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The Courage Test Paperback – October 31, 2017

by James Preller (Author)
4.2 4.2 out of 5 stars 23 ratings
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In this middle grade novel by James Preller, a father and son journey along the Lewis and Clark Trail―from Fort Mandan to the shining sea―offering readers a genre-bending blend of American history, thrilling action, and the personal discovery that comes with facing an illness.

Will has no choice. His father, a professor of American history, drags him along on a wilderness adventure in the footsteps of the legendary explorers Lewis and Clark―whether he likes it or not. All the while, Will senses that something about this trip isn’t quite right. His parents are divorced, and he hasn't spent much time with his father. Why now? And why is Will's mother practically pushing him out the door?

Along the journey, Will meets fascinating strangers and experiences new thrills, including whitewater rapids and a heart-pounding encounter with a bear. This, along with getting to know his dad, tests Will in ways he hasn't faced before. But the biggest test of his courage isn't on the road; it's facing an illness that will be life-changing.

The Courage Test is a heartfelt novel about adversity and resilience, told from the first-person perspective of a young boy.

This title has Common Core connections.

Praise for The Courage Test:

“Preller stirs doses of American history into a first-rate road trip that does traditional double-duty as plot device and coming-of-age metaphor. Will is initially baffled and furious at being abruptly forced to accompany his divorced father, a history professor, on a long journey retracing much of the trail of Lewis and Clark. . . . Will survives a meeting with a bear and a spill into dangerous rapids--tests of courage that will help him weather the bad news that awaits him at home.” ―Booklist, starred review

“Whatever young explorers look for on their literary road trips, they’ll find it here.” ―The Bulletin

“The lively narrative is interspersed with Will’s entries for a school writing assignment, which contain lots of facts about the original journey, as well as postcards to his mother. Despite the emotional heft, there is plenty of action, including white-water rafting and a close encounter with a bear. A middle grade winner to hand to fans of history, adventure, and family drama.” ―School Library Journal

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  1. Reading age
    9 - 12 years
  2. Print length
    240 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Grade level
    Preschool - 2
  5. Lexile measure
    630L
  6. Dimensions
    5.3 x 0.85 x 7.55 inches
  7. Publisher
    Square Fish
  8. Publication date
    October 31, 2017
  9. ISBN-10
    1250093937
  10. ISBN-13
    978-1250093936
  11. See all details
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Editorial Reviews

Review

“Preller stirs doses of American history into a first-rate road trip that does traditional double-duty as plot device and coming-of-age metaphor. . . . Will survives a meeting with a bear and a spill into dangerous rapids--tests of courage that will help him weather the bad news that awaits him at home.” ―Booklist, starred review

“Whatever young explorers look for on their literary road trips, they’ll find it here.” ―The Bulletin

“Despite the emotional heft, there is plenty of action . . . A middle grade winner to hand to fans of history, adventure, and family drama.” ―School Library Journal

About the Author

James Preller is the author of the popular Jigsaw Jones mystery books, which have sold more than 10 million copies since 1998. He is also the author of Bystander, named a 2009 Junior Library Guild Selection, Six Innings, an ALA Notable Book, and Mighty Casey, his own twist on the classic poem, “Casey at the Bat.” In addition to writing full-time, Preller plays in a men’s hardball league and coaches Little League. He compares coaching kids to “trying to hold the attention of a herd of earthworms.” He lives in Delmar, New York with his wife, three children, cats and dog.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Square Fish; Reprint edition (October 31, 2017)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 240 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1250093937
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1250093936
  • Reading age ‏ : ‎ 9 - 12 years
  • Lexile measure ‏ : ‎ 630L
  • Grade level ‏ : ‎ Preschool - 2
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 7.1 ounces
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.3 x 0.85 x 7.55 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.2 4.2 out of 5 stars 23 ratings

About the author

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James Preller

James Preller

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James Preller is the author of the popular Jigsaw Jones mystery books. He has also written widely for young readers of all ages, from picture books to young adult novels. Some middle-grade titles include: Blood Mountain (October, 2019), Bystander, named a 2009 Junior Library Guild Selection, Six Innings, an ALA Notable Book, The Courage Test, 2016 Junior Library Guild Selection, The Fall, a YALSA award-winner, Better Off Undead, and Before You Go -- as well as the "Scary Tales" and "Big Idea Gang" series. Younger readers might enjoy his pirate-themed books (A Pirate's Guide to First Grade) and an upcoming picture book of haiku, All Welcome Here (Spring, 2020). He lives in Delmar, New York, and gratefully visits schools around the country. He maintains a lively blog at jamespreller.com and may be contacted through that site.

