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15 Secrets to Survival
From the New York Times bestselling author of Five Total Strangers comes a thriller about a group of four classmates forced to navigate the wilderness for a school project with nothing but the pages of a survival handbook--and each other--before the sun goes down..
When classmates Baxter, Abigail, Turner and Emerson are forced to go to the middle of nowhere for a school project, they think things can't get much worse. Why on earth do they need to learn how to survive in the wilderness by an eccentric instructor?
But what starts off as a weekend of team building turns dangerous when their instructor goes missing and they are left with nothing but the pages of a survival handbook to complete a series of challenges.
They will soon discover the woods around them have unexpected surprises that might go beyond the obstacles their teacher set out for them...but will they find they can work together to find their teacher?
A recommended choice for classroom discussions and educators looking for survival books for kids.
When classmates Baxter, Abigail, Turner and Emerson are forced to go to the middle of nowhere for a school project, they think things can't get much worse. Why on earth do they need to learn how to survive in the wilderness by an eccentric instructor?
But what starts off as a weekend of team building turns dangerous when their instructor goes missing and they are left with nothing but the pages of a survival handbook to complete a series of challenges.
They will soon discover the woods around them have unexpected surprises that might go beyond the obstacles their teacher set out for them...but will they find they can work together to find their teacher?
A recommended choice for classroom discussions and educators looking for survival books for kids.
400 pages, Paperback
First published November 7, 2023
42 people are currently reading
693 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 102 reviews
March 30, 2024
15 Secrets to Survival by Natalie D. Richards is an adventurous middle grade survival thriller read. The author is making her debut in this market but it’s certainly not her debut novel overall with having several hit young adult thrillers already.
Classmates Baxter, Abigail, Turner and Emerson were put together as a team in school but couldn’t find a way to get along forcing them all to put in extra credit to make up their grade. Next thing the kids know they are packed up and headed off to the Montana mountains for survival training.
Baxter’s Uncle Hornsby lives in a remote cabin and is all set up and ready when the group arrives to begin dishing out survival tips. However, as soon as the adults have headed out the kids begin to question Uncle Hornsby’s methods of “teaching” but it’s when he completely disappears Baxter really begins to worry.
Ok, so I know I am way too old for middle grade novels but every once in a while I just need to pick up something “cute” for an escape. Being familiar with Natalie D. Richards’ young adult thrillers, (which I am also too old for but who’s checking I.D.s, right?) 15 Secrets to Survival caught my attention so I gave it a shot and was glad I did. This was certainly a thrill ride from start to finish with the pages flying by to see if our young group would survive. I felt like I was right there with them freezing my rear off too and tensed up with every new obstacle! Fun story and I will certainly return to this author no matter what age range she writes for next.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
Classmates Baxter, Abigail, Turner and Emerson were put together as a team in school but couldn’t find a way to get along forcing them all to put in extra credit to make up their grade. Next thing the kids know they are packed up and headed off to the Montana mountains for survival training.
Baxter’s Uncle Hornsby lives in a remote cabin and is all set up and ready when the group arrives to begin dishing out survival tips. However, as soon as the adults have headed out the kids begin to question Uncle Hornsby’s methods of “teaching” but it’s when he completely disappears Baxter really begins to worry.
Ok, so I know I am way too old for middle grade novels but every once in a while I just need to pick up something “cute” for an escape. Being familiar with Natalie D. Richards’ young adult thrillers, (which I am also too old for but who’s checking I.D.s, right?) 15 Secrets to Survival caught my attention so I gave it a shot and was glad I did. This was certainly a thrill ride from start to finish with the pages flying by to see if our young group would survive. I felt like I was right there with them freezing my rear off too and tensed up with every new obstacle! Fun story and I will certainly return to this author no matter what age range she writes for next.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
July 24, 2024
💚💛💛💚💚💛💛💚💚💛💛💚💚💛💛💚
15 Secrets to Survival is a Middle Grade Survival Thriller and is a Middle Grade debut for beloved author, Natalie D. Richards.
I have enjoyed quite a few YA-stories from Richards, including Five Total Strangers and Four Found Dead, so I was very excited when I learned she was going to be branching into the Middle Grade genre.
I always enjoying seeing what an author I have enjoyed can do in a new space. It can be hit or miss, but this one was definitely a hit for me.
