Overboard! (Survivor Diaries)

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