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(More customer reviews)When Colton's mom Celeste gets an opportunity to quit her job at a steakhouse in Idaho Falls and live rent-free on her great-uncle Frank's ranch in Northern California, she jumps at the chance. Colt's parents are divorced. Jesse, his dad, is a cowboy and bull-riding champion, gone most of the time competing in the rodeo circuit. Colt especially doesn't want to leave his aging grandpa, who takes him fishing and camping in Idaho under blue sky and bright stars.
After Colt and Celeste arrive at the ranch, Uncle Frank gives them a tour and shares a ghost story. He also shows them an abandoned hunting cabin in the woods and introduces them to Angelo, their neighbor, who shows an interest in Celeste.
At school Colt meets Manuel, another new student, and they become friends. They work together on a wildlife project about mountain lions, which they learn are also called cougars or pumas. They join a soccer team, and Colt even befriends Madison, a girl on the bus.
Smoke, the 20-pound Maine coon cat Colt's dad gave him when he was two, keeps Colt connected with his dad, even though they're apart. With Smoke close by his side at night, Colt begins to adjust. Then one night Smoke goes missing, and no matter how hard his teacher, coach and friends try to cheer him up, Colt becomes isolated and detached, and wants to return to Idaho. He blames himself for letting Smoke out at night and is determined to find him.
One evening Celeste and Angelo invite Colt out to dinner, but he refuses. After they leave, he heads out to look for Smoke, but his search takes a dangerous turn when he notices a large animal creeping slowly through the grassy hillside. As the rain begins to fall, Colt remembers what he learned about facing down mountain lions. But can he overcome his fear and save himself from a deadly attack?
SMOKE is a poignant and suspenseful story about a young man who learns the meaning of family and community, and how the strong ones --- no matter how they look or where they live --- pull together in time of need. Middle-grade boys, especially outdoor or animal lovers who like adventure stories with a touch of mystery, should enjoy this book.
--- Reviewed by Donna Volkenannt
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