Books Like...

"Down the Long Hills" by Louis L'Amour tells the story of seven-year-old Hardy and three-year-old Betty Sue who escape a massacre of a wagon train, leaving them stranded in the wilderness of Wyoming. With only a horse named Big Red and a few supplies, the children must navigate through harsh conditions, evade dangers like wolves and a lone warrior, and find a way to reach safety. The book is praised for its tension-filled plot, the portrayal of a young boy's courage and resourcefulness, and the engaging storytelling style of Louis L'Amour.

The narrative revolves around the journey of Hardy and Betty Sue as they face various challenges, including surviving in the wild, outsmarting adversaries, and finding their way to Fort Bridger where Hardy's father resides. The book combines elements of survival, adventure, and coming-of-age themes, showcasing the resilience and determination of the young protagonists in a setting filled with danger and uncertainty.

Call It Courage by Armstrong Sperry is a coming-of-age story about a young Polynesian boy named Mafatu who is afraid of the sea due to a traumatic experience with his mother. Determined to overcome his fear and prove his bravery, Mafatu sets out on a perilous journey in a canoe, facing various challenges like shipwrecks, battles with wild animals, and survival on a deserted island. The book explores themes of courage, resilience, and self-discovery through the adventures of Mafatu in a Polynesian setting, offering a blend of survival narrative and fable-like storytelling that captivates readers with its vivid descriptions and moral lessons.

Boon Island by Kenneth Roberts is a historical fiction novel that tells the gripping tale of a shipwreck off the coast of Maine. The book portrays the harrowing experiences of the crew members who were stranded on a barren rock island, facing extreme weather conditions and resorting to cannibalism in order to survive. Roberts skillfully weaves together elements of excitement, suspense, and fear, creating a narrative that delves into themes of human endurance, ingenuity, and the best and worst aspects of human nature during times of crisis.

The author, Kenneth Roberts, presents a different perspective on historical events through his storytelling, blending authentic background details with fictionalized accounts of the shipwreck and its aftermath. Boon Island is praised for its mix of history and fiction, engaging writing style, and the way it vividly portrays the struggles of the crew members as they fight for survival against all odds.

'The Iceberg Hermit' by Arthur J. Roth is a captivating tale of survival and friendship set in the Arctic. The story follows Allan Gordon, a young sailor who becomes the sole survivor after his ship, the Anne Forbes, strikes an iceberg. Facing freezing temperatures, injuries, and loneliness, Allan finds companionship in an orphaned polar bear cub. Together, they navigate the challenges of survival on a floating iceberg prison, highlighting the growth of Allan from a young man into adulthood. The writing style is straightforward and engaging, making it suitable for young readers while still captivating adult audiences.

"Last of the Breed" by Louis L'Amour follows the story of U.S. Air Force Major Joe Mack, a man of Sioux descent, who is shot down over Russia, captured, and imprisoned in Siberia. Escaping with minimal supplies, Mack relies on his Native American skills to survive the harsh Siberian wilderness and make his way back to America, all while being pursued by a skilled Yakut tracker. The plot is filled with action, survival challenges, and a cat-and-mouse chase across the icy frontier, showcasing Mack's resilience and resourcefulness. The writing style is straightforward and engaging, capturing the essence of a gripping adventure story set during the Cold War era.

'The Swiss Family Robinson' is a classic tale of a family shipwrecked on a deserted island, where they rely on their resourcefulness and unity to survive. The story follows the Robinson family - the all-knowing father, patient mother, and four boys with their individual quirks - as they face challenges, build a life on the island, and make remarkable inventions. Despite some readers finding certain aspects unrealistic, such as the father's vast knowledge of species they encounter, the book is praised for its adventurous plot and the family's ability to thrive in the wilderness.

The narrative of 'The Swiss Family Robinson' includes elements of survival, adventure, and family bonding, as the Robinsons navigate the island's flora and fauna, build shelter, and explore their surroundings. The book is noted for its detailed descriptions of the family's endeavors, from crafting tools to taming animals, and the engaging storyline that captures the imagination of readers, especially younger audiences who are drawn to the idea of living in a wild, untouched paradise.

Julie of the Wolves follows the journey of Miyax, a young Eskimo girl who flees her village and finds herself lost in the Alaskan wilderness. She forms a bond with a pack of wolves and must navigate the challenges of survival while grappling with her identity and cultural heritage. The book delves into themes of self-reliance, respect for nature, and the clash between traditional Eskimo ways and modern influences.

In this book, a 13-year-old boy named Brian finds himself stranded in the Canadian wilderness after a plane crash. With only a survival kit and a hatchet, Brian must learn to survive on his own. The story follows Brian's journey as he navigates the challenges of the wild, including finding food, shelter, and fire. The plot captures the essence of survival and coming of age, depicting Brian's resilience and determination to overcome the obstacles he faces.

The writing style of the book vividly portrays Brian's emotions and struggles, allowing readers to immerse themselves in his experiences. The author, Gary Paulsen, skillfully captures the essence of survival and perseverance, making the story engaging and relatable for readers, particularly those in the middle school age group. Through Brian's adventure, the book delves into themes of self-reliance, resilience, and the strength of the human spirit in the face of adversity.

"My Side of the Mountain" is a classic novel by Jean Craighead George that tells the story of Sam Gribley, a young boy who runs away from his crowded city life to live in the wilderness of the Catskill Mountains. Sam learns to survive on his own, befriends a falcon named Frightful, and explores the challenges and rewards of living off the land. The book captures Sam's journey of self-sufficiency, connection with nature, and the importance of human companionship, all while showcasing themes of survival, independence, and adventure.

The plot unfolds as Sam navigates the harsh winter, builds a home in a tree, and learns valuable skills for survival, such as hunting for food and making tools. The writing style of the book is engaging and thought-provoking, with vivid descriptions of Sam's experiences in the wilderness, his interactions with animals, and his personal growth throughout the story. Readers are taken on a captivating journey alongside Sam as he discovers the beauty and challenges of living in harmony with nature.

"Island of the Blue Dolphins" by Scott O'Dell is a story of survival and resilience, centered around an Indian girl named Karana who is left behind on an island when her tribe sails away. Over the years, she learns to fend for herself by building shelter, making weapons, finding food, and battling wild dogs. Despite her challenges, Karana finds companionship with the animals on the island and longs for human connection. The narrative, based on a true story but with elaborations, follows Karana's journey of survival, personal discovery, and longing for companionship.

explores themes of survival, loneliness, self-discovery, and the strength of the human spirit. Through Karana's experiences, readers witness her resilience, ingenuity, and determination as she navigates the challenges of living alone on the island. The story not only captures the physical struggles of survival but also delves into the emotional complexities of longing for human connection in the face of solitude.