• Age: 9 to 12
• Grade: 4 to 7
• Reading age: 9 to 12

Sixteen-year-old Kat and her mom haven't seen much of each other since Kat's father died last year.

Her mom has taken over the family trucking business and has been away a lot. She promised that Kat could join her on her next run, a journey across the frozen Manitoba lake known as the "winter road." But at the last minute she changes her mind. Kat, who has recently been diagnosed with diabetes, stows away in the back of the semi instead. By the time her mother discovers her, it's too late to turn back.

This short novel is a high-interest, low-reading level book for middle-grade readers who are building reading skills, want a quick read or say they don’t like to read! The epub edition of this title is fully accessible.

After nearly 30 years as a published author, Kristin has written more biographies of herself than she cares to remember. And she has run out of new ways to describe the same old life. Besides, she doesn't think of herself in terms of her birthplace, education, and work history. What she'd really like people to know about her is that she loves to dance. She loves to laugh. She loves to learn. Crossword puzzles relax her. Waiting frustrates her. She likes spending time by herself. And, like the heroine in her new book Closer to Far Away, she has a family that gives her strength. Her books include Cheat, Girls Like Me, The Druid and the Dragon, and Alibi. Kristin lives in Campbell River, British Columbia.

Kristin Butcher's profile page

• Commended, CCBC Best Books for Kids & Teens

"The writing is straightforward with uncomplicated, short sentences, but [the] plotline is immersive. Written between a third and fourth grade reading level, this [book] will particularly appeal to middle school hi-lo readers."

School Library Journal (SLJ)

"Butcher tells this story simply while keeping the reader wanting to read more and allowing the reader to experience the thrill and fear of being on the 'winter road.' I would definitely add this title to any middle or high school library."

School Library Connection

"One of my favourite things about Orca titles is how often I end up learning things from them, and this novel is no exception…Winter Road is a simply written, interesting story that would be suitable for late elementary or junior high readers."

CM: Canadian Review of Materials