Hi everyone, this week’s post will give you a trio of reviews similar to the previous week. These stories feature tweens who are thrust into scenarios where they must battle not just their own fears but the elements of the natural world to survive. Press below to read my reviews of these amazing young protagonists.
Wildfire by Rodman Philbrick (The Blue Sky Press, 2019) takes readers through the nightmare that was the 2018 California CampFire that devastated the country and left many shaken. Twelve-year-old Sam Castine is trapped by explosive flames and deadly smoke when he rushes back to his summer camp. He has no choice but to run for his life and keep moving. When he least expects it, he meets Delphy, an older girl who is also lost. Their unlikely friendship grows as they join forces to find civilization.
My review: A stunning book of survival in a fast-moving wildfire that’s got a life of its own!! Philbrick’s expert descriptions of how the fire spread and chased our two youngsters came to life in my mind’s eye as I turned the pages. Sam’s determination and Delphy’s courage combined and conspired with their trusty Jeep to help them survive an incredible ordeal. If you and your tween enjoy fast-paced survival reads, this is definitely one you should start with!!
Deep water by Watt Key (Farrar Straus Giroux Books for Young Readers, 2018) is a book that will have you gripped. It’s the most important rule of scuba diving: ‘If you don’t feel right, don’t go down’. So after her father falls ill miles off the coast of Alabama, twelve-year-old Julie Sims must take over and lead two of his clients on a dive while her father stays behind in the boat. When the clients, a reckless boy around Julie’s age and his equally foolhardy father, disregard Julie’s instructions during the dive, she quickly realizes she’s in over her head. But she has no idea what kind of disaster awaits once she surfaces…
My review: Gosh!! This book wrung me dry!! If my heart wasn’t aching for Julie’s predicament, I was terrified at every page!! This story takes being lost at sea to another level!! If not for Julie’s wit and experience in the ocean this story would have ended badly, but it showed an immense wealth of courage and stamina for life among the young. Description-wise this was expertly written by bestselling Watt Key and somewhat based on his own diving experiences. The pacing and setting were crafted really well. What I liked the most in this book was how the most violent of natural elements, water, is portrayed in Key’s vivid imagery!! A good read that’s slightly better for older readers.
Across the desert by Dusti Bowling (Little, Brown & Co, 2021) is a survival story I found quite recently set in the Arizona desert. We meet twelve-year-old Jolene who dreams of becoming an explorer like her idol “Addie Earhart”, another twelve-year-old who livestreams her explorations of the desert from her ultralight plane. The two find friendship online through Addie’s web channel The Desert Aviator. Then, one day, it all goes wrong: Addie’s engine abruptly stops, and Jolene watches in helpless horror as the ultralight crashes and the video goes dark. Jolene knows that Addie won’t survive long in the extreme summer heat. With no one to turn to for help and armed with only a hand-drawn map and stolen cell phone, it’s up to Jolene to find a way to save the Desert Aviator.
My review: What an exhilarating read this was!! My heart went out to Jolene when we met her dealing with her mother’s drug addiction. I had read a few similar stories since this one, but each time I’m astonished as to how young these kids are who have to grow up by themselves. I really loved the bonds of friendship Jolene forms with both Addie and the rebellious teenager Marty, who she befriends on her way to rescue Addie. The descriptions of the Arizona desert, the landscape and how the young girls survive together in the midst of this harsh and unforgiving terrain are perfectly crafted. The texts that precede each chapter with the cute little images peppered through the book gives another layer to enjoy. I found this survival story of how powerful a young girl’s spirit was, fresh and fascinating. An awesome read!!
My favourite quote:
‘Because sometimes, in order to do what’s hardest, the most important thing you need is simply knowing there’s someone who believes you can do it.’ – Jolene
I hope you enjoyed these reads of survival.
Stay safe and keep reading
Miss Mahee
Miss Mahee's Library of Reads 