The 10 Best Children's Survival Story Books
Book RaiderWell, we all might have had brushes with the great outdoors that involved scrapped knees or poor navigation that left us briefly confounded. But on the bright side, none of us had to rely on our poor pigeon-chasing skills for dinner! This, dear reader, is where children's survival story books step in. A slightly controversial genre of children's literature that leaves us with a multitude of questions... can a eight-year-old really outwit a hungry pack of wolves? Does an instruction manual for crash-landing a plane exist?
Children's survival stories are real page turners. They demand to be read under covers, by flashlight, long past bedtime. These tales of resilience and triumph are always engrossing, demonstrating how youngsters can survive, and thrive even in the direst of situations. No matter how outlandish the premise, the appeal lies in the life skills subtly imparted, from resourcefulness to understanding the natural world. So please, join us as we journey through wilderness, deserts and iceberg-riddled seas, uncovering the Best Children's Survival Story Books that are perfect for your young adventurer.
Holes
by Louis Sachar
Why Holes is on this list: Holes is the ultimate survival story, where facing adversity means overcoming personal challenges and literally digging deep to find hidden strengths.
Young Stanley Yelnats has a case of rotten luck, thanks to a family curse. When he's wrongfully convicted of a crime, he's sent to Camp Green Lake, a detention center for boys that's anything but palmy vacation. The boys are forced to dig giant holes in the desert each day, supposedly to build character, but Stanley soon finds out there's more to these diggings than meets the eye. The tale weaves a captivating mystery, from his family's ancestral pig-stealing curse to the center's suspicious warden. Stanley must not only survive the gruel of Camp Green Lake, but also uncover the truth that lies buried beneath the sand.
What readers like: Readers adore the wonderful blend of humor and suspense throughout the story, with emotionally rich characters and exciting treasure hunts. It's survival, friendship and a little bit of destiny rolled into one, and young readers can relate to the situations and challenges Stanley faces. It also packs subtle messages about resilience and the courage it takes to survive in a world that often throws us for a loop, much like the massive holes Stanley needs to carry on digging.
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Old Yeller
by Fred Gipson
Why Old Yeller is on this list: Old Yeller is a classic survival story, focused on overcoming harsh realities of life back in the day. It's the ultimate guide for youngsters on survival, grit, companionship and duty.
Welcome to frontier Texas, folks, where life is as rough as a cowboy's beard. Here we meet Old Yeller, a bright yellow courageous dog who helps a young boy named Travis learn about survival, responsibility and the circle of life. From fighting wild animals to assisting in hunting, Old Yeller does it all, securing him a spot as the neighborhood hero canine. Be warned, you might just end up loving this scruffy old dog.
What readers like: Apart from the thrill of the adventurous escapades of Travis and Old Yeller, readers have found themselves deeply moved by the loyalty and friendship portrayed in this book. It's a tale that nudges at your heartstrings while teaching you a thing or two about life's tough turns. One thing is for sure, your kids will surely love this classic, and might even want a dog for themselves after they're done reading.
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Hatchet
by Gary Paulsen
Why Hatchet is on this list: It's a compelling combination of wilderness survival, boyhood adventure and learning to confront and overcome challenges - just what children need!
The story is about Brian, a 13-year-old city boy, who finds himself stranded in the Canadian wilderness after surviving a plane crash. Armed with nothing but his clothing and a hatchet his mom gifted him, he must learn to survive and adapt to his new, harsh environment. It's a tale filled with tension, grit, and the trees, of course.
What readers like: Readers love the relatable character of Brian and his never-give-up attitude. They also appreciate the detailed description of his survival tactics and how he uses his wits to tackle various problems. It's not just an adventure story, but a guide to developing a problem-solving attitude.
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The Girl, the Dog and the Writer in Rome
by Katrina Nannestad
Why The Girl, the Dog and the Writer in Rome is on this list: This quirky adventure captures the essence of survival in a totally unique way. Its not wilderness survival but more about navigating through new cities, unique challenges, culture shock and a few tense situations, perfect for young minds to absorb.
Imagine being uprooted from your cosy home in Australia and moving all the way to Rome, Italy, with a chaotic writer and a flustered dog for company! This book takes our cute little 10-year-old protagonist Freja, on an adventure like no other. From Australian quietude to Italian grandeur, mystery and commotion, she must learn to survive, make friends, solve puzzles and even hunt down a few criminals!
What readers like: Readers dig how this book transports them right into the heart of Rome. The vivid and zany character sketches, cultural snippets, suspense and, of course, the bond between a girl, a dog and a writer fondly nicknamed 'Bear', make it an absolute delight. They appreciate how the notions of resilience and adapting to change are woven into the storyline in a remarkable and humorous way. It's an adventurous joyride through Rome that keeps one hooked from start to finish.
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The Colossus Rises
by Peter Lerangis
Why The Colossus Rises is on this list: When it comes to survival stories for kids, 'The Colossus Rises' prances to its own beat. A tale set against mythical creatures and geographic wonders? Un-put-downable.
Imagine being just a regular kid and unsuspectingly getting whisked off to a secret institution because you're actually a descendant of an ancient civilization. You're not just told you're unique, but actually you'll die if you don't find the long-lost 'Loculi'. This is the story of Jack McKinley, who, along with his friends, grapples with mythical creatures, solves ancient riddles, and navigates through hidden tunnels, relying on their wit and courage to survive.
