Survival stories

The Hedgehog of Oz

Cory Leonardo

Marcel, a pet hedgehog, runs away from his new doting owner, Dorothy, when she shows interest in a boy. He soon regrets straying and seeks to return to Dorothy’s loving care, but a series of events cause him to further lose his way. While holding out hope for reunification, Marcel also finds hope risky. New animal friends bolster his strength as he tries to find his way home, and a little faith and his owner’s pursuit light the way. Leonardo drew inspiration for the story from songs by Christian music artist Lauren Daigle. (Ages 8-12)

The Trail

Meika Hashimoto

“Screwup,” the voice inside Toby’s head accuses him, and for a long time the 12-year-old boy listens. The solitude of solo hiking the Appalachian Trail gives him a lot of time to think, so he mentally pummels himself for never having it together, for having to rely so much on others, and for playing a part in his best friend’s tragic death. But when a violent storm endangers the lives of two fellow hikers and a violent man threatens a helpless dog, Toby drops the negative self-talk and picks up courage and self-­determination. (Ages 8-12)

Hatchet

Gary Paulsen

When 13-year-old Brian Robeson finds himself the sole survivor of an airplane crash in the Canadian wilderness, he quickly learns through a failed suicide attempt (briefly mentioned and vague) that despair is not the answer. A rebirth of sorts occurs in Brian. With a revived will to live, the young teen begins to tap into innate survival senses long dulled by the conveniences of modern life. Gradually readers witness his disaster transform into delight. Note: Brian sometimes ponders his mother’s infidelity, which led to his parents’ divorce. (Ages 12-14)

The Poet’s Dog

Patricia MacLachlan

Though this story begged for a bit more detail, the author of Sarah, Plain and Tall paints a poetic story of companionship, loss, grief, comfort, and sunshine after the storm. Narrator Teddy, a dog who can understand words and speak (only children and poets have ears to listen), is mourning the recent loss of his owner when he encounters a young boy and girl who are scared and alone in a raging snowstorm. He rescues them but soon finds himself rescued as well thanks to their tenderness and open ears. (Ages 6-10)

Afterword

Believing that one has the ability to take on the world seems to be a common theme in childhood imaginations. James Ponti’s City Spies series fans that confident flame, showcasing five extremely intelligent and ­talented orphaned kids who work together as secret agents to unravel devious plots across the globe. The second book in the series, Golden Gate (Aladdin, 2021), opens with spies Brooklyn, 12, and Sydney, 14, derailing a kidnapping attempt and a hijacking at sea despite some bickering, jealousy, and pridefulness that they eventually work through. From there, various twists and rogue missions keep the story moving at a fast pace. Spoiler alert: The end celebrates adoption—a sweet reminder that God sets the lonely in families.

Note to parents: The kids affectionately call their male mentor “Mother,” a character uses God’s name in vain on one occasion, and there’s mention of a common British swear word. —W.W.