Into the Wilderness

In STAR we are reading the book Downriver. As we read this book as a class, it is amazing to look around the SILENT classroom with students following along in their individual books. The book is narrated by a 15 year old girl, Jessie, who was sent to Wilderness Therapy by her father. Jessie’s mother passed away when she was a five and she and her father had always had a close relationship. Once Jessie’s father began a serious relationship, Jessie began to rebel. Her father tried to reach out to her to help her, but Jessie refused the help. Her father’s last resort was to send her away to Wilderness Therapy. In Wilderness Therapy the group is pushed to their physical limits in climbing, whitewater river rafting, and other outdoor adventures. While being pushed to their physical limits the group members need to learn to rely on one another’s help.

Jessie’s group decided to continue their rebellious behaviors practiced at home. As their group leader is getting a permit to whitewater river raft, Jessie and her group steal the leader’s car and rafts. With their new stolen goods they drive to the Grand Canyon and begin an experience of a lifetime. Their adventures begin as they river raft down the Colorado River without a map. The  group grows together and learns from one another as they overcome difficult rapids and injuries. The group seems to get  along, but will conflict soon arise????