Customer reviews

4.2 out of 5 stars
4.2 out of 5
23 global ratings

Top reviews from the United States

Brandy L. Danner
5.0 out of 5 stars Middle school adventure, family dynamics, and history
Reviewed in the United States on August 3, 2018
Will is stuck on a two week trek with his dad, exploring the Lewis & Clark trail. Will is missing his at the All-Star baseball team for this trip that he doesn't even want to go on. But slowly, the trip wins him over--his *dad* wins him over.
Light adventure, family dynamics, and a peppering of historical fact and allegory. Include in upper elementary and middle school libraries. In my middle school library, this went out over and over all year, and students recommended it to each other.
3 people found this helpful
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Gail J. Brown
4.0 out of 5 stars A Wondetful Father/Son Adventure
Reviewed in the United States on August 4, 2018
As a Children's Librarian, I selected The Courage Test knowing that it would elicit a lot of great discussion for our Family Book Discussion. My Family of Readers and I loved this book and had an engaging and provocative discussion. We were fortunate to have the author join us to facilitate the discussion. This story is a wonderful father/son journey and coming-of-age story with many "meaty" themes (perseverance, courage, family, "weird America" of past & present, complexities of immigration, and the wonders and tragedies of progress). This is a fast paced, quick read with great characters and situations. There is a nice blend of sadness and humor with elements of adventure and suspense. There is some really nice writing in this book with authentic characters and spot-on dialogue. The history of Lewis and Clark adds an interesting element as we look at the westward expansion of years ago and the America of today. This prompts the reader to ponder about the complexities of living in America and that, although it is not perfect, this is a great country founded on the principles of freedom. Most important, America is comprised of many peoples from many nations, which is a beautiful thing, and is what makes our country great. In addition, this is a country with many, many good people who try to do the right thing. Although there is a review about the "liberal" themes, this book is so much more than that. At it's core is a thought provoking father/son adventure where each comes to understand themselves and each other just a little bit more. I strongly recommend this book.
One person found this helpful
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Amazon Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars Father Son Road Trip Explores American History
Reviewed in the United States on August 7, 2018
An eager father and a reluctant son head off one summer on a transformative road trip tracing the path of Lewis and Clark. For those keeping score: two near death situations, one large secret revealed, two new friends, one memorable swim, one adopted family pet and countless wildlife spottings. This terrific, thoughtful fiction travelogue just might inspire you to plan your own summer road trip. A fabulous read! -R. Ekstrom
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Bailey
5.0 out of 5 stars Couldn’t put it down.
Reviewed in the United States on August 3, 2018
I read this in one sitting and really enjoyed the family dynamics as well as the journey. One of those books that I couldn’t put down.
6 people found this helpful
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MJ
1.0 out of 5 stars How do you know this book was written by a liberal?
Reviewed in the United States on April 19, 2018
Verified Purchase
How do you know this book was written by a liberal? I was enjoying this book until page79 and the comment about weird America where the native American said to the young boy "You saw the last election. Don't you agree?" So I looked and, yes, the book was published in 2017. Some people still can't get over the fact that their candidate lost the last election. The boys father was the intelligent college professor. I'll leave that one alone. When I reached the part how they were helping the girl who was in the country illegally and the father closes his eyes quotes the statue of liberty"Give me your tired, your poor, Your huddled masses yearning...." So the son says that feels right. Liberals vote on feelings, not on law. No gay or transgender? Maybe that will be in volume two. I read a lot and I buy books for my grandchildren as well. I could give this book to my grandson and then discuss it when he is finished but I think this time I will just toss it. I will look for something more wholesome for him to read.
6 people found this helpful
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Samuel C.
4.0 out of 5 stars Why this is a life changing book.
Reviewed in the United States on May 27, 2020
I'm not much of a reader I think the last time I read a full book was 3 years ago, but some book have a way of pulling me in and captivating me. This book stared off slow but as as the story picked up and the son and his father started their Lewis & Clark historical journey in to the wilderness, it became an action packed adventure with them meeting many interesting and knowledgeable characters on their journey. For instance, they meet a native Indian man that is friends with his father by the name Ollokot but they called him Ollie. He teaches William many things when they are forced to paddle by themselves up a river to get back to his father.
My favorite quote from this book is from William's father when he was passing down wisdom "The wheel of progress rolls over everything in its path, indifferent" (Preller, pg67). This quote means to me that no matter how many times you fall down, its just small steps towards progress.
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Paul Acampora
5.0 out of 5 stars A great American novel
Reviewed in the United States on August 4, 2018
Road trips, wilderness, father/son drama, baseball, American history, and a bear... The Courage Test is a deeply American story and a great American novel for readers of all ages. I've already read it twice, shared it with my son and my Dad, and  look forward to reading it again. Highly recommended.
2 people found this helpful
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Alex Flinn
5.0 out of 5 stars Engrossing!
Reviewed in the United States on August 3, 2018
This is a great road trip novel that will really appeal to boy reluctant readers. They’ll be drawn in to Will’s story and maybe be inspired to have their own adventures. Highly recommend!
4 people found this helpful
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