Gary Paulsen
Scholastic
Ages 8-12
Two years after Brian Robeson survived fifty-four days alone in the Canadian wilderness, the government wants him to head back so they can learn what he did to stay alive. This time Derek Holtzer, a government psychologist, will accompany him. But a freak storm leaves Derek unconscious. Brian's only hope is to transport Derek a hundred miles down the river to a trading post. He's survived with only a hatchet before--now can Brian build a raft and navigate an unknown river?
For the first time it's not only Brian's survival that's at stake. . .
MY REVIEW:
I read THE RIVER out loud to my son following our adventure with HATCHET, the first book in the series. This tale is just as vivid and exciting as the first. We can't wait to read book 3, BRIAN'S WINTER.
The straight forward text is simple enough for young children and reluctanct readers to grasp, but it doesn't diminish the tension of Brian's predicament. Paulsen is able to capture the beauty of the landscape, the fear of being so close to death's edge, and the thrill of adventure with a minimalist's vocabulary. Truly one of the most brilliant children's book writers ever.
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