Wild River

September 1, 2009
Gr 4-7-Twelve-year-old Ryan goes kayaking and fishing on a California river with his older brother, Tanner, and his gripping adventures will pull even reluctant readers into his first-person narrative. As the boys shoot down rocky rapids, a jagged log in the chute slices into their kayak, toppling them into freezing water, injuring Tanner and leaving him unconscious. Using what he learned from his video games, Ryan is able to stay calm and survive some harrowing situations, and ultimately save both of their lives. Foreshadowing keeps the suspense rolling for careful readers. Safe back home, Ryan refuses to tell anyone except Tanner about his heroic deeds and flips on his favorite video game for solace instead of sharing his feelings with his family. The relationship between the brothers is refreshing; they clearly like each other, and Tanner is in touch with Ryan's needs and accepts him unconditionally. Some readers might wish to see some growth in Ryan as a result of his experiences, but it's more likely that he is having difficulty dealing with what happened and opening up about the events will come later. In theme, this is reminiscent of Gary Paulsen's "Hatchet" (1987) and Will Hobbs's "Downriver" (1991, both S & S)."James K. Irwin, Sandy Library, UT"

Copyright 2009 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

August 1, 2009
Grades 3-6 While on a camping trip, Ryan and his older brother Tanner set off in a kayak down a remote canyon river. Soon things go seriously wrong, though, as Tanner leads them recklessly down a water chute and is knocked unconscious. Ryan has to drag Tanner out of the river and then figure out a way to get help. After failing to climb the steep canyon walls, he makes his way down the river on an air mattress, encountering a bear along the way, before he finds a road, stops a truck, and calls for help. The compelling first-person narration sets this apart from other adventure stories. The reader is brought inside Ryans thoughts as he struggles to overcome obstacles and also wrestles with his own lack of confidence. With sharp pacing, short sentences, and unintimidating length, this is a strong, accessible choice for younger readers.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2009, American Library Association.)

July 1, 2009
Ryan's brother, Tanner, convinces him to go on a kayaking and camping trip. After Tanner is injured, Ryan gets caught in a fight for survival that will take every ounce of resourcefulness he can muster--not easy for a boy who spends most of his time playing video games. Once this slow-to-begin novel gets going, readers will keep turning pages.

(Copyright 2009 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)