As expected, Richards brought some serious thrills and intensity to this, while also bringing the humor and softer moments you would expect from a Middle Grade story.
We follow a group of four kids, Baxter, Abigail, Turner and Emerson, who have sort of been forced together their whole lives due to their parents all being friends. Truth be told though, they sort of drive each other nuts.
After they get in trouble at a school for fighting with one another, they're forced to participate in an extracurricular project that will push them outside of their comfort zones, and will hopefully get them past their differences.
The goal is to get them to work together. At least that is what their parents and teachers want. We'll see...
The four get taken to a remote wilderness location and dropped off with Baxter's elderly Uncle Hornsby, who used to run a wilderness camp for kids. The parents seem to think he is just the person to get these kids in line.
The kids are shocked. It's cold, it's rustic, it's in the freaking middle of nowhere. Are they seriously getting left here with this eccentric old man?
Just like that though, it happens. Their parents leave and their true adventure weekend begins. Using pages from a survival notebook, the kids begin a sort of scavenger hunt through a series of challenges that wins them more pages to the notebook as they go.
The notebook truly clues them in on how to survive on their own in the rough terrain. After Uncle Hornsby appears to go missing though, it's a race against the clock as inclement weather closes in. They need to try to survive themselves, as well as find Uncle Hornsby before it's too late.
Will the kids be able to work together to get everyone safely through the weekend, or will their past disagreements and hurts get in the way?
I did really enjoy this story. I found Baxter's perspective fun to follow, although there were some repetitive jibes towards Uncle Hornsby, particularly in the beginning, that I didn't find as funny as I think they were meant to be. Other than that though, I did enjoy getting the entire story through Baxter's narration.
The kids each excel in different areas and that fact initially is sort of seen as a reason why they don't get along. I liked watching each of the kids be able to bring their strengths into the weekend and I think it helped them to all gain a new respect for one another.
You definitely go on a journey with these kids and it seriously does get intense. There were moments, I wasn't sure how they were going to get past certain things. I loved watching the evolution of their relationships through it all.
I loved the survival aspects as well. Richards included pages from the notebook the kids were following through their challenges. I liked the way those pages were displayed and the level of information they presented.
I also liked the use of a storm approaching to up the intensity of the plot. I thought Richards did a great job building-out the setting, creating a dangerous atmosphere and adding a bit of suspense. This one definitely got my pulse-racing in multiple scenes.
I grew attached to these characters. I loved the growth they each displayed and I ended up feeling proud of them for everything they overcame by the end.
I would definitely recommend this to any Middle Grade Readers, particularly if you like Survival stories, or Thrillers that feature inclement, winter weather.
Thank you so much to the publisher, Delacorte Press, for providing me with a copy to read and review. This was a blast and I hope Richards continues to write in the MG-space. If she does, I will absolutely be reading it!
15 Secrets to Survival is a Middle Grade Survival Thriller and is a Middle Grade debut for beloved author, Natalie D. Richards.
I have enjoyed quite a few YA-stories from Richards, including Five Total Strangers and Four Found Dead, so I was very excited when I learned she was going to be branching into the Middle Grade genre.
I always enjoying seeing what an author I have enjoyed can do in a new space. It can be hit or miss, but this one was definitely a hit for me.
As expected, Richards brought some serious thrills and intensity to this, while also bringing the humor and softer moments you would expect from a Middle Grade story.
We follow a group of four kids, Baxter, Abigail, Turner and Emerson, who have sort of been forced together their whole lives due to their parents all being friends. Truth be told though, they sort of drive each other nuts.
After they get in trouble at a school for fighting with one another, they're forced to participate in an extracurricular project that will push them outside of their comfort zones, and will hopefully get them past their differences.
The goal is to get them to work together. At least that is what their parents and teachers want. We'll see...
The four get taken to a remote wilderness location and dropped off with Baxter's elderly Uncle Hornsby, who used to run a wilderness camp for kids. The parents seem to think he is just the person to get these kids in line.
The kids are shocked. It's cold, it's rustic, it's in the freaking middle of nowhere. Are they seriously getting left here with this eccentric old man?
Just like that though, it happens. Their parents leave and their true adventure weekend begins. Using pages from a survival notebook, the kids begin a sort of scavenger hunt through a series of challenges that wins them more pages to the notebook as they go.
