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  • Published: 11 June 2025
  • ISBN: 9780593856369
  • Imprint: Nancy Paulsen Books
  • Format: Hardback
  • Pages: 176
  • RRP: $38.00

Into the Rapids




Sometimes even a girl who likes to rely only on herself needs to be brave enough to ask for help.

Sometimes even a girl who likes to rely only on herself needs to be brave enough to ask for help.

When a super-storm hits Addy's remote mountain town, knocking out the bridge and cutting her home off from the main road, she worries that she won’t be able to get to the survival camp she’s been looking forward to attending. The camp’s the place where her parents met, and where Addy plans to hone her skills and honor their legacy. But now there’s no power and it’s also like a light has been switched off in her mom, who’s been triggered by the raging river and memories of Addy’s dad dying in a similar storm. The two of them are feeling particularly stranded as they’ve never bothered to befriend any neighbors. But now Addy keeps running into her classmate Caleb on the hill above her house where they both go to get cell service. Caleb’s frantic about a missing neighbor, and Addy’s amazed to see how he’s able to connect with folks to get help. Then Caleb offers to help her get to camp--but can she trust him? She always thought of him as an enemy--but maybe she was partially to blame for his frostiness? The storm has brought so many questions swirling to the surface and has made Addy feel it’s time to take some leaps of faith. When she agrees to travel with Caleb by canoe, this sets off a remarkable string of events and the biggest test of her survival skills. More importantly, it sets Addy on a road to understanding that she's not in this adventure of life alone--and that a good thing.

  • Published: 11 June 2025
  • ISBN: 9780593856369
  • Imprint: Nancy Paulsen Books
  • Format: Hardback
  • Pages: 176
  • RRP: $38.00

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Praise for Into the Rapids


PRAISE FOR OPINIONS AND OPOSSUMS
     “Braden crafts a nuanced story supported by clear metaphors and honest, deep emotions. Readers faced with similar situations will find support here even if it’s only the confirmation to keep questioning. As Agnes learns and grows, she comes to realize that there are many conceptions of religion and God. . . . Mind-expanding.” —Kirkus
     “Perfect for middle-graders of any faith, especially those learning to make their faith their own. The relatable core plot, which folds in themes of income inequality, sexism, and asserting one's rights, moves quickly, and . . . the strong women in Agnes' life steal the show.” —Booklist
     “Braden shares a multigenerational story of how poetry and speaking your truth can be refreshing and connecting. This novel could be useful in social emotional learning lessons about being patient when change happens slowly or allowing oneself permission to feel anger. . . . A healthy reminder that the status quo continually needs to be challenged by thoughtful youths.” —SLJ
     “Inspiration and guidance come via a Beyoncé documentary featuring Maya Angelou, and from Gracy’s teachings about archeology, anthropology, history, and poetry, as Agnes works to understand women’s underreported, vital roles throughout history, and the importance of perspective in accounts of the past. . . . Empowering.” —PW