Devil's Pass (Seven (the Series))
Webb is tough. His stepfather is abusive, so he has been living on the streets of Toronto for awhile; it seems the best way to protect his mother. But now his beloved grandfather has died, and his will sends Webb north to hike the Canol Trail and solve a 50-year-old mystery. Add grizzly bears and a psychotic local who has taken a disliking to Webb, and you have a strong, fast-paced survival story with a kick. Flesh it out with acoustic guitar riffs, World War II air shows, and an imperfect hero with a conscience, and the result is a thoughtful exploration of issues like love, trust, responsibility, guilt, and identity. This explores secrets on many levels and delivers handsomely with a resolution that satisfies but doesn’t simplify. Happily, there are six other titles in the series, all of which have one of David McLean’s grandsons fulfilling a part of his last will and testament. Grades 7-9. --Melissa  Moore