Books Like...

'Avalanche!' in the Survivor Diaries series by Terry Lynn Johnson follows the story of twelve-year-old twins, Ashley and Ryan, who are caught in an avalanche while on a skiing trip with their parents in Wyoming's Grand Teton Mountains. After surviving the ordeal, they find themselves alone, cold, and hungry, with Ryan having lost his memory due to a head injury. Ashley takes charge to keep them alive until help arrives, showcasing resilience and determination as they face various challenges in the wilderness. not only narrates an exciting tale of survival but also provides practical advice on how to endure real-world situations, making it an engaging read for young readers.

The narrative is filled with suspense and adventure as Ashley and Ryan navigate through the harsh conditions, showcasing the bond between the siblings and their ability to overcome obstacles together. The author, Terry Lynn Johnson, skillfully weaves in survival tips and information on ski safety and bear encounters, enhancing the educational value of the story while keeping readers engaged with the thrilling plot. The vivid descriptions of the snowy landscape and the characters' experiences draw readers into the gripping tale of survival against nature's forces, making 'Avalanche!' a compelling read for children aged 7 to 10.

Kensuke's Kingdom by Michael Morpurgo is a heartwarming tale of a young boy, Michael, who finds himself stranded on a deserted island after falling overboard during a family sailing trip. He is not alone on the island, as he encounters an elderly Japanese man named Kensuke, who becomes a father figure to Michael. The story follows their journey of survival, friendship, and self-discovery as they navigate the challenges of the island together, ultimately leading to a bittersweet ending that resonates with themes of trust, compassion, love, and hope. The narrative beautifully captures the evolving relationship between Michael and Kensuke, emphasizing the importance of human connection and resilience in the face of adversity.

'Empty World' by John Christopher is a post-apocalyptic story focusing on the survival of young people during a deadly plague that kills anyone above 14. It follows the protagonist, Neil, as he struggles to survive in a barren world and the encounters he has with other survivors. The narrative delves into themes of survival, loneliness, selfishness, and the difficult choices faced by the characters in a silent and desolate world.

Despite being set in a dystopian world, the book explores the emotional and psychological aspects of the characters' survival rather than focusing solely on the catastrophic events that led to the apocalypse. The writing style is thought-provoking, evoking reflections on faith, morality, and the essence of humanity amidst the emptiness of the world around them.

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.