Alex and the Broken Trail (Alex and the Wild Paths)

When a familiar trail stops leading where it should, Alex notices.

After weeks of rain, the woods behind her house begin to change. Paths wash out. Markers fail. Ground that once felt reliable no longer agrees.

As Alex watches the land shift, she faces a quieter challenge than she expects—learning when to stop, when not to proceed, and how to take responsibility without forcing answers.

Alex and the Broken Trail is a realistic middle-grade adventure about observation, restraint, and growing up through interaction with the natural world. With no magic and no easy solutions, this story explores what happens when guidance disappears—and attention matters more than courage.

Perfect for readers ages 10–12 who enjoy thoughtful outdoor adventures, nature-based stories, and characters who learn through experience rather than heroics.