The High Climber of Dark Water Bay

Gr 5–8—When her father dies as the result of suicide after the stock market crash of 1929, 12-year-old orphan Lizzie must find work even though she lacks any marketable talents. An invitation to travel alone to her wealthy uncle's logging camp in the Vancouver wilderness, where she will work for the summer as governess for his sons, provides a short-lived solution. When she arrives there, Lizzie finds that her uncle and his family have left and the camp boss, a vile and greedy alcoholic, has devised a plan to hold Lizzie for ransom. With the help of the loggers, Lizzie learns skills she never thought she could and becomes a part of their team. Descriptions of the camp and of the logging procedures are fascinating, though unfamiliar readers might experience some difficulty following along. While the premise is exciting and Lizzie is a brave and resourceful protagonist, the suspense level is relatively low; readers are not likely to truly fear for her safety.