Whenever I'm with You

Gr 7–10—Gabi and her father have moved to Alaska, a world away from their lavish, paparazzi-worthy lifestyle in Los Angeles. The anger and resentment Gabi feels toward her mother for ending her parents' marriage are second only to the isolation she experiences in the remote, cold landscape of her new home. Her father remains emotionally unavailable to her as he grieves the loss of his marriage and his career as a lawyer. Gabi finds solace in her relationship with local guy Kai, who has shared his home, family, and friends with her. But when Kai disappears under mysterious circumstances, Gabi turns to his twin, Hunter, to help her locate Kai before a winter storm hits the area. The effort to trace his route results in a dangerous trek across wild Alaskan terrain during a blizzard. The plot moves at an even pace with bursts of tension as the teens encounter various threats, including wild animals and hypothermia. The supporting characters are well-developed, and the survivalist elements are authentic. Teens may have trouble accepting the premise for Kai's journey as well as the speedy resolutions to the dangerous situations, and Gabi's internal monologue, especially regarding her feelings for her mother and Kai, drags at times. Still, the excitement of the expedition may be enough to keep some readers engaged.