I enjoyed this book for the most part despite the fact that Finn is pretty hard to like throughout. I realize he is really hurting and has stuff to work out, but I still didn't enjoy his surly attitude. And I got VERY tired of his auto text reply. I found it so tedious that I skipped over it each time and rolled my eyes, until suddenly it became very relevant. So I guess I see now why it was repeated so often. I'm not sure what to make of the couple of times Finn remembers his dad (slightly) making fun of him for doing something a girl would do. I thought we were headed to a revelation that his dad was not such a hero at home as he was in the public eye, but then those stories never seemed to actually go anywhere. So why include them? I also feel like this is one of those books that adults will love but kids will skip entirely. Teacher: "The transformative power of nature!" Student: "Where are the Wimpy Kid books?"

This was a great read! I will definitely be ordering a copy for my school library. You will feel all the emotions Finn experiences through his climbs and memories. This book is a must read!!!

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC of The Trouble with Heroes. This was a fantastic book. I am not usually a fan of reading novels in verse, I prefer to listen to them as an audiobook but this book was amazing. I loved the recipes throughout the book, and how the story comes full circle with Edna and the letters. I highly recommend this book.

In The Trouble with Heroes, prolific author Kate Messner peels off the different layers of Finn Connelly’s story. Told in verse form, the reader first meets the rising seventh grader in a tumultuous time in his life: he's failing two classes, he's in trouble with the law for vandalizing a tombstone, and he is in muted mourning for his deceased father. He rebuilds his inner strength with a series of climbs in 46 Adirondack High Peaks of their small upstate New York town with the help of the mountain climbing club. This book touches on 9/11 and pandemic, the economy, depression, and alcoholism.

E ARC provided by Edelweiss Plus

During the Pandemic, Finn Connelly and his mother moved from the Bronx, where his father worked as a fire fighter, to live with his Gram, who runs a small chocolate shop, in the Adirondacks. His father passed away in the city shortly afterwards, and Finn has struggled with his reactions to this loss. He's failing in school, and is caught on camera vandalizing the headstone of Edna Grace Thomas after he was unsuccessful in kicking his father's headstone. Thomas was a big supporter of the 46ers, people who try to hike all 46 peaks in the Adirondack Mountains. Her daughter, Kelly, understands that the family can't pay the money to replace the stone, and agrees to a restorative justice program. Finn must hike the 46 peaks over the summer, and members of the 46ers club will chaperone him. This will also give him credit for his missing phys ed work, and his language arts teacher wants him to write 20 poems on the topic of "Heroes", so Finn keeps this account of his summer experiences in verse. He is very conflicted about his father's death because his father coped with his PTSD from saving people during the 9/11 attacks by drinking and working too much, rather than spending time with his family. In between going on hikes with "Cow Nanny" Annie, who runs a farm and has lots of grandchildren, "Nerd Nanny" Sam, who is a middle school counselor, and "Coach Nanny", who was his father's wrestling coach in high school, Sam delves into his father's behavior and thinks about whether or not his father's depression might have led him to take drastic action, since his mother hasn't really told him his father's cause of death. Finn likes to bake, so creates different cookies (mostly chocolate chip based) to commemorate the different climbs, even though his father didn't exactly approve of his baking. The climbs are hard, but Finn starts to appreciate the value of being in the wilderness. After discovering his father's ashes as well as the fact that his father tried to climb all 46 peaks but died before he could finish the final 6, Finn takes small amounts of ashed with him on climbs to scatter. There are other stresses in his life, like the fact that the chocolate shop may have to close. On the final trip, Finn is particularly angry, and makes some poor choices that endanger him and Seymour, Thomas' dog whom he is required to take on most of the hikes. Will he be able to survive, and be able to better cope with the difficult situations in his life after becoming a 46er?
Strengths: I'm a huge fan of Messner's 2010 The Brilliant Fall of Gianna Z, 2011 Sugar and Ice and 2012 Eye of the Storm, which was absolutely prophetic. As a former middle school language arts teacher, she knows all about poetry assignments, and according to her author's note, has also climbed the same 46 peaks required of Finn. This story is extremely well constructed, with lots of clever pieces tying the characters together and the theme of heroism being explored in a realistic way. The verse format is better done than most middle grade novels in verse I've read recently, and the sonnet is exquisite. I sort of wish the whole book had been in sonnets, ala Vikram Sheth's 1986 The Golden Gate, but that would take years to write! The tie ins to 9/11 and the local scenery are perfect, and there are even some photographs of the scenery. This is a great novel to explore character growth. There are also cookie recipes included, and I came very close to making the chocolate chip ones with pretzels, since I had some on hand.
Weaknesses: This would be more popular with actual tweens if there were less about dealing with the grief over his father and writing poetry, but these inclusions will make it wildly popular with teachers and librarians. I'm also not convinced that Finn's cookies could save the chocolate shop, but it was a much needed upbeat inclusion.
What I really think: This is a good choice for readers who enjoyed Hashimoto's The Trail or Downing's Just Keep Walking.

