In the tar-melting heat of a suburban summer, everyboy Jules, athletic and handsome Chris, and oddball Corey (he laughs at gravel and anticipates zombie attacks) have lived side by side for most of their lives. Behind their backyards is a ravine through which flows a modest river. This familiar territory is by turns comforting and terrifying.

When a tornado brings down a big maple tree, the boys make a raft of the branches and set off downstream. After all, at thirteen they are old enough to take a day trip by themselves. On their way, the boys meet with a series of adventures that are funny at first glance but resonate deeply. They rescue a diabolical dog, confront a hydrophobic gang, and survive a waterfall. They are bombarded by bicycles, hoodwinked by hobos, and bewitched by bikinis. By accident, they crash a funeral, and, by design, they crash a pool party — with tragic results.

Urban blight and rural beauty, Into the Ravine is a journey where the geography mirrors the contradictions of the human heart. Renowned author Richard Scrimger draws on his powerful ability to tell a story that can truly make you laugh until you cry.

Praise for Richard Scrimger’s Norbert books:

“A hilarious, exciting roller coaster of evasions, captures, and escapes.… Snappy dialogue, humor, and clever plotting provide a rollicking adventure, with a subtext reminding readers to be sensitive to the feelings, concerns, and abilities of others.”

— Booklist

“Like its predecessor [The Nose from Jupiter], this wonderful story is filled with memorable characters, irreverent wit, exciting plot twists, and some touching moments as well.… Any teen reader with a taste for the absurd will love the latest adventures of Alan Dingwall and his alter ego, Norbert.”

— Voya

“Scrimger’s dialogue is laugh-out-loud funny and the action is fast-paced and slick.”

— City Parent

Richard Scrimger is the award-winning author of eight novels for young readers, three picture books, and three books for adults. His works have been translated into eight languages, and have been critically acclaimed around the world. Columns detailing Richard’s adventures in parenthood have been published in The Globe and Mail, Chatelaine, and Today’s Parent. His first children’s novel, The Nose from Jupiter, won the 10th Annual Mr. Christie’s Book Award. His most recent young adult novel, From Charlie’s Point of View, was a CLA Honor Book, and was chosen as one of the “Best of the Best” by the Chicago Public Library. His first adult novel, Crosstown, was shortlisted for the City of Toronto Book Award. Richard Scrimger lives in Cobourg, Ontario.