In The Trouble with Heroes, we meet Finn, a seventh grader whose world revolves around baking. Finn’s passion for the kitchen is his escape, his joy, and his identity. Yet, he feels overshadowed by the towering legacy of his father, a firefighter who became a local hero after saving lives on 9/11. His father’s bravery and selflessness are celebrated by the community, leaving Finn feeling inadequate and wondering why his own talents go unnoticed. Struggling with these emotions, Finn makes a regrettable choice in a moment of misguided anger and confusion. He vandalizes an old lady’s headstone, only to discover it belongs to one of the pioneering women who conquered all the Adirondack High Peaks. Instead of pressing charges, the woman’s daughter offers Finn a chance at redemption. She proposes a deal: Finn must climb all 46 peaks over the summer, accompanied by her loyal dog. Completing this challenging journey will absolve him of his mistake. This quest becomes more than just a physical challenge for Finn. As he scales each peak, he learns about the remarkable woman whose grave he defaced, deepening his understanding of courage and perseverance. The journey also becomes a path of self-discovery, where Finn grapples with his faith, confronts his feelings of inadequacy, and ultimately finds his own identity outside of his father’s shadow. The Trouble with Heroes is a powerful and uplifting tale, perfect for today’s teenagers who are navigating a world filled with drama and the pressures of social media. The book encourages readers to find their own “peak” to climb, to learn more about themselves, their families, and their friends. It is a heartfelt recommendation for all teens seeking inspiration and a deeper understanding of their place in the world.
The Trouble with Heroes by Kate Messner, (List Price: $17.99, Bloomsbury Children’s Books, 9781547616398, April 2025)
Reviewed by VaLinda Payne-Miller, Turning Page Bookshop in Goose Creek, South Carolina