The Long Way Up: A Mountain Trail Adventure

By Beth L. Wickstrum

The Long Way Up: A Mountain Trail Adventure by Beth L. WickstrumDiscover the power of friendship, courage, and the healing beauty of the outdoors in The Long Way Up: A Mountain Trail Adventure by Beth L. Wickstrum.

When fifth graders Miles and Nick set out on a class hiking trip to Pine Summit, they expect a tough climb-but they don't expect the journey to change them from the inside out. Miles is carrying more than a backpack up the mountain. His mind races with worries about school, friendships, baseball, and fitting in. Nick is struggling too, trying to keep up while quietly facing his own fears and doubts.

As the boys make their way through towering redwoods, whispering pine forests, flower-filled meadows, and winding mountain trails, they encounter breathtaking wildlife, unexpected challenges, and moments of wonder that slowly quiet the noise inside their heads. But when they take a wrong turn deep in the wilderness, the adventure becomes more than just a hike-it becomes a lesson in teamwork, resilience, forgiveness, and finding peace in nature.

Filled with heart, humor, and vivid outdoor adventure, The Long Way Up is an inspiring coming-of-age story for readers ages 9-13 who love hiking, wildlife, friendship stories, and meaningful journeys of self-discovery. Perfect for fans of nature adventures and emotionally rich middle-grade fiction, this unforgettable story reminds readers that sometimes the hardest trails lead to the most important discoveries.

Parents, teachers, and young readers alike will appreciate this uplifting novel's positive messages about perseverance, empathy, emotional growth, and the importance of slowing down and truly seeing the world around us.Because sometimes the journey matters even more than the summit.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: B0H22W6XFP
• ISBN13: 9798197122445
• Release Date: May 2026
• Publisher: Independently published
• Length: 73 Pages
• Weight: 0.22 lbs.
• Dimensions: 8.5" x 0.2" x 5.5"