Off the Beaten Track

Available October 19, 2021!

A breathtaking mountain adventure, in which a boy finds his inner strength, from the author of the critically-acclaimed, award-winning novel The Heart 

Paul is ten years old and lives with his aunt and uncle. Bruce, an old family friend, suddenly reappears after three years of silence, eager to keep a promise he made to Paul to take him on a three-day mountain trek. 

Paul longs for Bruce’s friendship and wants badly to prove himself. But he is also timid and unsure, and Bruce—who is better at doing than explaining—doesn’t make it any easier.

A dramatic event gives Paul the chance to find his inner strength, and to show himself and everyone else what he is capable of.

This uniquely illustrated coming-of-age story for teens can help create thought-provoking discussion about: 

• Finding independence, resiliency, and self-confidence 
• The importance of guidance and mentorship from trusted adults 

An Aldana Libros Book, Greystone Kids

Maylis de Kerangal is a French author and translator whose translated novel, Mend the Living, was longlisted for the Man Booker International Prize and in 2017 won the Wellcome Book Prize. She lives in Paris, France. This is her debut book for children in English.

Tom Haugomat is a noted graphic artist who studied at the prestigious art school Gobelins, where he specialized in animation. His book about an astronaut, Through a Life, has been published in English, and it received a Special Mention in the BolognaRagazzi fiction prize. His illustrations appear in the New York Times, the New Yorker, Le Monde and the New Republic. He lives in Paris.