School Library Journal Review
Gr 7 Up--A riveting story about a trans teen finding their place in the world, which just so happens to be a small cabin in the woods. Sixteen-year-old Ash feels alone in their friendless school days, going home to a family that often uses their dead name. Trying to get away from everything seems like the logical answer, so Ash researches and plans a trip to a remote cabin in the northern California woods. With their dog Chase in tow, Ash tricks their parents in order to get away while they go on a trip, and Ash ends up hiking in the wilderness, looking for a small cabin their grandfather built. Readers are transported to the wilderness as Ash learns that life outside is rough, especially when finding food. Ash is at times discouraged, but an encounter with another person on the run renews their hopes. However, a looming search party and wildfires in the distance threaten everything Ash hopes to achieve. With arresting art and an insightful feel, Wang weaves a story of self-discovery, adventure, survival, and grit. Wang's unique style and art is remarkable, with a beautiful color palette and mix of hard and soft strokes that make readers feel every emotion Ash is dealing with. This book is a page-turner and readers will both worry and cheer for Ash every step of the way. VERDICT Highly recommended for all middle school and high school libraries.--Carol Youssif
Publisher's Weekly Review
Nonbinary teen Ash is struggling with feeling disconnected from their life. Their parents don't understand their identity, their classmates are more concerned about following the rules than advocating for the environment, and now their grandfather's ranch is being sold. Ash seems to be the only one upset about the ranch, as the rest of their family is too preoccupied with planning a summer trip to Disneyland. When Ash's parents reluctantly agree to let them visit the ranch for the summer instead, Ash revels in the freedom. They seek out a hidden cabin their grandfather built so they can make a life for themself alone with their dog Chase, the only one that truly understands them. Ash quickly discovers that a life alone isn't all it's cracked up to be--their inexperience as a camper and the remoteness of their grandfather's cabin forces them to reckon with their perception of community, prompting them to open themself up to connection and the bright future that communal support can forge. Wang (Stargazing) delivers a stunning, contemplative wilderness adventure via muted earth-tone watercolors that tackles head-on the present-day experience of living in what often feels like a time of apocalyptic change. Ages 14--up. (Aug.)
