Growing up without her mom, Ava has relied on consistent routines, exhaustive risk 

assessment, and careful research to keep herself safe from uncertainty. For the most 

part, her life in small-town Iowa has been stable. That is, until now.

 

As soon as sixth grade ends, Dad is whisking Ava away to meet his girlfriend and her daughter in terrifying Colorado, where even the ground squirrels can be deadly. Managing her anxiety, avoiding altitude sickness, and surviving the 

mountains might take all Ava’s strength.

 

Can she stay in control when everything around her is changing so quickly?