Gretchen Carlson
“Maybe most trouble is an accident and it doesn’t help to blame anyone. When the blaming is all over, you have to start living again.”
Henry’s father told him that if you build a house far enough away from trouble, then trouble will never find you. He was wrong.
A car hits Henry’s older brother, an athletic and popular teen. Days later, he dies, and Henry’s relationship with his parents and sister disintegrates in a fog of grief. The plot deepens with racial tension when Chay, a young teen from Cambodia, is charged with vehicular homicide. Author Gary Schmidt creates complex, realistic characters and keeps the reader in suspense as the plot twists and turns with surprises.
Trouble is a thoughtful book with a redemptive ending. Schmidt doesn’t preach or moralize but allows the reader to stretch and grow with his characters. He quietly reminds us that truth can set us free. Henry must sort through grief by facing hard truths. Although popular, his brother was also an arrogant bigot. This book is packed with wonderful material for a book club.
Published in 2008, Trouble is one of Schmidt’s earlier books that somehow, I had missed. It’s not my favorite, but like all his books—I couldn’t put it down. As a writer, I’m captivated by Schmidt’s brilliant storytelling skills.
I agree with a librarian who said Schmidt’s books appeal to a wide range of readers, from upper middle grade to adult. He is a best-selling author whose books have won two Newberry Honor awards, a Printz award, and a National Book Award finalist.
Trouble—life is full of it. We can’t avoid trouble, but we can choose how to handle it.
Happy Reading! Leave a comment!
Gretchen A Carlson
Author of More Than Grit
Elise Haroldson
Carol Eaton
This book sounds very real to me. This week our high school lost a senior who had a motorcycle accident and another nearby high school lost a 17-year-old in a car accident. Two separate accidents. Two schools grieving. It sounds like a powerful and emotional read.
I’m so sorry for the tragedies involving students in your schools. The impact of such loss ripples deep. Schmidt is a master at tackling plots which revolve around hard situations and emotional issues, but he doesn’t keep the reader grabbing for Kleenex. He incorporates soft humor and lets unusual things happen. In this book Henry rescues a dog who becomes a fun part of the story. Plus Henry decides he’s going to climb a mountain, as a tribute to his brother, which leads to action mixed with adventure.
It sounds like a good book, Gretchen. Thanks for the recommendation.