Survival Squad

October 1, 2013

Gr 4-6- Out of Bounds introduces readers to a group of English kids who are all members of Tiger Patrol, an organization similar to the Boy Scouts. They work together to earn badges and learn life skills. Surly new member Jay clashes with Patrol Leader Connor, 13, who is embarrassed by his overenthusiastic father and feels pressured to perform as well in Tiger Patrol as his dad once did. The first badge that the troop tackles is for orienteering. Their strengths as well as their shortcomings emerge when they become lost, but they manage to get out of the wilderness after a number of edge-of-your-seat adventures. In the second title, the scouts visit with a local search-and-rescue team. The area is experiencing a severe winter storm, and the kids have been busy mastering techniques to survive in cold weather. When they receive word that a girl has gone missing and all of the rescue vehicles are snowed in, it's up to them to find her. The characters are interesting, and readers will root for them to succeed. These books are not of the same high quality as those by Gary Paulsen or Jean Craighead George, but fans of those authors will enjoy them. The end of each book includes a copy of the Tiger Patrol's Diary, which offers interesting tidbits on scouting, such as how to pack a rucksack, tips for cross-country skiing, and navigating using two compasses.-Julie Shatterly, W.A. Bess Elementary School, Gastonia, NC

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