Reading Metrics
Description
While using a public library computer to find help for her mother who is addicted to pain medicine, twelve-year-old Jolene witnesses a friend's livestreamed crash-landing in the Arizona desert and embarks on a journey to rescue here.
Quick Summary
If you're looking for a middle-grade read that really sticks with you, this one's about a twelve-year-old girl named Jolene living in the Arizona desert who discovers her mom has been hiding a serious pain medicine addiction. While trying to find help online at the library, she sees a livestream of her friend crashing a small plane in the middle of the desert, and without hesitating, she decides she's going to save him even if it means putting herself in danger too. What makes this book memorable is how it balances real, heavy stuff like addiction and loss with genuine moments of hope and friendship, never feeling preachy but always feeling true. Kids who enjoy stories about resourcefulness, loyalty, and standing up for the people you care about will gravitate toward this one, and it's especially good for readers who like their adventures grounded in real emotion. Parents will appreciate that the tough topics are handled sensitively and age-appropriately, with enough action and desert survival stakes to keep kids turning pages. If you've read and loved "Front Desk" by Yang, you'll find that same mix of a young protagonist dealing with adult problems while showing incredible courage. It's a quick but impactful read at around 50,000 words, perfect for kids who want something that feels both fun and meaningful.