Starred Review for Kirkus Reviews (Mon Oct 07 00:00:00 CDT 2024)

A 15-year-old seeks solace and solitude in the wild.Ash has always felt like an outsider, and ever since Grandpa Edwin passed away, that feeling of isolation has only gotten worse. Their parents haven't fully accepted Ash's recent name change or newly shorn hair, and school isn't much better. When Ash learns that their family plans to sell Grandpa Edwin's old ranch, they come up with a plan: to find Grandpa's secret cabin in the woods and stay there-forever. They earn money, watch online videos to pick up survival skills, and buy food, gear, and supplies. Ash carefully conceals their preparations, and with a little deception and some luck, they finally set off into the Northern California wilderness with their trusty dog, Chase. Told as a series of journal entries, Ash's first-person narration is punctuated by panels and full-page spreads depicting current and past events in soft, soothing tones against a clean, white background. The conviction and emotions driving Ash's decision-making process always feel strong and true and are apparent in the effective illustrations and evocative color palette. This story recalls many familiar and beloved tales-a list of further reading and references includes children's classics such as Hatchet and My Side of the Mountain-which points to the subject matter's perennial appeal, but Wang masterfully adapts this storyline for contemporary audiences, seamlessly weaving questions of identity, gender, race (Ash has Chinese and Irish ancestry), and climate change into this fundamental tale of survival.Searing and radiant. (Graphic fiction. 12-18)

School Library Journal Starred Review (Mon Oct 07 00:00:00 CDT 2024)

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

Kirkus Reviews (Mon Oct 07 00:00:00 CDT 2024)

A 15-year-old seeks solace and solitude in the wild.Ash has always felt like an outsider, and ever since Grandpa Edwin passed away, that feeling of isolation has only gotten worse. Their parents haven't fully accepted Ash's recent name change or newly shorn hair, and school isn't much better. When Ash learns that their family plans to sell Grandpa Edwin's old ranch, they come up with a plan: to find Grandpa's secret cabin in the woods and stay there-forever. They earn money, watch online videos to pick up survival skills, and buy food, gear, and supplies. Ash carefully conceals their preparations, and with a little deception and some luck, they finally set off into the Northern California wilderness with their trusty dog, Chase. Told as a series of journal entries, Ash's first-person narration is punctuated by panels and full-page spreads depicting current and past events in soft, soothing tones against a clean, white background. The conviction and emotions driving Ash's decision-making process always feel strong and true and are apparent in the effective illustrations and evocative color palette. This story recalls many familiar and beloved tales-a list of further reading and references includes children's classics such as Hatchet and My Side of the Mountain-which points to the subject matter's perennial appeal, but Wang masterfully adapts this storyline for contemporary audiences, seamlessly weaving questions of identity, gender, race (Ash has Chinese and Irish ancestry), and climate change into this fundamental tale of survival.Searing and radiant. (Graphic fiction. 12-18)