The Courage Test, by James Preller
Did either of William Meriwether Miller’s parents ask him if he wanted to travel across the United States with his somewhat estranged father instead of playing in the All-Star baseball game? Of course not.
They just assumed that he would jump at the chance to travel in the footsteps of Lewis and Clark’s Corps of Discovery that crossed the continent from 1804 to 1806. After all, Mr. Miller, a college history professor, has been writing a book about the Lewis and Clark expedition for many years, and he’s pretty much obsessed with the topic.
As Will’s mother shoves him out the door, she keeps saying silly things like- “You’ll have fun.” and “He’s the only father you’ve got.” Will may have no choice about going on the trip, but he does have a choice about whether he will enjoy it or not. So, he decides that he simply won’t give either of his parents the satisfaction. But things have a way of piquing the curiosity and making us pay attention whether we want to or not. For instance, the very first morning, Will’s father treats him to fluffy pancakes at the Denny’s in Bismarck, North Dakota. Will can’t manage to show disdain for such a tasty breakfast. They canoe down the Missouri River and hike in the Bitterroot Range through some of the most spectacular scenery Will has ever seen. Slowly but surely, Mr. Miller’s enthusiasm for the trip wears off on Will. He realizes that his dad’s not such a bad sort after all. Then, a misunderstanding over a letter found stuffed in a book threatens to derail the trip. Will stomps off down the trail right into the experience he has dreaded the most- a bear encounter. His father’s poor throwing arm saves the day.
Now, Will and his dad are closer than ever, but Will can’t shake the feeling he’s had from the beginning- the trip isn’t really about dad and son bonding time. Something else is going on.