The notebook truly clues them in on how to survive on their own in the rough terrain. After Uncle Hornsby appears to go missing though, it's a race against the clock as inclement weather closes in. They need to try to survive themselves, as well as find Uncle Hornsby before it's too late.
Will the kids be able to work together to get everyone safely through the weekend, or will their past disagreements and hurts get in the way?
I did really enjoy this story. I found Baxter's perspective fun to follow, although there were some repetitive jibes towards Uncle Hornsby, particularly in the beginning, that I didn't find as funny as I think they were meant to be. Other than that though, I did enjoy getting the entire story through Baxter's narration.
The kids each excel in different areas and that fact initially is sort of seen as a reason why they don't get along. I liked watching each of the kids be able to bring their strengths into the weekend and I think it helped them to all gain a new respect for one another.
You definitely go on a journey with these kids and it seriously does get intense. There were moments, I wasn't sure how they were going to get past certain things. I loved watching the evolution of their relationships through it all.
I loved the survival aspects as well. Richards included pages from the notebook the kids were following through their challenges. I liked the way those pages were displayed and the level of information they presented.
I also liked the use of a storm approaching to up the intensity of the plot. I thought Richards did a great job building-out the setting, creating a dangerous atmosphere and adding a bit of suspense. This one definitely got my pulse-racing in multiple scenes.
I grew attached to these characters. I loved the growth they each displayed and I ended up feeling proud of them for everything they overcame by the end.
I would definitely recommend this to any Middle Grade Readers, particularly if you like Survival stories, or Thrillers that feature inclement, winter weather.
Thank you so much to the publisher, Delacorte Press, for providing me with a copy to read and review. This was a blast and I hope Richards continues to write in the MG-space. If she does, I will absolutely be reading it!
February 20, 2024
This was an exciting survival mystery that doesn't get too scary but still has tense moments. I enjoyed the clues the kids had to follow and how they learned to use each other's strengths to get out of dangerous situations.
November 22, 2023
What a kind, heart-warming, middle-grades survival thriller by Natalie D Richards! Four middle schoolers get in trouble for texting unkind things in the group text during their academic team competition. As a consequence, their parents send them on a week-long trip off-grid to learn teamwork and survival skills with our narrator Baxter's great-uncle.
Through a series of events, the kids learn not only how to get along, but also how to depend on each other. Just as each student is an expert in a specific area of interest for academic team, each has a unique talent or gift that helps the group survive. This story contains sweet lessons of forgiveness, trust, and owning one's mistakes.
In the midst of all these life lessons, though, the kids are scrambling to survive in the snowy wilderness with minimal supplies and no grown-ups - just each other. The bulk of the book is one adventure after another as the tweens solve puzzles and follow clues to survive. Also in the mix is Vivi, Baxter's tiny little sister, who isn't supposed to be part of the adventure but becomes the star of the show. Vivi's character is so well-written, I could picture her toddler cuteness and imagine her sweet voice.
I think young middle schoolers will really enjoy this book. The beginning is a little tiresome because the kids bicker a lot; but, once the action starts, the nail-biting scenes come fast and frequently. The setting is so appealing: the rustic, old cabin, the winter storm, the swollen icy river. This book is a great combination of sweetness, adventure, and wintery atmosphere; it has it all!
Thank you to NetGalley, Delacorte Press, and Ms. Richards for the opportunity to read and review 15 Secrets to Survival.
Through a series of events, the kids learn not only how to get along, but also how to depend on each other. Just as each student is an expert in a specific area of interest for academic team, each has a unique talent or gift that helps the group survive. This story contains sweet lessons of forgiveness, trust, and owning one's mistakes.
In the midst of all these life lessons, though, the kids are scrambling to survive in the snowy wilderness with minimal supplies and no grown-ups - just each other. The bulk of the book is one adventure after another as the tweens solve puzzles and follow clues to survive. Also in the mix is Vivi, Baxter's tiny little sister, who isn't supposed to be part of the adventure but becomes the star of the show. Vivi's character is so well-written, I could picture her toddler cuteness and imagine her sweet voice.
I think young middle schoolers will really enjoy this book. The beginning is a little tiresome because the kids bicker a lot; but, once the action starts, the nail-biting scenes come fast and frequently. The setting is so appealing: the rustic, old cabin, the winter storm, the swollen icy river. This book is a great combination of sweetness, adventure, and wintery atmosphere; it has it all!
