Kidnapped At The Icefall: Action Adventure Novella for Kids 8-12 Paperback – May 4, 2018

I haven’t read many books outside of work lately, but I picked up this one thinking my mother would enjoy it because she is interested in Japanese culture. Waiting for her turn at a doctor’s office, I read the first couple of chapters and found it hard to put down. The young characters came to life quickly, variously relatable for their preteen cockiness, naivety and bravery, reminding me a bit of the youngsters the 80s movie “Stand by Me”. On a daring rescue mission, young Tak and his friend risk extreme danger pursuing a kidnapper in snow covered mountains, climbing up a frozen waterfall, and rappelling down an abandoned lightless mine shaft. In moments of distress, Tak recalls his mother’s gentle teachings about tea ceremony, and applies her lessons of mindfulness to regain his focus. I breathlessly finished the book the same evening I started it, and loved the adventure and cultural sharing in this book as much as characters. I still have a soft place in my heart for Tak, and hope author Mariko Tatsumoto writes a sequel – she is a wonderful story teller and educator. High recommend for both preteens and adults - I'm sure my mother will find it gripping too!

Great story, characters and lessons about Japanese beliefs. I also enjoyed reading and learning more about climbing. Just a great story.

"Kidnapped at the Icefall" is written for kids 8-12, but a fun read at any age. A page-turned. A novella is much more difficult to write than a novel and Mariko has gone a great job. She is developing a following and can't wait for her next book.