I Don't Do Mountains!

We all know someone like Mary McKenzie, (Kenzie), quiet, bookish, dislikes the outdoors, or we are like her. So, imagine this! Kenzie is told she has to spend three days hiking up mountains in the Scottish Highlands. Also, going camping with strangers from other schools while she is paired with her arch enemy, Sorley Mackay, from her own school.

The premise is a recipe for disaster. How will this play out? Will Kenzie learn to make friends?

The story starts in a predictable way – a camping trip on a remote mountain with a hugely enthusiastic guide and his wonderful dog, called Drookit. But then, the guide goes missing, reason unknown. The group and Drookit must find him.

This challenges all of them, particularly when you add the uncovering of a wildlife crime ring into the mix. The chapters are short and fast paced and at points, very scary. Both outdoor types and those like Mary will enjoy I Don’t Do Mountains. Victoria Di Meo’s illustrations in black ink and mostly of animals add to the atmosphere of the Scottish Highlands. This is ideal for readers of Year Five and above.