Middle Grade Monday: One Wrong Step by Jennifer A. Nielsen

Image: Scholastic Inc.

One Wrong Step by Jennifer A. Nielsen. 336 p. Scholastic Press/ Scholastic Inc. March, 2025. 9781338275865. Review of finished copy courtesy of publisher. 

Middle Grade Monday features One Wrong Step by Jennifer A. Nielsen. For the last three years, it has been just Atlas and his dad. His dad is a map-maker and mountaineer and the two have been climbing together for most of Atlas' life. In fact, they were away climbing when Atlas' mother died, something Atlas can't quite forgive his father for. 

In 1939, Atlas and his father join an expedition to Mount Everest. Atlas has brought along a scarf his mother knit for him, hoping to place it at the top of the world and also hoping to find some peace. His hopes are dashed when he's informed that he's not going to leave advance base camp. The organizer of the trip was not happy that he's tagging along and puts his foot down.

When Atlas sees an avalanche near where the climbing party would be and then loses radio contact with them, he decides to mount a rescue. How can he, a sherpa and the inexperienced daughter of a researcher scale the most dangerous part of Mount Everest? 

Major suspension of belief is required here, but the intended audience will buy in. Each chapter begins with a mountaineering definition and a map showing where Atlas is. The chapters are short and suspenseful. 

Fans of Ms. Nielsen's books will not be disappointed.

Picture Book Review: Honey, the dog who saved Abe Lincoln by Shari Swanson

Image: HarperCollins Publishers

Honey, the dog who saved Abe Lincoln by Shari Swanson. Illustrated by Chuck Groenink. unpgd. HarperCollins Publishers, January, 2020. (Review of finished copy courtesy of Blue Slip Media.)

What better day is there than President Lincoln's actual birthday to review a sweet picture book about him as a young boy? Stories of young Abe Lincoln abound. Lincoln was a storyteller who charmed everywhere he went. Honey, the dog who saved Abe Lincoln is a story not told by himself, but based on the recollection of his childhood best friend, Austin Gollaher according to the Author's Note.

Young Abraham Lincoln loved his Kentucky home. He especially loved exploring the woods. One day, while on the way home from the mill with a sack of ground corn, Abe heard a noise in the brush. It was a dog whose front leg was broken. He quickly improvised a splint and made his way home with the dog doing its best to follow him. He was late and his mother was worried. He asked to keep the dog, promising that the dog, whom he named Honey would "do lots of good things for me." Indeed, they became inseparable. When Abe and Honey were exploring a cave, Abraham got stuck. When he couldn't extricate himself, Honey left him to run to get help. He was able to lead Abe's parents and the worried townsfolk to the cave where Abe was rescued. The rescued became the rescuer.

The digital illustrations are softly rendered and quite child-centric. Spot art illustrations lovingly portray the strong bond that developed between a boy and his dog. While cartoonish, faces are expressive. The cave seems ominous. The narrative flows nicely making it a good choice to read aloud. Young readers will be riveted then relieved.

Back matter includes a detailed timeline of the future president's life along with the Author's Note. But wait, there's more! There is an Activity Guide as well as a Curriculum Guide for teachers and librarians interested in sharing Honey, the dog who saved Abraham Lincoln with their charges. 

Shari Swanson is a lawyer, middle school language arts teacher turned author. She earned an MFA from Vermont College of Fine Arts. Honey the dog who saved Abe Lincoln is her debut picture book. Visit her at www.shariswanson.com.

Chuck Groenink is from the Netherlands but now lives in New York. Visit him at www.chuckgroenink.com.