There were two things Joanie knew for certain when she woke up that morning:There was no way Mom was going to let any of them get out of marching up a mountain today. She didn't want to be a part of this family any more.

Every May long weekend Joanie's mom made the family do their traditional spring hike. At nine, Joanie thought she was old enough to go stay at a friend's instead of trudging up a mountain.

But Chloe, her annoying older sister, and Matt, her self-centered brother, had both tried that before and it had never worked for them. So she knew she was doomed to do it again today.

They all were. When Mom said jump, they all jumped.

Even Dad. And Dad was sick.

No one talked about it but you'd have to be stupid not to notice. Then there was Chloe and Matt.

Both teenagers. Both with attitude.

The thought of spending a whole day with them, with no escape, made her want to turn into a little black beetle and crawl under the bed. The magic and mystery of Castle Mountain will hold all their lives in its stony grip.

Joanie and her family will be challenged beyond anything they have ever faced before. Will they be able to overcome what the mountain has in store?.