Bella and Nash - by Kim Adams (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

A Heart-Pounding Adirondack Adventure Where Every Moment Matters.

Nine-year-old cousins Bella and Nash couldn't be more different. Bella is very observant and quick to share her opinion, while Nash is a nonverbal autistic boy who experiences the world through a unique lens of sights and sounds. Together with their grandfather, Pop, they head deep into the rugged beauty of the Adirondack Mountains for a weekend of campfire stories and wilderness exploration.

But the trip takes a terrifying turn when Nash wanders away from the campsite and vanishes into the dense forest.

With Pop unaware of the mishap and daylight running out, Bella takes it upon herself to help her cousin who she previously judged too harshly . She isn't just tracking a lost relative-she's trying to see the world through Nash's eyes to understand where he might have gone. To bring them both back safely, Bella will have to face her own fears, solve the puzzles of the wilderness, and lean into a bond stronger than words.

Why Readers Aged 8-12 Will Love This Book:

• A New Perspective: Offers a beautiful, authentic look at neurodiversity and nonverbal communication, helping kids develop empathy and understanding for peers who move through the world differently.
• The Great Outdoors: Richly detailed descriptions of the Adirondack geography, from towering pines to rocky peaks, making it a perfect read for young campers and nature lovers.
• Themes of Bravery & Inclusion: A powerful lesson that being a hero doesn't always require a cape-sometimes it merely takes a little compassion and the courage to truly see something.
• Processing Big Thoughts and Ideas: Along with the new perspective, this book tackles the topic of grief from losing a love one, as well as rewards and consequences for your choices.

Perfect for fans of Hatchet by Gary Paulsen or A Boy Called Bat, this heartfelt adventure celebrates the strength of family and the beauty of the things left unsaid.