Switchback by: Danika Stone
Reviewed by: Tahzeb, grade 9
Rating: ? - pretty good
The book ‘‘Switchback’’ by Danika Stone is a survival fiction book for YA. The two main characters Vale and Ash are the highlight of the story. To introduce the story it starts off with Vale and Ash attending a school overnight camping trip in the Rockies with their classmates - Vale, a little bit of an outcast, who isn't socially active feels uncomfortable with the idea of the trip yet she still attends it. During a hike Vale and Ash get separated from their classmates. They struggle to face Waterton National Park, which is described as remote & known for bad weather. The two characters face challenges against mother nature, testing their endurance as they battle extreme weather, unruly terrain, hunger and the threat of wild animals all while trying to find a way to get back to safety. In my opinion this is a pretty good book, because it leaves the reader wanting more. The topic of why Vale is an outcast and why Ash, the supposedly gamer who sets up d&d games become friends with Vale is what makes the reader wonder. Or the idea of why one friend is social and the other isn't. How did they become friends - because Ash stuck up for Vale? And how will these two friends survive when their life is on the line? Various scenarios like those few examples take place in the book, making the reader interested and wanting more. The reader keeps turning pages and telling themselves ‘’just one more page’’ after they've said that 7 pages ago. In my opinion, if you're a young adult wanting to read a book that highlights a friendship's struggle, survival and loyalty, read the book “SwitchBack” by Danika Stone.