Summary (Allen & Unwin)

Raven is first to reach the mountain top. Her sister and step-dad are still climbing the trail below. She is alone on top of the world. So she dances – a crazy, jumping, spinning dance… because if you can climb a mountain you can do anything! But then there is a rumble and the earth shakes. Rocks are falling, and so is Raven, in a terrible tumble down the side of the mountain. When she comes to, no one answers her calls. The rockfall is covering the trail where she last saw Lily and Scott… Wendy Orr tells the dramatic story of a girl who goes beyond her limits to save her family – and on the way, discovers a mysterious bond with a family of bears and a raven.

Awards: Shortlisted, 2011 Speech Pathology Australia’s Book of the Year, Upper Primary

Comments

I first watched Nim’s Island without realising that it was based on a novel by Wendy Orr, totally defying my usual Book Before The Movie mantra. My daughter and I read Nim’s Island together once I finally bought a copy and we both loved it, so I have been looking forward to reading Raven’s Mountain and it didn’t disappoint.

I was drawn into Raven’s story from the first pages, as she struggles to deal with her mother’s recent marriage, moving town and leaving her best friends behind. Bickering with her older sister Lily and the little worries that bother Raven all seem very real and I’m sure that there are plenty of young girls who will relate.

The story moves along at a good pace and I confess I got caught up in it all, as I’m sure younger readers will, wondering how Raven would keep going until she could reach help. I may or may not have shed a tear at the end when Raven is waiting to see whether Lily and Scott have survived the rock fall. I’m such a sook.

I’m now looking forward to reading this book with my 10-year-old daughter, who I know will love it.

Book details
Title: Raven’s Mountain
Author: Wendy Orr
Publisher: Allen & Unwin, 2011
ISBN: 978-1-74237-465-9
Genre: Junior novel – adventure
Recommended age: 8+