ECHO MOUNTAIN

ECHO MOUNTAIN by Lauren Wolk

ECHO MOUNTAIN is a story that deserves to join ranks with the other great middle grade classics such as Old Yeller and Where the Red Fern Grows in my opinion which is why it's joining MY TOP PICKS!

Set in the rural mountains of Maine during the Great Depression, Echo Mountain brings to life one family's attempt to leave town and the life they know and carve out a new life by the sweat of their brow. Ellie, the middle daughter, her younger brother, and her father embrace the new life, while her mother and older sister struggle with the transition. Then the accident occurs. Ellie's father is knocked unconscious when a tree he is cutting down falls on him. Ellie's mother and sister blame her for the accident. Ellie doesn't bother to correct them, knowing that neither could handle the weight of the truth that really happened that day. After remaining unconscious for a lengthy time, Ellie decides it's time she helped her father wake up. She has some interesting ideas to try, but she figures the hag that lives at the top of the mountain that she's been forbidden to go visit might have a few more.

If you love rich, coming of age, adventure stories that are beautifully written, this one will be a perfect fit! I am quickly developing a love for Lauren Wolk's writing!