Echo Mountain

Echo Mountain
Lauren Wolk
Dutton, April, 2020 356 pages
Grades 5-8

Historical Fiction

Since the Great Depression hit and both of her parents lost their jobs, Ellie and her family had to move from town to first a tent and then a cabin on a mountain in rural Maine. A terrible accident occurred a few months before, landing Dad in a coma and Ellie has taken the blame to protect her siblings. Now nothing is right and it has fallen on Ellie to take over many of Dad's responsibilities. Beautiful little carved figures have appeared in strange places and Ellie thinks she sees a face watching her from the woods. A stay dog leads her up mountain to a cabin where the old Hag lives. Upon entering the cabin Ellie discovers the Hag with an injured and infected leg and a high fever. She springs into action and works to save the old woman's life only to make a new friend. Cate, the Hag, teachers Ellie about healing and introduces her to another mountain resident, whom Ellie's family has previously never met, yet with whom have much in common. Ellie is trying so many different and crazy things to try to wake Dad out of his coma. Will Cate actually be able to help her-assuming she lives through the injury? The mystery behind what actually happened during Dad's accident and the identity of the secret carver are all revealed as Ellie and her family find healing and peace during troubled times.

Wolf Hollow, Lauren Wolk's debut, was my favorite book of 2016. So far, though it is still early days, this is my favorite book of 2020. Wolk offers a beautifully written account of a mountain family during the Great Depression that transforms the reader directly to that place and time. The writing is careful and intentional and the plot is revealed in such a way to encourage the reader to keep turning pages. All of the characters experience growth and are developed to be both heroes and flawed individuals. The reader will certainly sympathize with Ellie, the first-person main character, yet we come to understand the motivations behind each of the supporting cast as well. Somehow, even though life is rough for these folks, the story feels like being wrapped in a warm blanket, much like watching an episode of The Walton’s. During the hard times America is currently facing it is inspirational to see previous generations rise to the occasion and I found it hopeful that they are able to conquer their tragic circumstances. The ending turns out well for Ellie and her family and new friends. They do not magically acquire money and a higher lifestyle, but find peace of mind and healing, which is much more important. Pass onto fans of the author's other work or that of Kimberly Brubaker Bradley or Jennifer Holm.