Thank you to NetGalley, Delacorte Press, and Ms. Richards for the opportunity to read and review 15 Secrets to Survival.
August 14, 2024
I did not expect to like this as much as I did! At first I thought it was cute and fun and something I would definitely enjoy reading but then I quickly became wrapped up in the character's internal conflicts. I think my only disappointment was that it didn't switch POVs. I thought it would but then it stayed in Baxter's the whole time. Though I loved what his POV offered the story! The author did a remarkable book. Highly recommend this!!
And the suspense... 👀 Yeah, expect to stay up as late as it takes to finish this one. 😆 Not speaking from experience here...
And the suspense... 👀 Yeah, expect to stay up as late as it takes to finish this one. 😆 Not speaking from experience here...
November 9, 2023
Calling parents, middle-grade teachers, librarians, or anyone who loves an adventure tale with good life lessons, grab this book now! You will cheer for the Getalong Gang as they learn to work together and survive a weekend in the wilderness.
What I loved:
✨Environmental Science: Each Survival Secret offers factual tidbits about our environment. Perfect for teaching science in an unconventional way!
✨Life Lessons: Readers witness firsthand how words matter. The way you treat people matters. Apologizing when you’re wrong matters. I love this quote, “…you can't take the bad things back. You need to figure out a way to move forward.” And finally, forgiveness matters.
✨Narration: Michael Crouch!! I love everything he added to the story - well-timed humor (yes, I laughed out loud), softer tones when the member of the gang realized they hurt a friend’s feelings, and the range of his voice from Uncle Hornsby (mm-hmm) and baby Vivi (calling Turner “Turd-er”). If you have a road trip with your kids, listen to this audiobook!!
15 Secrets to Survival is Natalie D. Richards's first attempt at a middle-grade novel, and she knocks it out of the park! Perfect for any 4th through 7th grader who loves to read something funny, thrilling, and about friendships or any parent who wants an entertaining read-aloud for bedtime. 4.24⭐️
What I loved:
✨Environmental Science: Each Survival Secret offers factual tidbits about our environment. Perfect for teaching science in an unconventional way!
✨Life Lessons: Readers witness firsthand how words matter. The way you treat people matters. Apologizing when you’re wrong matters. I love this quote, “…you can't take the bad things back. You need to figure out a way to move forward.” And finally, forgiveness matters.
✨Narration: Michael Crouch!! I love everything he added to the story - well-timed humor (yes, I laughed out loud), softer tones when the member of the gang realized they hurt a friend’s feelings, and the range of his voice from Uncle Hornsby (mm-hmm) and baby Vivi (calling Turner “Turd-er”). If you have a road trip with your kids, listen to this audiobook!!
15 Secrets to Survival is Natalie D. Richards's first attempt at a middle-grade novel, and she knocks it out of the park! Perfect for any 4th through 7th grader who loves to read something funny, thrilling, and about friendships or any parent who wants an entertaining read-aloud for bedtime. 4.24⭐️
July 28, 2023
15 Secrets to Survival initially appealed to me because of its setting, as well as themes of friendship and outdoor survival. Plus, what a fabulous cover! And overall, I enjoyed the story and think younger middle grade readers will too (but first they will need to stick with it through some of the slower beginning chapters that spend much too long establishing just how much the four main characters don’t get along...sooo many arguments!). The book is categorized as middle grade, but I felt it was a bit of a mixed bag for this age group: at 384 pages, it is geared toward the older side of it, however, the characters, including much of their dialogue and actions/reactions, skew younger (9-10 year-olds).
Moving past the slower beginning, as the story picks up steam, the stakes are raised chapter by chapter, it finds its groove and even becomes an edge-of-your-seat thriller at times, and it wraps up in a satisfying way. Lessons of friendship, forgiveness, reliability, responsibility, and numerous nature-related and survival topics are woven in, both overtly and in more subtle ways. In general, this is a fun, adventurous story that is sure to find plenty of fans.
I received an ARC of this title through the publisher and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Moving past the slower beginning, as the story picks up steam, the stakes are raised chapter by chapter, it finds its groove and even becomes an edge-of-your-seat thriller at times, and it wraps up in a satisfying way. Lessons of friendship, forgiveness, reliability, responsibility, and numerous nature-related and survival topics are woven in, both overtly and in more subtle ways. In general, this is a fun, adventurous story that is sure to find plenty of fans.
