Friday, February 13, 2026

The Trouble with Heroes

Messner, Kate. The Trouble with Heroes. 2025. 368p. ISBN 9781547616398.

Finn Connelly, a struggling seventh-grader, feels overshadowed by the heroic legacy of his late father, a star athlete and firefighter who died two years prior. Finn's life takes an unexpected turn when he's caught on camera vandalizing a cemetery, specifically kicking down the headstone of a legendary local mountain climber. Instead of punishment, the climber's daughter offers Finn an unusual proposition: if he climbs all forty-six Adirondack High Peaks with her deceased mother's dog, his debt will be considered paid.

Over the course of three months, Finn embarks on a journey filled with misadventures, muddy trails, and surprising mentors. As he conquers each peak, the expansive views offer him clarity, slowly helping him understand himself and his father better. However, the mountains hold their own challenges, and with September approaching, Finn faces a final summit that proves to be a formidable test, potentially exceeding even a hero's capabilities.

In the Trouble with Heroes, Finn comes to terms with his father's death, and learns forgiveness and letting go. Fans of redemption stories will love to read about Finn growing up and gaining valuable insights about his own life.

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