WE CAN ALL USE some encouragement, no matter our age. And that’s exactly what you’ll find in “Little Mountain, Big Trouble,” a debut young adult novel by Owatonna writer Chris Norbury.
I don’t typically read fiction written for youth. But when I met Norbury this summer at Faribault’s Heritage Days and learned about his latest book, I knew I had to read it. I’m a fan of Norbury’s writing. He’s the author of three books in the Matt Lanier mystery/suspense/thriller series. All are set in Minnesota, which makes them even more appealing to me.
Given the differences in writing mysteries for adults versus fiction for youth, I wondered if Norbury could pull it off. He did, and so well that I wanted to continue reading “Little Mountain, Big Trouble” one evening well past my bed-time. That, in my opinion, is the sign of a good book.
BULLIED
The story centers around 12-year-old Eduardo, or EJ, who’s unpopular, bullied, short and at that awkward middle school age with its uncertainties, peer pressure and insecurities. Toss in poverty, a broken family and other challenges and you have a relatable read. I imagine many middle or high schoolers can empathize with EJ’s pain, struggles and lack of confidence. Even I, decades removed from junior high school, felt difficult memories of bullying surge back. Some things you just never forget. I still carry the pain of name-calling with me. But, because of that, I lean into compassion, understanding, empathy and kindness.
BIG BROTHER, LITTLE BROTHER
Norbury’s book is filled with all of that, too, no surprise given his experiences as a Big Brother. In real life, he mentored boys through Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southern Minnesota and now donates a portion of his book sale proceeds to the organization. When we met, Norbury enthused about the program and how much his “little brothers” meant, still mean, to him.
In “Little Mountain, Big Trouble,” main character EJ is paired with Big Brother, Russ. That relationship focuses the story-line as the chapters unfold. Although a disclaimer at the front of the book assures the content is fictional, I understand that, as a writer, our writing is influenced by what we’ve lived or observed.
CLIMBING MOUNTAINS
It takes EJ a while to trust Russ, to realize that his Big Brother is not perfect and is there to support him. Russ doesn’t talk down to EJ, but rather listens to and encourages him, like they are equals in many ways. Eventually, EJ opens up about his goal to become a mountain climber. At this point, I wondered what Norbury was thinking by writing that into the plot. A Minnesota kid with no mountain climbing background wanting to climb Mount Everest?
Russ doesn’t dismiss EJ’s dream as insurmountable. Rather, he breaks the goal down into doable steps, starting first with training and then climbing Eagle Mountain. That mountain is real, the highest point in Minnesota, with much of the hiking trail to the summit running through the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.
ANXIOUS AND WORRIED
And that is where EJ and Russ end up, heading up, then down, the mountain. And this is where the tension thickens to the point that I am feeling anxious and worried. To elicit that response in the reader shows Norbury’s skills as a writer. The duo face challenges that test their strength and endurance, even threaten Russ’ life.
WE ALL NEED SOMEONE
I won’t spoil the book by revealing the outcome of that mountain hike. But know that the book ends in a heart-warming way. EJ has developed confidence, gained the acceptance and respect of his peers, and grown to understand that he can overcome, and do, anything. Sometimes it just takes someone, like Russ, believing in you and cheering you on, just as I expect Chris Norbury did for his little brothers.
© Copyright 2024 Audrey Kletscher Helbling
Minnesota Prairie Roots 
looks like a winner book. Have to read it now 🙂 Lov kathyg
This is a winner book, Kathy.
Thank you for sharing. My interest is piqued. I hope to read this book soon and include my grandson, if it is appropriate for his 7-year-old mind. 🙂
Seven seems a little too young for this book. I’d suggest 11 and older. I highly-recommend it for all adults.
Thank you!
You’re welcome.
Hi ChatterLei,
As the author, I wrote the book for kids in the 9-13 age range (what’s known as Middle Grade readers; roughly 5th to 8th grade) but recognize that all kids are at different reading levels. If your 7-year-old grandson is reading at a grade or two above his age, he might be able to read it easily and understand the story. That said, it might not connect with him socially because it deals with the angst and feelings and relationships of young teens and adolescents who are more socially mature than most 7 year olds. But if you read it first, you’ll be able to decide if you think it’s a good book for him. Thanks for your interest.
Chris, thank you for clarifying this for ChatterLei (and me).
Even though it’s written for middle-school/young adults, I want to read this book. We just read “Lost in the Wild” by Cary J. Griffith for our Nature Book Club at the Northland Arboretum. The story is about 2 different men in 2 different time periods getting lost in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. The story shows how incredibly easy it is to get lost in the woods, simply by making a little misstep.
Definitely read this book, Rose. I think all adults would benefit from reading this. Thanks for the tip on Cary Griffith’s book.
Thank you so much for the thoughtful positive review of my book, Audrey. I really appreciate the time and effort you took to read the book and write about it. Everything you said was spot on exactly what I was trying to communicate to readers. May I have your permission to share this review on my social media and advertising, perhaps even quote a line or two for a book blurb in the next edition?
You are welcome, Chris. Yes, absolutely, please DO share on social media and advertising. And feel free to quote in your next book blurb. I look forward to your next book. You are an incredibly talented writer and just an all-around delightful, caring individual. It was a joy to meet you this summer in Faribault.
Thank you, Audrey. I truly appreciate the support. I equally enjoyed meeting you. I hope our paths cross again soon.
You are welcome, Chris. And, yes, I hope we connect again in person.
Thanks for the review. I just put in a request for it at our library. 😉
Excellent. I know you will appreciate this book, Valerie.
Gosh – I love reading YA books so this might be one I would enjoy. It’s funny how sometimes books speak to you in a way that you need to be spoken to and I find that YA books have a lot to offer. If only I had more time to read everything that is recommended — wouldn’t that be wonderful?
Yes, Beth Ann, you would like this book. And, yes, if only we had more time to read everything recommended.
Thank you. I will read the book first, and if it seems appropriate, my grandson and I will read together and discuss as we read. 🙂
Chris was at our festival. I just sent him your review which was an excellent overview with thoughtful observations.
Yes, I saw Chris was at your festival. And, yes, he read my review. Thank you for your kind words regarding my book review.
It sounds like a great read and if it’s set in the MidWest I’m in. I will have to add this to my never ending to – read list
Yes, set in Minnesota. And, yes, you must read this book. I’m like you with a never ending list and stack of books.