I enjoyed this book. It was published in 2000, and all the references are modern. It is less than 20,000 words so is suitable for a competent Year 4 reader through to a Year 6 reader. It is a story of a young girl; however, the story would appeal to both boys and girls.

I actually thought the story was about crossing the Blue Mountains on the east coast of Australia, until mountain lions were mentioned. I was disappointed it was not Australian. Perhaps I can get the children in my class to write an Australian version.

A girl has a journal account written by her great, great, great grandfather and becomes obsessed with his own obsession to see what is on the other side of the mountain range. (Perhaps google earth could have helped here.) Anyway, she goes on an adventure with her grandfather. I would have liked the mountain lion attack to have been described in greater detail. Kids will enjoy this – it is well-written.

I hate the cover of this book – yuck!