I really enjoyed this poignant novel in verse that was full of humor, heart and full circle moments. I love any book that features an adorable dog and great multigenerational relationships while also commenting on grief, the importance of healing, and the value of the outdoors. I loved the pictures that were throughout the book and learned so much about these mountains through this loveable kid character. A book I would definitely recommend to kids looking for an emotional, heartwarming story.

This excellent novel in verse follows a 7th-grade boy dealing with the death of his father just after the Covid-19 pandemic. After some poor decisions to finish the school year, Finn finds himself required to climb all the peaks in the Adirondacks as part of his community service. Through deep reflection, Finn learns a ton about himself and grieves his father. This is beautifully written and a thoroughly enjoyable read.

So many middle schoolers have anger issues. Kate Messner’s latest novel in verse is a path that one boy is compelled to take to deal with his anger (and grief).

I have read many of Messner’s books. This has to be one of the best! It is deep and heart wrenching. It gets to the heart of so many important issues facing our young people growing up, but anger is at the heart of this book. I want all the middle schoolers to read this. Many will come to realize they don’t have it as bad as they think. Be prepared with tissues.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the chance to read this arc in exchange for an honest review.

It's no secret that I love novels in verse; I love how fast paced they are, but are still able to pack even more of an emotional punch than a traditional novel.

Messner's story focuses on Finn, a troubled 13-year-old who gets caught kicking over a gravestone, and is then required to hike 46 Adirondack peaks as reparations.

Finn is not only dealing with the trauma of the COVID-19 pandemic that we all experienced and can relate to, but is also in the epicenter of grief over the death of his father, who was a firefighter and a hero during the September 11th tragedy.

As he begins to hike each trail, with the help of a group of 46ers, his pain, anger, and confusion begin to melt away in the nature and wildness that surrounds him. He grows stronger both physically, mentally, and emotionally, and works through his resentment and pain in a way that is unique to him.

I loved how the 46ers are supportive of Finn, but never give him the option to use his grief as an excuse to give up.

This is such a wonderful story of hope after tragedy, and the healing powers that nature and the earth offer all of us. We just have to be willing to open ourselves up to it.

Favorite quotes:
"It must be nice to know you can put your foot down
and find something solid
even when it looks like there's nothing there to hold you, nothing to catch you when you fall."

"Sometimes people don't know why they're climbing.
They only know it's better than hurting standing still."

4.5 stars!!
I'm so thankful I got the chance to get to know Finn Connelly.
Kate Messner captured my attention from the beginning and kept it until the final page.
This book will stay with me for a long time.
A must read for middle grade students and their teachers.

The Trouble with Heroes by Kate Messner is a brilliant and thought-provoking story that masterfully blends mythology, adventure, and real-world emotions. Messner crafts a compelling tale that challenges traditional ideas of heroism, making readers question what it truly means to be a hero. The characters are well-developed, the pacing is engaging, and the writing is both heartfelt and insightful. With a perfect mix of action, depth, and emotion, this book captivates from start to finish. Ideal for readers who love mythology with a fresh, modern twist. An inspiring and unforgettable read that deserves five stars! The students in my middle school libraries are going to love it!

Finn is struggling internally with the loss of his father. He begins lashing out when he stops caring: his grades begin to slip, he doesn't work hard, and he is caught after vandalizing a gravestone. This isn't just any gravestone. The burial site is the resting place of Adirondack hiking legend, Edna Grace Thomas, the first female 46er. Finn goes to court, and Edna's daughter, Kelly, challenges Finn to hike all 46 Adirondack High Peaks in one summer with Edna's dog, Seymour--or face bigger, more serious punishment for his vandalism. As Finn begrudgingly begins his journey, he is struck by the grief of losing his father, a New York City fireman who served during 9/11. Through his grief, Finn starts to process his feelings and begins a new chapter in his life.

Although I am an adult reader, I truly resonated with the novel, especially that of Finn's grief. I live in the Adirondacks and am also an aspiring 46er. I recently lost my uncle (#839) who finished his 46 when he was just 8 years old. Reading this novel unleashed some of my feelings that I have been suppressing due to my life needing to continue. I understand how the mountains are freeing and a place to remember, which is how I feel anytime I go hiking. This book is so important for children who may be struggling with these intense feelings, along with showing the importance of being outside and letting nature heal.

"The Trouble with Heroes" may be one of Kate Messner's best books, as you will not want to put the novel in verse down.

This is a story in verse about a boy who lost his father in two different ways, but finds a way of connecting with him through mandatory mountain climbs, while exploring his own growing love of poetry and baking.

The beginning drew me in with the author's quick and easy style which gradually developed into a more poignant narrative with all the feels (I was full out weeping through the final pages).

An enjoyable read with a solid mix of heartbreak and healing, humour, and unexpected friendships.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book provided by the publisher via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own​​.

This is such as fantastic verse novel. Finn's voice feels grounded and honest, and I think many kids will identify with his perspective. Messner brings the trail to life in such a vivid way, and presents a unique take on working through grief. She also offers a subtle alternative to toxic masculinity. I loved the side plot of Finn's baking and the cookie recipes throughout the novel.