I received an ARC of this title through the publisher and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
September 18, 2025
I read this because it’s a part of our battle the books this year. I get it that the point was friendship and forgiveness and working together, however, I don’t think it was very realistic. I’m pretty sure the uncle would’ve died if he were truly stuck in this kind of element for that long. I hated how they heard him and they just walked by him and then they came back a number of hours later. And a very much hated the fact that they had an 18 month old with them. There’s no way that she would’ve been talking and giving them hints an 18 month old is basically a baby. And then they found the cell phone seriously.? But no Uncle? And their shack being destroyed by a tree.? I mean, why would the Uncle have left the 18 month old baby in a shack all alone with no direction saying go get your sister this is where she’s at? What if these kids never found the kid? And I loved how they had a number of supplies. No kid would be walking around with that many supplies to deal with cold weather like that.
March 4, 2024
Definitely a kids book, but ok. I knew that going in.
July 4, 2024
I’M FINALLY DONE WITH THIS BOOK!!!
i have been on and off with this book for two months now. every time i read it, i couldn’t help but cringe at the writing and cheesy lines that would have amused a nine year old (“A pine cone falling from a tree. A log toppling over. A chipmunk farting.”). to be fair, this book is meant for an audience that is younger than me.
did i dislike my experience reading this book? yes. would my younger self have enjoyed this book? yes.
i have been on and off with this book for two months now. every time i read it, i couldn’t help but cringe at the writing and cheesy lines that would have amused a nine year old (“A pine cone falling from a tree. A log toppling over. A chipmunk farting.”). to be fair, this book is meant for an audience that is younger than me.
did i dislike my experience reading this book? yes. would my younger self have enjoyed this book? yes.
January 2, 2024
I wish this were just a tad shorter, because I loved the setup which gave the reader an immediate entry into the character personalities and conflict, and the survival scenes were exciting. However, the intended audience may give up before they get close to that 400 page mark. I'd like to recommend this to the crew that loves Hatchet, but it's over double the size of that book.
August 20, 2025
please don't bring a two year old to a moose infested avalanche party
June 18, 2023
15 Secrets to Survival is my first book by Natalie D. Richards; four 12 year old classmates have a long weekend with Baxter's great uncle as a type of team building exercise.
This is my first read by Natalie D. Richards. (I believe her books are typically YA psychological thrillers; and this book has a middle school target audience and recommended for educators to discuss survival aspects in class discussion.) I really enjoyed 15 Secrets to Survival (and I'm definitely not the target audience). I finished two books yesterday and have 4 other books in progress and 15 Secrets was by far the one I've been enjoying the most.
I loved how all the students different strengths came together; but I especially loved when Baxters video game experiences helped solve a problem. And I loved the Baxters thoughts that popped onto the page (that were usually not very diplomatic) and also how much he doted on his little sister.
There is some "mixed media" / newspaper articles throughout the book that are educational.
Man ... I wish that this had been required reading when I was in middle school! My niece and nephew are probably a bit too young for 15 Secrets, but seriously thinking of buying it for them and holding onto it for several years.
Many thanks to NetGalley for the opportunity to review the advance read copy in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to author Natalie D. Richards and publisher Delacorte Press for approving my request to reveiw 15 Secrets to Survival. I loved it and it would have my vote for middle school age reads! Publication date is Nov 7, 2023.
Super cute cover!
This is my first read by Natalie D. Richards. (I believe her books are typically YA psychological thrillers; and this book has a middle school target audience and recommended for educators to discuss survival aspects in class discussion.) I really enjoyed 15 Secrets to Survival (and I'm definitely not the target audience). I finished two books yesterday and have 4 other books in progress and 15 Secrets was by far the one I've been enjoying the most.
I loved how all the students different strengths came together; but I especially loved when Baxters video game experiences helped solve a problem. And I loved the Baxters thoughts that popped onto the page (that were usually not very diplomatic) and also how much he doted on his little sister.
There is some "mixed media" / newspaper articles throughout the book that are educational.
Man ... I wish that this had been required reading when I was in middle school! My niece and nephew are probably a bit too young for 15 Secrets, but seriously thinking of buying it for them and holding onto it for several years.
