Run for the Trees
By Mandy Hager 

     This fast-paced adventure takes place in New Zealand, where teenager Ben and his Uncle Rick wage a battle to save the Ecolands Forest. Government officials see only the fast profit in clear-cutting the trees.

     Ben's "Mum" takes a short vacation, leaving Rick in charge of Ben. Rick is called away to take care of some last minute details in the plan to thwart the destruction of the forest, leaving instructions for Ben to follow.

     Ben boards a ferry, only to realize that he is being followed by two men bent on finding and stopping Uncle Rick. In serious trouble, Ben is rescued by a teen-aged runaway named Ange. Ange and Ben are going the same direction, and help each other to overcome the many obstacles to their goal.

     Mandy Hager is a master at building great characters. Her authentic-sounding local terminology really adds to the feeling of being there. Ben and Uncle Rick are both struggling with dyslexia, though the story is not about that. Ange is a delightful, if unpredictable character, and the plot is full of twists and surprises to keep you on the edge of your seat.

     I thoroughly enjoyed this exciting story and highly recommend it. It will hold the interest of even reluctant readers.

     Hagar has also written Juno Lucina, an adult general fiction book. I'm looking forward to reading more by this talented writer.