Avalanche!

September 1, 2017

Gr 3-5-Johnson, author of Ice Dogs, presents an exciting new adventure/survival series. Each book starts out the same way: with a flashback to prior events. In short order, two friends or siblings find themselves alone when disaster strikes. It is up to the youths to use their resources and ingenuity to reach safety. There is often more than one hurdle to overcome, and just when the situation seems bleak and insurmountable, the teens rely on each other and persevere. At the conclusion of each text, readers are left with an open-ended question: What would you do to survive if you encountered a similar situation? Teachers could incorporate those essential questions into writing prompts or topics of discussion. Johnson also includes important survival tips from the U.S. Coast Guard and wilderness survival advice about hypothermia, bears, and avalanches. An interactive online site featuring games and resources provides further exploration for fans. The short chapters, large typeface, and simple sentences make this ideal for reluctant or struggling readers. VERDICT The inspiring messages, real-life advice, and glimpses at future career opportunities will make this a crowd pleaser. Hand to kids who enjoyed Laura Tarshis's "I Survived" series or Jeff Probst's "Stranded" books.-Laura Dooley-Taylor, Lake Zurich Middle School North, IL

Copyright 2017 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

October 15, 2017
When 12-year-old twins Ashley and Ryan Hilder are caught in an avalanche, their survival training, quick thinking, and fortitude make the difference between life and death. Ashley has always lived in the shadow of her overachieving, uber-athletic brother. But when an avalanche renders Ryan incapacitated with severe hypothermia, it is up to Ashley to save not only his frostbitten feet, but his life. The white twins soon find that the cold is not their only enemy in Wyoming's Teton range. Bears, wolves, and wolverines are real and constant dangers. If they are to survive, Ashley must push aside her feelings of insecurity and make life-and-death decisions for both of them. While this is at its heart a well-researched, fast-paced survivor story, it is also a coming-of-age tale with surprising vulnerability and depth. The feeling of living in a sibling's shadow will resonate with many readers, while the messages of tenacity and strength are inspirational. An online game and connections to other Survivor Diaries combine with its easy-reading type and fast, straightforward plot to make this an ideal story for transitioning readers. An author's note outlines avalanche and wilderness safety skills and offers further resources for those looking to dig deeper into outdoor survival. A content-enriched page-turner with surprising depth. (Adventure. 9-12)

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