“I recommend River’s Reach for its thoughtful exploration of adolescence and community struggles. It is a captivating read that balances personal growth with broader social themes. If you enjoy stories with emotional depth and social relevance, this one is worth your time.”—Kids’ BookBuzz

“…an entertaining and educational young adult novel that explores an aspect of American history—fishing rights—capable of triggering strong emotions among disparate inhabitants of Washington State through the eyes of a young man seeking to find his place and purpose in the world.”—Seattle Book Review

“…an educational and enthralling tapestry that artfully weaves together historical context with themes of environmental conservation and civil rights.”—Literary Titan

"...a thought-provoking and engaging tale...beautifully crafted to combine history and personal growth...”—Munir Muhammad for Readers' Favorite

"…a thoughtful, easy-to-read, and challenging novel that makes the reader question their own beliefs and prejudices…”—Grant Leishman for Readers' Favorite

"I loved the themes covered by this book, such as diversity, tolerance, climate issues, and our moral responsibility to do the right thing.”—Frank Mutuma for Readers' Favorite​​​​​​​

A powerful coming-of-age novel set in the Pacific Northwest during the 1960s, River’s Reach explores friendship, justice, and the fight for Indigenous fishing rights.

Alex Haugen, a high school senior, dreams of a future beyond his small Washington town. But when he befriends Charlie McCallister, a young member of the Nisqually tribe, Alex is pulled into the heart of the Fish Wars—an intense battle for Indigenous fishing rights. As tensions rise, Alex must decide where he stands in a conflict that challenges everything he thought he knew about justice, loyalty, and identity.

Perfect for fans of historical fiction, social justice novels, and powerful coming-of-age stories, River’s Reach is a must-read for those who love books with strong themes of activism, friendship, and cultural heritage.

Dive into this unforgettable journey of courage and change!

This novel is suitable for MG/YA and the young at heart. It contains no gratuitous language, but there are a few swear words, in keeping with the characters and story.