I adore this story about Finn and empathize with the troubles he is experiencing at the beginning of the book. He has had a complex relationship with his father, a hockey star, and firefighter/paramedic hero. Although he was a hero to many people, he was often absent in Finn's life. And that's the trouble with heroes - you don't always hear the negative stuff about them. Finn's anger issues cause him to do something he immediately regrets, and he fears juvie is in his future, but instead, he is offered reparations. If he can climb all 46 of the Adirondack mountain peaks, his legal problems will disappear. Finn takes the deal (who wouldn't) and his reaction to the climbs, the people who supervise him (they're called trail nannies) and reflections are quite humorous.

Novels in verse are my favourite format, but this book is so much more than that. There are poems (many), but also articles, letters, recipes, text messages and more. I enjoyed the story so much, and I know adventure-loving kids will too. Highly recommend for kids Gr. 5-8.

Finn Connelly finds himself in trouble after being caught kicking over the headstone of a late (but famous) mountaineer. Facing the potential of criminal charges, and unable to pay the replacement cost for the headstone, Finn is given an unusual proposition: climb 46 mountains with the dead old lady's dog, and all charges will be dropped. Add to that Finn's failing grades in Gym and English (and the mounds of extra work he will have to complete to earn those credits) and his summer vacation is veritably packed to the hilt before it even begins. Finn has some interests of his own, which he still finds time for: his talent for concocting playfully creative baked goods (hey, climbing mountains is hungry work!). Underlying the whole story (told in the first person) is the loss of Finn's father and Finn's ruminations about who his father was, as well as the heavy grief left in the wake of his loss.

Messner's talent as a writer is evident right from the opening chapters. Especially for anybody interested in poetry/ language arts, there is much to savour. I was not aware that the story was to be told through any sort of poetry (I've tended to avoid books that make that stylistic choice), but, unexpectedly, I found the that narrative flowed well and the story unfolded with clarity.

I don't personally believe that mountains themselves have healing powers: that mountains are the source. The book mentions God but sort of brushes him aside, expressing that the prayer card carried by Finn's father's coach is much too weak to handle the weight of so much grief. The sentiment seems to be that the mountains themselves are to thank for any improvement in Finn's despondency.

On a positive note, the book ends with a couple of elements that fit very neatly into place, like the last few pieces of a large jigsaw puzzle. As each of the final pieces are slotted in, the whole thing feels sensible and complete. It was exactly that feeling for me, when I got to the end: not an emotion but something very like the sensation of completing a tabletop puzzle. I have often been brought to tears or laughter while reading a book, but something about this book felt like a long song in a minor key: technically impressive but not quite as touching as some of the other things I have read. Otherwise, there are some real soaring moments, poetically, which were nice to read. Messner has a knack for poetic comparisons. The book is an accomplishment, to be sure: evidently the work of an expert wordsmith.

The format did not translate well as an e-book, and though I know that shouldn’t reflect on the story itself, I was taken out of the reading experience quite often because of it. Overall I think it’s a decent read, but not something I will be seeking out to add to my library orders. If I happen to see it recommended on my vendor lists and am reminded of it, I’ll likely purchase it for my library.

As a hiker, I have a soft spot for books set on hiking trails, and Messner's THE TROUBLE WITH HEROES is one of the best! Finn Connelly is forced to become a hiker as he must complete the Adirondacks' 46 peaks in one summer as community service after kicking over the gravestone of a legendary local hiker, trail grandma to the 46er community. As Finn hikes with his 3 "trail nannies" he discovers the sense of accomplishment that comes with doing hard things. He also deals with his grief over the death of his father during Covid, so his growth is both physical and emotional. Finn's story has more layers, and it is this peeling back of the layers of his life that makes Messner's characters so intriguing. Many of my students are hikers here in the PNW, but I know that many more than the outdoor enthusiasts will identify with Finn and fall in love with his journey.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this eARC given only in exchange for my honest opinion. I will enthusiastically add this one to our grades 5 to 8 library.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the e-ARC of this book.

I've always enjoyed Kate Messner's middle grade books, but this one is a true standout. I've already pre-ordered it for a sixth grade reader and her family who are working their way through NH's 48 4000 footers. This story is everything I wanted it to be from the first page, and I think readers (young and old) will love it. It's making it onto my top reads in 2024 list, even though it doesn't release for everyone else until the end of April 2025.

This book was absolutely fantastic. A middle grade novel in verse, THE TROUBLE WITH HEROES tells the story of a boy dealing with grief after losing his father and the healing journey he goes on while hiking. A beautiful story that so accurately captured what it feels like to lose a parent. Highly, highly recommend.

