The Trouble with Heroes Kate Messner – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

The Trouble with Heroes Kate Messner

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

book2025

85%

WISE Score

4.8

Amazon

A grieving kid climbs 46 mountains in one summer to work off vandalism charges—and finds himself along the way.

The Trouble with Heroes Kate Messner

book

2025

85%

WISE Score

4.8

Amazon

A grieving kid climbs 46 mountains in one summer to work off vandalism charges—and finds himself along the way.

4.8

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Screenwise Verdict

This is a genuinely moving, well-crafted middle-grade novel that doesn't shy away from hard emotions. Kate Messner uses the 46-peak challenge as a brilliant metaphor for grief work—each summit brings Finn (and readers) closer to understanding loss, heroism, and self-worth.

The book has serious credentials (NYT bestseller, multiple best-of-year lists, 4.8 stars on Amazon) and delivers on both emotional depth and adventure. It's not a light read—you're signing up for tears and tough conversations—but it's the kind of book that stays with kids and helps them process their own complicated feelings.

If your kid is ready for a story about grief, this is one of the better ones out there. Just make sure they're emotionally prepared, because this will hit hard.

Age Fit

Common Sense Media says 10+, and that feels right. Kids younger than 9 might struggle with the grief themes and emotional complexity, but strong readers 10-14 will find this deeply resonant. Teens up to 15 could still connect with the father-son dynamics and outdoor challenge.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

A deeply emotional but healthy exploration of grief, with a protagonist working through the loss of his firefighter father. The story models resilience, accountability (Finn must make amends for vandalism), and connection through mentorship. The hiking journey provides a grounded, therapeutic framework for processing complicated feelings about a parent who was both hero and absent. No toxic relationships or manipulative dynamics—just honest, age-appropriate emotional work.

Imaginative

The 46-peak summer challenge is a creative narrative hook that turns the Adirondacks into a character itself. The structure—climbing mountains as a metaphor for personal growth—is well-executed but not groundbreaking. The addition of a dead woman's dog adds quirky charm. It's more contemplative than wildly inventive, but the outdoor adventure framework invites readers to imagine themselves on the trails and consider their own challenges differently.

Safe

Common Sense Media rates it 10+, noting mountain climbing peril and a parent's death as the primary concerns. The father's death is a central theme but handled with sensitivity—no graphic violence or surprise trauma. Some 'somewhat graphic' descriptions of peril exist but are contextual to hiking challenges. Substance abuse is mentioned (likely related to grief processing) but not glorified. For a middle-grade book tackling heavy themes, it's appropriately bounded and won't blindside readers with inappropriate content.

Enriching

This is where the book shines. Multiple reviews highlight its 'healing power,' exploration of grief, and wrestling with complex feelings about a heroic but flawed parent. The physical challenge of hiking 46 peaks becomes a vehicle for building resilience, grit, and self-understanding. Readers gain insight into processing loss, making amends, and redefining what 'hero' means. The outdoor adventure element teaches about nature, perseverance, and facing fears. A USA Today bestseller and NYT bestseller with strong critical acclaim—genuinely moving and meaningful.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Tackles grief and complicated feelings about a heroic but flawed parent with genuine emotional depth
The 46-peak challenge is a brilliant framework for building resilience and grit—kids will feel Finn's exhaustion and triumph
Multiple accolades (NYT bestseller, Kirkus Best Book, Read with Jenna Jr. pick) signal strong writing and kid appeal
Outdoor adventure element is refreshing—gets kids thinking about nature, hiking, and physical challenges as healing
Models accountability and making amends in a creative, non-preachy way

⚠

What to Watch For

This is emotionally heavy—a parent's death is the central theme, and kids will need to be ready for grief processing
Mountain peril includes some intense moments (falls, weather, exhaustion) that might worry sensitive readers
Substance abuse is mentioned in context of grief—likely brief but worth noting
Best for kids who can handle nuanced emotions and won't be overwhelmed by sadness

Conversation Starters

"Finn's dad was a hero to everyone else but wasn't always there for Finn. How can someone be both?"
"What would your 46-peak challenge look like? What hard thing would help you work through something tough?"
"Why do you think the author chose hiking as the way for Finn to heal?"
"Finn has to bring a dead woman's dog on the hikes. How do you think that changes his journey?"
"What does it mean to be a hero? Does it have to look like Finn's dad, or can it be different?"

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