Tracks in the Snow

by Lucy Jane Bledsoe

Erin and her science project partner Tiffany become lost in the snow-covered Sierra mountains when Erin leads them on a trek to find her missing babysitter

Genres: Survival, Middle Grade, Childrens, Young Adult, Adventure

120 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1997

About the author

Preorder Lucy's new novel, ALL HANDS ON DECK, in which a queer 61-year-old marine biologist and a 25-year-old climate justice activist make a run for the Canadian border. Coming February 2nd: https://www.akashicbooks.com/catalog/...
Meanwhile, TELL THE REST, which received starred reviews from both Kirkus and Library Journal, about love, rage, and redemption, is available at https://amzn.to/3QRyHXD. The New York Times says Lucy Jane Bledsoe's novel, A THIN BRIGHT LINE, "triumphs." Ms. Magazine calls her novel, THE EVOLUTION OF LOVE, "fabulous feminist fiction." Her 2018 collection of stories, LAVA FALLS, won the Devil's Kitchen Fiction Award. Bledsoe played basketball in both high school and college. As a social justice activist, she's passionate about working for voting rights.

Reviews

[Samantha]

First I have to say, wow there are a lot of typos.

Second, this is a book I recall owning as a kid, though I couldn't remember if I had gotten rid of it or if I had lost it. As such, upon coming across another copy of it, I decided to re-read it.

I'm pretty sure I did purposefully get rid of it, but that's not to say it's a bad book. I enjoyed the main two characters and how they used their smarts to try and survive a bad situation. Yes, they did get themselves into the mess, but it made sense with how the adults had reacted to the news of Amy disappearing--of just assuming Amy had moved.

So, for a young kid, there's plenty of tension as well as smart characters to keep you reading. However, it does take a bit to start to like the two main characters, as they both come across as a bit annoying early on. Also, while there is suspense for it they make it out alive or not, I never formed a strong attachment to them.

So, there's nothing really wrong with this book (aside from the typos), and I did enjoy it as a kid, but not enough for me to keep it.

[Amy Varchetti]

At first the story seemed a little dated and I wasn't sure I would enjoy it, but once the characters enter the forest (and become lost) the survival part of the story was pretty exciting! I think kids will love it if they can get past the beginning few chapters.

[Judy E.]

A survival junior novel that features 2 middle school girls trapped in the California Sierra mountains during an April snow storm. A good read, but not especially memorable, although I liked the characters and found the plot believable.

[Nancy]

Foolishness, lies and disobedience are not justified by the good outcome. Good lessons and good intentions.

[Nichole Bogart]

I first read this book in middle school, and I really liked it. I could not remember how it ended, so I figured I would read it again.

[Brynja]

Flynn liked it but it was NOT as good as I remembered.

[Tanya Diehl]

This is a story about a girl who feels sure something happened to her babysitter when the babysitter didn't show up one night. Erin decides to search for Amy in the woods, after tricking her new friend into helping, when no one takes her seriously. A snow storm forces the girls to try to survive injury, wild animals, and the elements. This is a cute story which shows determination and loyalty. It was on the Young Adult shelf, but would probably be best for ages 8-12. That being said, it was entertaining enough and not as predictable with some of the elements. A story of survival, a better recommended read for anyone a little older would be My Side of the Mountain.

[Lisa]

I enjoy learning things while I read. Even though I was never a girl scout, there were a few tips that the girls learned while in the scout club.


Erin and Tiffany are snowbound, with only one thought -- survival. When Amy doesn't show up to baby-sit, Erin knows that something must be terribly wrong. But who will believe her? Everyone tells Erin the same thing -- Amy is irresponsible -- so Erin decides to go looking. She persuades Tiffany, her new science partner, to do a project on animal tracks, figuring the project will give her an excuse to search the woods for Amy. While the two girls are in the woods, a sudden spring blizzard strikes

[Amy]

Joseph read & reported on this. Amy the babysitter is missing but Erin is the only one who thinks so. Is she brave enough to disobey her parents and go into the winter woods looking for Amy herself? The story is good but ends abruptly.

[Elaine Burnes]

It's not easy finding adventure books for fourth graders with girls as the main characters (who aren't aided or rescued by a boy), so this was a nice addition for that age group (though I'm an adult and enjoyed it myself).

[Jessie]

I loved this book. I devoured it in one sitting.

[Scott]

At it's core it's a survival story and not once did I find myself worrying that they would not survive, I never found myself "lost" in the story.

[Kristi]

My students related to the animal tracks and looking for the babysitter. But much of the mystery and worry that the book is based upon was lost on my third graders.

[Kelly Knapp]

Erin's baby sitter is missing, but no one seems to care. So, she takes it upon herself to try to find her, but lies to her science partner to help.

[Anna]

3.5 Cute short simple story of friendship, wild places and survival.