Adventure novels for young adults about finding your own voice, developing integrity, empathy, belonging and independence.

“Joe Paul’s The Trouble with Troop 94 is a fantastic coming-of-age adventure, with Robbie as the sort of boy you cannot help cheering for. There’s something wonderful about the way his leadership comes naturally, particularly when he rolls up his sleeves to tackle filthy camping supplies alongside his fellow scouts. Sawyer is absolutely hilarious, with a gift for winding people up that brings priceless comedy to the boys’ escapades. Just picture him circling Kyle’s mother on his skateboard as she desperately tries to catch him.

The use of music is superb, as The Clash accompanies a knot practice before the boys turn favorite punk songs into campfire anthems. The descriptions of the outdoors are gorgeous, especially forest trails bordered by Douglas firs, with western hemlocks rising nearby. Then there’s that moonlit lake beneath a waterfall, with stars filling the sky. Readers who appreciate friendship-driven coming-of-age adventures are in for a treat. Very highly recommended.”