This was a heart-felt story about a boy whose punishment for kicking over a headstone is to hike the 46 Adirondack High Peaks. His story is told through free verse, poetry, text messages, etc. This was an enjoyable and fast paced read. I loved the varied formats used to tell the story.

This middle grade novel is told in a series of poems that starts as a make-up assignment for a 7th grade ELA assignment, but becomes much more.

Finn is in trouble for vandalizing a gravestone, skipping PE, and not finishing a poetry project with a hero theme. In return for not going to court over his cemetery misdeeds, he is to hike 46 mountains. He learns a lot about himself during this journey that includes many adults helping him, and a dog that he must take on most of the hikes.

I will purchase this for my library when it comes out in the spring. This would make an excellent book group book.

I can't wait to share this book with my readers. Finn is an endearing, relatable character who overcomes grief and anger. Seymour the dog is also so loveable. Will definitely be purchasing this book as a book group read and anticipate it will be on state book award lists.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/214868940-the-trouble-with-heroes

When I began reading The Trouble with Heroes, by Kate Messner, I expected an encouraging, coming-of-age story about a young boy who got off on the wrong foot and spent a summer making reparations for his misdeeds while learning about himself in the process. What I did not expect was that a middle grades story told almost exclusively through poems written by aforementioned troublemaker would be so unputdownable that I’d have to finish it in one sitting or that I’d be sobbing by the end of it. This story is powerful and deeply moving.

Finn Connelly is struggling with the untimely death of his father, and as a result, he’s flunking out of PE and his language arts class. In order to scrape a pass and advance to 8th grade, he has to complete a poems assignment and log PE hours over the summer — and this summer begins with a trip to a cemetery and subsequently with a court date for vandalism of a grave of a mountaineer town hero named Edna. Kelly, the surviving daughter of Edna, decides to make a deal with Finn— summit all 46 of the Adirondack mountains over the summer and Kelly would agree to drop all charges. Finn navigates mountains as he works through the reality that his father was both a hero and a haunted soul who struggled with PTSD and addiction in the aftermath of 9/11 and then the pandemic. Additionally, Finn had to work through the idea that the image his father had of him was not an accurate representation of who he was and that was okay. Noah was a hockey star of the town while Finn loves baking. This is such a normal struggle in a coming of age book but it’s made more difficult because Finn no longer has his father to work through the struggle with. This book masterfully deals with grief and all related emotions- it was poignant and tender - and the poetry throughout was so thought provoking. I loved this beautiful book. Some of the themes might be better grappled with on the 6th, 7th, and 8th grade audiences, but this book is absolutely a masterpiece.

I would like to thank Bloomsbury USA Children’s Books and NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This novel in verse is a wonderful story of grief, anger, and self discovery. The verse format adds to the story and it is sure to be a great addition to any middle grade classroom or library.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an eARC.

My 5th grade son and I read this one together and it was a great adventure story but also a great opportunity for us to talk about decisions and consequences and being truthful.

The Trouble With Heroes tells the tale of Finn Connelly, a boy who is angry with the world. After taking out his emotions on a gravestone, which toppled under the force of his repeated kicks, he finds himself having to either pay thousands of dollars to the relative of the deceased or, in penance, he can hike all 46 of the Adirondack mountain peaks throughout the coming summer. He chooses the mountains. Over the course of the hikes, he learns a lot about himself, his father and the people who are ready and willing to be his friends.

This is an easy read, as the novel is in verse. The writing is engaging, funny and poignant. I laughed and I cried. I would recommend this book to middle grades on up. There is mention of death, the pandemic, grief and anger issues.

Finn is struggling after his dad's death. He is caught vandalizing in a cemetery and the daughter of the headstone he kicked down decides to offer him a unique way to pay off his vandalism. She tells him he can climb all 46 Adirondack peaks that summer and then he won't have to pay for a new headstone. Finn reluctantly agrees, but as the summer goes on he learns a lot about himself, his dad, and grief. This heartwarming story is great for middle grade readers!

This novel in verse had all the feels. It reminded me of a Dan Gemeinhart or K. A. Holt book, which guarantees it will be a winner.

Finn is struggling with losing his father and is having trouble at school and home. In a fit of rage, he kicks over a Edna’s gravestone. In order to pass 7th grade, he must make up all of his missed PE classes and complete a poetry project about a hero. Edna’s daughter insists that for reparation he must climb all 46 peaks of the Adirondacks like her mother did, along with her mom’s dog.
Readers will hike along with Finn as he hikes each peak and works through his grief and anger by writing poetry along the way.

“You carry it into the woods and some stays inside you, solid and unchanged. But some of it you breathe out into the trees. The wind lifts it, carries it off into hazy layers of hillsides, trees, and sky. So when you come down the mountain it’s not quite as it was before.”

This book is sure to be a hit in our library. My students are always looking for good stories and a NIV is a great way to tell Finn’s story. I would love to climb the 46’ers.