SASQUATCH

Children roaming Washington State’s forests become embroiled in a hunt for Bigfoot in Seubert’s debut middle-grade novel.

It’s bad enough that 13-year-old Connor Townsend’s parents are in the process of a divorce; now, camping out with his dad, traditionally “guy time” only, includes his kid sister, Penny. And the trip only gets worse when Connor’s golden retriever puppy, Dax, slips his collar and runs off into the woods. The Townsends search for Dax, but they ultimately return home sans puppy as the siblings’ father is worried about the giant “wild animal” rumored to be in the area. Connor is, of course, devastated, but his best friend, Darius Mitchell, hatches a simple plan—they can skip school and return to the campgrounds to find Dax. After they’re joined by the mischievous Penny, who’s determined to show that girls are as capable as boys, the trio has a shocking encounter: They catch sight of the legendary Bigfoot. Evidently, the woods have revealed various signs of an “ape-like cryptid,” and some are offering reward money for its ensnarement. Connor discovers a company online willing to fork over a cool million for a sasquatch, a haul that would unquestionably change the Townsend and Mitchell families’ lives. Unfortunately, the kids aren’t the only ones tracking down Bigfoot; there’s also a group of men flashing U.S. Marshal badges on the creature’s trail. Connor, Darius, and Penny certainly want to get to the sasquatch before the Marshals, but a hefty reward isn’t their sole incentive—they’d rather the hulking creature run free than be a captive for sinister purposes.

Seubert’s engrossing but undemanding tale comes with a largely appealing cast. Connor and Darius may “ditch” school, but only to ensure that a beloved puppy is safe. In the same vein, Penny’s wit and genuine compassion make her more charming than bratty, and it’s unmistakable that the brother and sister are close. While the parents remain mostly in the background, the story aptly shows how a divorce (or, in Darius’ case, being raised by a single mother working two jobs) affects the kids. Other adult characters leave an impression as well, including kindhearted park ranger Rick, who’s trained in Search and Rescue; a “hermit” named Jones who lives off the land and easily traverses dense woods; and the Marshals, who showcase an intriguing range of villainy. Although these antagonists are never outright violent, they are definitely a threat and play a part in the unexpected final-act turn. An ensuing denouement provides both satisfying resolution and an open ending. This book is a quick read as the narrative moves from one obstacle to the next, like dangerous river currents or needing to get around without a driver’s license. The author effectively captures the ever-present forest’s sights, sounds, and smells, from an elk with huge, tree branch-like antlers to snapping twigs giving away someone’s position to the unabating fragrance of “sweet tree sap and pine” in the air. Pares’ black-and-white illustrations, which preface each chapter, deliver such imagery, whether depicting a set of the sasquatch’s colossal footprints or two cups of whipped cream-laden hot chocolate.

A breezy, delightfully entertaining story of a legendary creature.