I absolutely loved this book for middle grade readers. I think that the story is very relevant for young readers. It follows a young boy who has lost his father, and how he works through that grief. As a nature lover, I loved that this was the avenue for Finn to work through his grief. It really shows the power of nature. I also loved the side characters who hiked with Finn- they all had their own stories and personalities that added to the story. Middle grade readers novels in verse and this one does not disappoint. I will definitely recommend this book for students in my middle school classroom.

What is a hero? That's the question Finn has been asking himself ever since he got busted kicking over a gravestone and almost failing 8th grade. Everyone tells Finn his dad was definitely a hero, of course they do, he was a firefighter in NYC on September 11. But since then Covid started and his dad passed away. Climbing all 49 peeks in the Adirondacks seems better than jail, until Finn realizes he isn't just climbing, he's figuring out himself. Highly recommend this verse novel for middle grades!

Thank you to Bloomsbury Children’s Books and NetGalley for this e-ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Twelve-year-old Finn Connelly is struggling. He and his mom are living with Finn’s grandmother in upstate New York since his father died. One day, full of anger, Finn kicks over a gravestone at the local cemetery and is in big trouble. The headstone belonged to a well-known mountaineer and her daughter makes a deal with Finn – he must summit all 46 of the Adirondack High Peaks by the end of summer and he must do it with her mother’s dog, Seymour. In addition, Finn has classes to make up – PE and a poetry project for English class. The hiking will fulfill the PE requirement and the poetry in what makes this a novel in verse. Finn will have “trail nannies” verifying and looking out for him on the trails. Finn’s grandma owns a chocolate shop and Finn uses the rejects to make original cookie recipes for each of hike summits. As the summer progresses, Finn learns to let go of the anger and learns more about his dad up in the mountains.
I really enjoyed this book! Verse novels tend to go faster – great for reluctant readers. Unfortunately, with this DRC, the pictures didn’t come through but they are not essential to the story. I will have to check out the print version when it comes out. Definitely recommend for readers in grade 4 and up.
#TheTroubleWithHeroes #NetGalley

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 that the 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.

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. There are some real soaring moments, poetically. Messner has a knack for poetic comparisons. The book is an accomplishment, to be sure: evidently the work of an expert wordsmith.

Novel in verse
I received an electronic ARC from Bloomsbury USA Children's Books through NetGalley.
Messner captures the swirl of emotions for her main character, Finn. He is still caught in the whirlwind of grief following his dad's death. In one of his emotional spirals, he makes a seriously wrong choice and has to face the consequences. The woman involved offers a way for him to make reparations by climbing all 46 mountains in the Adirondack High Peaks. Please note these are real and Messner does a wonderful job describing each one. Finn's attitude is strong and he starts these climbs behaving like a jerk. As he climbs and grows, readers see the tone change and his emotions heal.
The entire book is told from Finn's POV. He writes poems for himself and for an English assignment to pass his class. In part, this assignment may have set off his grief as he needs to create this set of poems about a hero. His dad was one and Finn felt like he helped everyone but his mom and he. I love that he learns how his dad really felt through letters near the end of the book.
Readers will connect to the mixed up emotions and inability to move beyond the strong ones. Some will know the grief he is walking through, and, perhaps, this book will help them heal.

Loss of his fire-fighting, ambulance-driving and often absent father has left 7th grader Finn both grieving and angry and those conflicted feelings are reflected in his frequently missed classes, apathetic attitude towards the English class he sees no use for and eventually leads him to the cemetery where he tries to kick over his father’s grave marker. Except he misses and instead, damages the tombstone of a well-loved and respected climber of all 46 of the Adirondack high peaks. End result? To pass the 7th grade, he must make up all the missed PE classes by exercising on his own all summer and complete a 20 poem project about a hero and in an act of kindness, the daughter of the woman buried under the damaged marker tells Finn that he can pay off the damages by hiking the 46 peaks just like her mother did.

Messner has Finn tell his own story in journal/epistolary form filled with poetry describing all the ways his father disappointed him but those very same things made him a hero to others. Readers will almost become “46ers” themselves as they climb mountain after mountain with Finn and the drooling dog and assorted “trail nannies” who hike with him. They will also get a different perspective on a hero of the attacks on the World Trade Center, one that is filled with substance abuse, depression and self-isolation. Another outlet for Finn is baking and several of his recipes, inspired by various mountains, are included.

Ultimately, there is healing in the hills for Finn and his example might give troubled kids a nudge to try a similar outlet for their own grief, anger, anxiety, etc. And certainly, some may be inspired to try some hiking, backpacking or rock climbing themselves.

Text is free of profanity, sexual content and the only violence is in Finn’s early act of vandalism and a scary bear encounter. Excellent choice for those in grades 4-7 and would pair nicely with Erin Soderberg Downing’s Just Keep Walking.

“Some things are just tough and there’s no way around the hard parts.
Only through.
Sometimes there’s no good path—just a bad way and a worse way—so you might as well choose one and get started.”

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.