Alone in the Woods

In this novel by Rebecca Behrens, the reader encounters two plot conflicts.  The first is a struggling relationship between two friends.  Alex went away to camp and came back with a new friend and a new attitude.  Jocelyn expects them to pick up like they always had, but her best friend's betrayal stings.  Jocelyn hopes their summer trip away will bring Alex back to her emotionally.  However, when a rafting trip goes wrong, the girls have to put aside their squabbles and work together to survive.  I was a bit disappointed with Alex's character.  I understand the need for belonging and being cool will resonate with readers.  However, I wish the message was that you should be more like Jocelyn and not care about that.  There was way too much emphasis on acceptance and being with the cool kids - even when those cool kids are cruel.  I think it missed the mark there.  This book is on the NH Great Stone Face list for 2022-23.  (FIC BEH)