At 14 kids need to look outside the small world of home and family to fix their bearings on their own independence and individuality. Literature can provide such a reading. Adolescents recognize in their fictional counterparts the same irretrievable loss of childhood, the inevitability of adulthood, and the paradox of being in both places at one time. Sometimes it is enough to "hold fast," a discovery made by Michael, a young Canadian from the fishing village of Marten, Newfoundland, in [Hold Fast]….

Pushed by family and social pressures to the point of losing his grip, Michael takes his young life into his own hands…. Michael's courage inspires his intimidated cousin, Curtis, to join him in his adventure. After a few days of "running away from home" the two boys are bored enough to face the job of growing up on their own terms. Curtis returns to St. Albert and...