Mock Newbery 2026 discussion

The Trouble with Heroes by Kate Messner has been chosen for our July reading.

What did you think of it?

Can’t wait to read everyone’s thoughts on this one! I loved this story. The slow unfolding of the backstory along with the steady character growth gives this one an enduring quality that reminds me of some other Newbery favorites (Iveliz Explains it All, Because of Winn Dixie).

Also, I like the way Messner uses poetry in this book. Novels in verse are becoming increasingly popular, but does anyone else feel that the verse isn’t always purposeful? Anyway I don’t get that feeling with A Trouble With Heroes. I found the mixed media style to be innovative without being a cliche. I don’t think this one will feel outdated in a few years.

I loved this book! It was heartfelt but also funny. It was inspiring (does anyone else want to become a 46er now?). The format was interesting with the verse and I wonder if it works as an audio book (anyone read it that way?) I have handed it to a couple of kids and one told me he really liked it. I enjoyed Finn's growth in the book over the course of the climbs and his connection with the trail nannies. This book covers a lot of ground (literally and figuratively), and only a very gifted writer could have pulled this off: Covid, 9/11, alcoholism, PTSD, grief. But it still manages to be a good story and felt very readable to me. I'm interested to see what you all thought.

I listened to the audiobook and LOVED it!

Here is my review: I loved a lot of things about Trouble. Finn's sarcastic sense of humor (the automatic text message made me laugh every single time), the juxtaposition of an emotional burden with a daunting physical endeavor, and how things came together in unexpected ways were some of my favorites. Figuring out a way to grieve a parent who was put on a pedestal by strangers, but was far from perfect in their relationships with family, including their child, is messy and leaves a lot unresolved, but that's how it is in life sometimes. Coach's advice that sometimes there isn't a good way through, sometimes there's a bad way and a worse way and you've got to just pick one and get started is applicable in Finn's story and also in life. This book made me want to climb mountains and honestly, there's not much better praise from me than that.

I loved this book and couldn't wait to pass it on to everyone I know! I enjoyed that our main character was flawed and didn't always make the right choices. I rooted for him and it definitely made me want to take a hike. I appreciated that his journey through grief was not always good and not always bad and the exploration of what makes a person a hero is very dependent on whose perspective you are getting. I really enjoyed the cast of supporting characters and looked forward to getting new tidbits of each "nanny's" story.

I, too, enjoyed Finn's story. Even heroes are human, complete with flaws. How fortunate Finn was to have adults who understood that grief manifests itself in many ways. I liked the structure of his journey - hiking with a slobbery dog and trail nannies, baking, and writing poetry. There is the shared grief for the death of his father and collective grief for both 9/11 and the COVID-19 pandemic.

A 5 out of 5
Highly recommended read
Must have for your shelf!

This is one of those books you won’t forget. A story that can be carried with you when you need a bit of strength on your own “ mountain climbs”. Will definitely recommend to my students. Thank you Kate!

This is a story that needed to be unfolded in verse I found the writing and the mesh of all story’s of themes authentic and very distinguished. It would take real talent to bring all these together. I loved the journey- this is my top pick so far this year.

A fascinating book. I loved the use of the Choose Your own Adventure episodes, adding a light touch to a dark subject. The slow reveal of dad’s life story gives real insight as to exactly what Finn is going through.

There is so much to love about this book: the sensitive unfolding of the plot; the development of Finn's character; the humor; the use of a variety of literary devices; and of course, a wonderful bighearted dog. This is a book that will make you laugh, cry, think, and reread. A fabulous must-read life affirming verse novel!

Of all my reads this year, this holds the top spot so far. The beginning captivated me and the prose format makes it so accessible. I wanted to get out in the mountains and felt inspired like I haven't for some time by a children's book. the humor mixed with the slow reveal of the stories and how everything was connected landed beautifully. it has meaning, it has heart, it has humor. I can't recommend or talk about it enough. Hoping it gets some love and consideration by the committee.

Just finished Trouble with Heroes with tears coming out of my eyes. Loved everything about it! I want to be a 46er now too! I hope I can find the cookie recipes online somewhere. My top choice from what I have read so far this year.

I really loved this book (and cried). Finn’s story in verse was both moving and authentic. The recipes were a fun addition to a rather somber tale. I think this book would be well suited for students in middle school (grades 7-8 especially).