The story is fantastic. Lots of twists and turns. A very strong heroine. I'd for sure recommend it to all the tween girls out there. Pick this one up.

If I could recommend only one book for pre-teen girls, it would be The Kayak.

Step aside Gossip Girl - there's a new heroine in the literary world. Teresa is the kind of girl I wanted to become: independent, creative, thoughtful and funny. Teresa is paralyzed from the waist down, but this girl is no victim. She rescues - both physically and emotionally - many of the secondary characters in this novel.

The plot is a romantic coming-of-age story, dealing with many of the issues faced by pre-adolescent girls today. Teresa's conflicted feelings are clearly expressed through Spring's skillful prose. Foreshadowing for the plot twists is expertly handled; under Spring's pen, the love triangle story becomes fresh and fun. Emotions run high, but Teresa's self-respect keeps physical contact limited to kisses.

The setting is as compelling as the plot and characters. Spring's love for the Georgian Bay area shows clearly through every stroke of Teresa's paddle. Kayak adventures, swimming in the lake, nighttime campfires and horseback riding anchor this book in the idyllic world of summer vacation.

I look forward to recommending this book to all my students. Ultimately, this book leaves a reader entertained and intrigued. Its thought-provoking treatment of handicapped people will stay with readers even after the last page is turned. The Kayak will not disappoint.