It wasn't her choice to go. But from the moment the bush plane splashed down on the Alaskan lake, there was no turning back for 11-year-old Monty. Her widowed father's job brought them to the edge of wilderness. Her journey that summer of 1953 would take her through rugged terrain, dangerous wildlife and unlikely friendships to the wonder and mystery beyond the Falls.
The Falls by Janet R. Macreery is a children’s story about an eleven-year-old girl named Monty embarking on an Alaskan adventure with her father. Her father is offered a job in the wilderness of Alaska at a fishing camp for men called Brooks River in Katmai National Monument. Their journey begins when they travel to their destination by a bush plane and settle into their sturdy tent. Monty must learn to be constantly on guard for the numerous dangers that can harm her, especially the bears that come out of hibernation seeking salmon in the rivers and waterfalls. With the help of her new friends, Mrs. Devon and Mr. Charles, Monty spends the summer learning about the wildlife and plants in Alaska, while also gaining independence and confidence within herself.
Author Janet R. Macreery pens an extraordinary masterpiece in children’s fiction with an endearing and relatable heroine in Monty. Readers cannot help but be enthralled by Monty’s resiliency and bravery in exploring her treacherous surroundings and overcoming obstacles. I loved following Monty’s trips with Mrs. Devon to learn about the plants and animals around the camp with so much fascinating detail. Readers will also learn about important life lessons like the cycle of life in nature, death, logic, bullies, friendships, and more. This series should continue to follow Monty every summer as I can see it becoming a beloved classic that stands the test of time. Readers of all ages will surely fall in love as I did with The Falls.