Many thanks to NetGalley for the opportunity to review the advance read copy in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to author Natalie D. Richards and publisher Delacorte Press for approving my request to reveiw 15 Secrets to Survival. I loved it and it would have my vote for middle school age reads! Publication date is Nov 7, 2023.
Super cute cover!
November 9, 2023
This was a great read, but definitely not what I expected from Natalie. With the main cast being 12 it sort of took away some of the elements I usually love in Natalie’s books (ie romance), I think she could have easily made the characters 17 or 18 and written the same exact book but with some other elements that I missed. This also wasn’t a murder mystery thriller but rather a survivalist thriller. It was still a great read, but I guess I’m a little disappointed after waiting all year for this book to come out.
There were some glaring editing mistakes such as the mom talking about leaving the baby with the uncle and the mc asking if the uncle even knows how to care for babies, then a few pages later when the mom says something to the uncle about bedtime for the baby the Mc acts shocked that they’re leaving the baby. Later it’s said that the baby is sleeping on a tarp, but then a couple pages later the Mc thinks it would be great if the baby would take a nap.
The only other thing that I’ve noticed in several of Natalie’s books is that there isn’t a whole lot of closure about what happens after the rescue, there’s a flash forward, but none of the immediate and nothing about the uncle.
Altogether I really did enjoy this book, but I hope Natalie sticks with the YA teenager/young adult novels and doesn’t continue with middle school!
March 10, 2025
I will admit my problems with this book come 90% from how crappy the kids parents are.
Mild spoilers ahead
The kids fail a trivia contest (which their reason for failing is pretty dumb, yeah it's nice to get along but send a couple frustrated text messages and you get disqualified?) so the next logical thing to do is bring your kids to a random uncle in Montana while all the adults go to Aruba?
Only one set of parents knows this guy. NO way would I ever bring my kids to some random 80+ year old dudes house in Montana to learn a lesson. And to make it better? The parents who "know" the guy leave their one year old there too? No.
And then there is the whole parents going to aruba thing. It is supposed to be a three day lesson, Traveling from Montana to Aruba is 15+ hours. These parents would have maybe a day and half to enjoy Aruba. Maybe it's just me but that is not worth the travel time.
Abigail is also the most annoying girl ever. She constantly is talking about how good she is at gymnastics, and in a high risk situation she refuses to watch a baby but refuses to go in the cold when those are literally the two options. Emmerson might have been bossy but she was 100 time better than Abigail.
Mild spoilers ahead
The kids fail a trivia contest (which their reason for failing is pretty dumb, yeah it's nice to get along but send a couple frustrated text messages and you get disqualified?) so the next logical thing to do is bring your kids to a random uncle in Montana while all the adults go to Aruba?
Only one set of parents knows this guy. NO way would I ever bring my kids to some random 80+ year old dudes house in Montana to learn a lesson. And to make it better? The parents who "know" the guy leave their one year old there too? No.
And then there is the whole parents going to aruba thing. It is supposed to be a three day lesson, Traveling from Montana to Aruba is 15+ hours. These parents would have maybe a day and half to enjoy Aruba. Maybe it's just me but that is not worth the travel time.
Abigail is also the most annoying girl ever. She constantly is talking about how good she is at gymnastics, and in a high risk situation she refuses to watch a baby but refuses to go in the cold when those are literally the two options. Emmerson might have been bossy but she was 100 time better than Abigail.
June 3, 2024
I had high hopes that this book would blend some of the best parts of Swindle by Gordon Korman (kids with different talents team up to right a wrong) and Nickel Bay Nick by Dean Pitchford (kid does amazing things under the tutelage of an enigmatic mentor) but it never really came together for me. I didn't really care about the group of four main characters and wasn't totally even sure what their strengths were supposed to be. Also, they bickered so much! Bickering is annoying in real life but also to read on the page. Plus, this book is long for middle grade -384 long pages. I skimmed some of the middle to get to the end where predictably - they come together to save the day.
October 13, 2023
My sister read several Natalie D Richards thriller suspense books and she recommended that I get on this middle-grade book because she read the YAs and this is simply more realistic fiction to her. This book is a bit slow in the beginning with Baxter and several kids bickering non-stop. Once they get to move forward, the story gets intense and better. The ending!!! Well, the plots are well written and this book would be perfect for kids who love to go outdoor camping, hiking and surviving! It also has friendship, loyalty and some really funny parts that you don’t want to miss.
