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DiDonovan
, April 28, 2015
(view all comments by DiDonovan)
Crystal is about to turn thirteen and her archaeologist parents have left for a day's journey studying petroglyphs at Taum Sauk Mountain. But timing is everything: that's the day the New Madrid fault shifts and a major earthquake keeps them from returning. The devastation means no communications, but Crystal has access to a horse and sets out on a trek to the mountain, following the path of family tradition in undertaking brave explorations with fierce self-determination.
Pre-teens, teens, and adult audiences alike will readily come to recognize that Crystal's adventures are compelling and anything but predetermined.
Her interactions with her parents prior to the event are remarkably realistic, as she resents their outside interests and an expedition that seems to precede her birthday in importance.
It's lucky that Crystal has experience trail riding and camping in the wilderness. It's lucky that the adult family friend that comes upon her and could stop her, decides to let her go based on Crystal's competence and the devastation from the quake, which limits other options. And it's refreshing to see self-determined courage in a young protagonist who is not being foolhardy, but logical in her quest.
Middle-grade preteens, teens and many an adult will find
Crystal Brave: Earthquake at the Taum Sauk an absorbing adventure story with a satisfying difference: no world issues or cussing mar the saga. It's an old-fashioned wilderness adventure which, as Crystal Brave demonstrates, doesn't need social issues or urban angst to draw in readers of all ages and keep their attention.
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