocking out the bridge and cutting her home off from the main road, she worries that she won’t be able to get to the survival camp she’s been looking forward to attending. The camp’s the place where her parents met, and where Addy plans to hone her skills and honor their legacy. But now there’s no power and it’s also like a light has been switched off in her mom, who’s been triggered by the raging river and memories of Addy’s dad dying in a similar storm. The two of them are feeling particularly stranded as they’ve never bothered to befriend any neighbors. But now Addy keeps running into her classmate Caleb on the hill above her house where they both go to get cell service. Caleb’s frantic about a missing neighbor, and Addy’s amazed to see how he’s able to connect with folks to get help. Then Caleb offers to help her get to camp--but can she trust him? She always thought of him as an enemy--but maybe she was partially to blame for his frostiness? The storm has brought so many questions swirling to the surface and has made Addy feel it’s time to take some leaps of faith. When she agrees to travel with Caleb by canoe, this sets off a remarkable string of events and the biggest test of her survival skills. More importantly, it sets Addy on a road to understanding that she's not in this adventure of life alone--and that a good thing.

About The Author

Ann Braden is also the author of Opinions and Opossums and Flight of the Puffin. She writes books about kids trying to stand up for themselves even when things are tough. Her debut middle grade novel, The Benefits of Being an Octopus, was an NPR Best Book. Ann founded the Local Love Brigade, which sends love postcards to those who are facing hate. She also founded GunSenseVT, a grassroots group that helped pass landmark gun violence prevention legislation. Ann has been a middle school teacher, the co-host of the children’s book podcast Lifelines: Books That Bridge the Divide, and co-organizer of #KidsNeedMentors. Ann lives in southern Vermont with her husband, two children, and two insatiable cats.


Reviews

Goodreads review by Amy on November 25, 2024

For fans of Hatchet and The Cay, this is adventure reading and then some. Many thanks to the author and publisher for allowing me to read an advanced copy of this novel. In her signature writing style, Ann Braden combines contemporary, realistic fiction with topics that will hit home with many reade......more

Goodreads review by Jennifer on December 19, 2024

I love everything Ann Braden writes, but this might be my favorite yet. The pacing is swift, the characters and setting are memorable, the plot is suspenseful, and as with all of her books, there are profound emotional takeaways. Don't miss this one!......more

Goodreads review by Laura on February 11, 2025

Thx to the author for the ARC; all opinions are my own. I loved this slim, action-packed, fast-paced novel that explores the importance of opening up and trusting others. My students are crazy about survival books so I can’t wait to get this into the hands of readers! I read this quick book in just......more

Goodreads review by Katie on January 11, 2025

Set in the Green Mountains of Vermont, this middle grade story is full of fast-paced action and adventure. Since her dad’s death when she was just a baby, Addy and her mom have relied on each other, closing themselves off from classmates and neighbors in their remote town. Addy’s looking forward to......more

Goodreads review by Mrs on January 24, 2025

What a wonderful book to finish the year with and what a perfect message for the new year: live life as fully as you can!! Loved this and found it hard to put down! Such a tender way of dealing with grief and loss as well as family and, friendship and mental health while also creating a story charged......more


Quotes

“Braden successfully explores the inner determination and strength of her characters, accomplishing in under 200 pages what many longer books fail to achieve. Each sentence holds a nugget of wisdom that will touch the reader. But don’t blink, or you’ll miss details that will take you through the rapids to a satisfying conclusion.” —Booklist

“Addy adores her mother, and the duo take pride in their ability to be self-sufficient. However, Addy’s mother struggles with grief, anxiety, and panic attacks, and Addy worries about dealing with those mental health issues alone. She looks at the townspeople’s connections with one another and wonders what it would be like if she were a part of their community. . . . Multiple traumatic events, including a superstorm reminiscent of the one that took her dad’s life, as well as an unexpected friendship with a childhood nemesis, encourage Abby to branch out as she learns to trust other people and accept them in her life. Addy is a likable character who readers will identify with and want to succeed. Her outdoor activities are presented in an exciting and interactive way that is utterly engaging. Friendships are genuine and relatable, and Braden powerfully expresses the importance of relationships and community. The depiction of mental health struggles will be helpful for young readers, and practical strategies are offered to understand and manage them. A heartfelt, feel-good story about the importance of emotional connections set against outdoor adventures.” —School Library Journal