What readers like: Readers are all over how this book blends magic, history, and mythology into a plucky quest for survival. The characters are relatable; the friendships feel real. And let's not forget the wit and humor that keeps things light and breezy, because who says surviving ancient prophecies can't be a little bit fun?
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The Burning Maze
by Rick Riordan
Why The Burning Maze is on this list: The Burning Maze, fittingly, is a book full of survival situations. Never a dull moment, with every page the characters face new challenges that they must survive. The book is a perfect addition to our list as it explores survival in a captivating and lively manner, making it ideal for children.
In The Burning Maze, third book in the The Trials of Apollo series, Apollo (the Greek god of the sun, playing as a human teenager) must navigate a deadly and, you guessed it... burning maze. Safe to say, if moonlit strolls are your thing, maybe sit this one out. Along with a couple of courageous demigod buddies, they take on mythical creatures and daunting riddles. They're not just trying to pass their SATs or make the swim team, they're fighting for their lives in a cracking survival story.
What readers like: Readers give the thumbs up for its thrilling plot, Greek mythology intertwined cleverly in the story, and the dash and splash of humor even in tense moments. The likeable characters and their development throughout the book also adds to its appeal. So, if you and your young ones enjoy some suspenseful fun, all while cheering for your favorite characters to survive and triumph, The Burning Maze ticks all those boxes and more.
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The Infinite Lives of Maisie Day
by Christopher Edge
Why The Infinite Lives of Maisie Day is on this list: This book lands smack in the middle of our survival adventure theme, with a twist: it introduces a whole new dimension. Literally. It’s a science-fuelled survival story set against the background of inter-dimensional chaos, where the protagonist fights not just for her physical survival, but also for her sanity.
In this breathtaking book, Maisie Day wakes up on her tenth birthday to an empty house and a mysterious blackness outside. As the lines between reality and non-reality blur, Maisie finds herself alone in a strange and shifting universe. By leaning into her love of science, she starts to unravel the secrets of this cosmic mystery and finds the strength and resources to survive the unthinkable. It's like 'Home Alone' meets 'Interstellar', but with a huge heart and a flair for quantum physics.
What readers like: Most of Maisie Day's readers rave about the author's unique blend of survival, sci-fi and heart-warming storytelling. The book is intelligent and stimulating, but tempered with a hefty amount of heart and soul. Readers also adore Maisie - a bold, brainy and utterly likable heroine who confronts her situation with courage and wit. Lastly, fans enjoy the suspenseful build-up and revelations as the story unfolds, making it a gripping page-turner.
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Well Wished
by Franny Billingsley
Why Well Wished is on this list: Well Wished explores survival in a unique, magical way. It shows children that survival isn't always about living in the wilderness, but about overcoming personal challenges and frightening situations.
One girl. One wish. That's all it takes when you live in a town where every wish one makes at the well comes true. But Nuria learns the hard way that with every wish, there's a twist. When her wish goes horribly wrong, she's transported into a bird’s body, leaving her to face a magical world filled with danger, mystery, and perhaps, opportunity. Will she survive, counter-wish and get back to her human form?
What readers like: Aside from Nuria's wit and humor, readers are captivated by the enchanting world that Franny Billingsley has constructed, filled with rich, vivid descriptions and surprising plot twists. This book proves to be a page-turner as kids can’t wait to find out how Nuria will survive and if she will ever make it back home. The experience of vicariously living through Nuria's challenges is guaranteed to keep the pages turning, making it a perfect fit for the adventurous child in your life.
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I Survived The California Wildfires, 2018
by Lauren Tarshis
Why I Survived The California Wildfires, 2018 is on this list: This book is just what we're looking for in a children's survival story. It vividly describes both the tension of a natural disaster and the strength and resiliency of its young protagonist. It's got all the makings of adventure, with a sprinkle of honest-to-goodness educational value to boot. Just perfect for our themed list, wouldn't you agree?
In this gripping tale, our young hero, Nico, finds himself in an unimaginable crisis - the terrifying California wildfires of 2018. Nico needs to use all his wits, courage and a dash of luck to rescue himself and his family from this fiery debacle. This story, effortlessly woven with interesting facts about wildfires, is bound to keep your kids perched on the edge of their seats, while also enriching their knowledge.
What readers like: Readers have expressed a huge liking for the narrative style of Lauren Tarshis which keeps the young readers hooked while not terrifying them. They appreciate how the historical events are accurately depicted, making the story not only enjoyable but also educational. And don't worry, it isn't all flames and smoke, there's a bunch of love for Nico's pet dog, Spot too. The word on the street is, expect your kids to ask for more 'I Survived' books after reading this one.
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Troubling a Star
by Madeleine L'Engle
Why Troubling a Star is on this list: Survival isn't always about braving wild jungles or snowy peaks. Sometimes, it means navigating through the mysteries and dangers as old as the frozen landscapes of Antarctica. And that's exactly what you'll get in 'Troubling a Star'.
In this brilliant tale, our teenage heroine Vicky finds herself plunged into an Antarctic adventure that quickly unfolds from an exciting journey into a fight for survival. The eco-political intrigue and looming danger in the icy wild add a thrilling touch to the survival story. As Vicky tackles scheming villains, mysterious accidents, and the harsh Antarctic environment, she learns the true meaning of survival.
What readers like: Fans of L'Engle absolutely rave about the unique setting. The list of kids' survival books are long, but how many can boast of an Antarctic backdrop? Not to mention there's this cool fusion of mystery and adventure that gives readers the chills in all the right ways. And let's not forget about Vicky. Her courage and determination in the face of danger make her a character children could look up to.
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