When Mike Longridge gets himself in trouble yet again, he is given a choice: juvenile detention or an outdoor program called Explore.

He opts for Explore, but soon finds himself wondering how he is going to survive ten months with the hippies and keeners in the program. He's never felt so out of place and is certain he will never get the hang of the outdoor activities. Will Mike go back to his old trouble-making ways or will he finally find a place to belong?

This short novel is a high-interest, low-reading level book for middle-grade readers who are building reading skills, want a quick read or say they don’t like to read! The epub edition of this title is fully accessible.

Christy Goerzen has been writing since the age of two, when she forced her parents to be the scribes for her long, convoluted stories about sheep and faeries. Passionate about everything to do with reading and writing, Christy holds a Master of Arts in Children's Literature from the University of British Columbia. She has worked as a book reviewer, copywriter, marketing consultant, television writer, bookseller and writing mentor. She is currently the communications manager for the North Vancouver District Public Library, where she is blissfully surrounded by books and gets to work with the coolest children's librarians ever. She loves daydreaming, dancing in the kitchen, wearing costumes, and goofing off with family and friends. Born and raised on the West Coast, Christy lives in Vancouver, British Columbia, with her wonderful husband Joshua and two funny cats.

Christy Goerzen's profile page

• Commended, CCBC Best Books for Kids & Teens

"Teen readers will cheer for Mike's newfound confidence and assertiveness, and perhaps see some important lessons for positive changes they can make in their own lives…Explore has everything a good teen read needs and would be an especially good selection for reluctant readers who are interested in outdoor sports. Recommended."

CM: Canadian Review of Materials

"Goerzen does a great job of making the story compelling and realistic...Well written, well paced and has just the right amount of complexity to maintain interest."

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