December 21, 2025
3.5 Not a true survival story because much of the plot is about the kids being led through activities where they are given information but the second half leans closer into survival mode and the intensity really picks up here.
Good message about kids working through their differences and learning to appreciate what makes everyone unique and valuable in their own way.
Good message about kids working through their differences and learning to appreciate what makes everyone unique and valuable in their own way.
July 23, 2023
E ARC provided by Edelweiss Plus
Baxter's parents are very good friends with several of the children with whom he goes to school; his parents set up a company with one of the couples, and they all live in the neighborhood. He's always had to hang out with Abigail, Turner and Emerson, but he doesn't like them very much. When the four (whom his mother has dubbed "the Getalong Gang") have to be on a the same team for the Know and Grow elective course, it doesn't go well. After some fighting took place during a competition, all of the kids lose credit for the course, and Baxter loses his spot on the E Sports team. The only way they can get the credits back is by doing a project. Luckily, Baxter's great uncle Hornsby has a cabin in the mountains, and since the parents are all taking a cruise to Aruba, they dump the children with him. They even leave Vivi, Baxter young sister who is probably between one and two. Hornsby will give them a challenge, but keep them all safe. He taught Baxter's parents outdoor survival skills after they were married, was a camp counselor, and even had infant first aid certification, so the parents think he is a safe bet. The children think differently, and Baxter is especially leery given the state of the uncle's cabin. The children are not there for long; after the parents leave (having been menaced by a moose right after they all arrived), the children are given an instructional booklet of seemingly disparate newspaper articles, and sent to look for Vivi. Once they find her, they set off on a perilous adventure in the woods that includes more moose exposure, a burn incident, a small avalanche, a spectacularly poopy diaper, and a tumble into a river. Uncle Hornsby is apparently looking out for them, but when the group arrives at a cabin, they realize that he is in danger. Using their one flip phone, that has a 9% change left, they call 911 and request assistance, only to find that a horrible winter storm is approaching. Will they be able to get back to the cabin and help their uncle? But most of all, will they get school credit for their exploits?
Strengths: I never hope to meet a moose in the wild, but I loved how the parents were able to stay calm and keep everyone safe. Pro tip: throw apples far from your group so that the moose is distracted and goes after them. The idea that children are forced to be friends with each other because their parents are friends is an intriguing concept, and the four children exhibit typical tween behaviors. Petty spats, annoying each other, but ultimately, working together to insure their survival. Uncle Hornsby's survival strategies, though a bit haphazardly delivered, are sound. It's good for the children to rely on each other and their own capabilities, and they ultimately triump. This is another good warning to never go anywhere without a back pack full of granola bars and a well charged satellite phone.
Weaknesses: This lost me a bit with the whole "losing school credit" unless the kids did a project; I haven't once in 25 years seen anything remotely like that in school, although it seems to happen a lot in books. I also found it hard to believe that the kids would take such a small child with them, but both of these things will not phase the average twelve year old reader at all. They will also not care that Uncle Hornsby's wrinkly flesh is described so enthusiastically, but as a Pre Elderly person, I didn't enjoy it very much.
What I really think: If outdoor adventure with a bit of humor goes over well in your library, make sure you have this along with Gangsei's 2017 The Wild Bunch and Hale's 2022 Super Troop.
Baxter's parents are very good friends with several of the children with whom he goes to school; his parents set up a company with one of the couples, and they all live in the neighborhood. He's always had to hang out with Abigail, Turner and Emerson, but he doesn't like them very much. When the four (whom his mother has dubbed "the Getalong Gang") have to be on a the same team for the Know and Grow elective course, it doesn't go well. After some fighting took place during a competition, all of the kids lose credit for the course, and Baxter loses his spot on the E Sports team. The only way they can get the credits back is by doing a project. Luckily, Baxter's great uncle Hornsby has a cabin in the mountains, and since the parents are all taking a cruise to Aruba, they dump the children with him. They even leave Vivi, Baxter young sister who is probably between one and two. Hornsby will give them a challenge, but keep them all safe. He taught Baxter's parents outdoor survival skills after they were married, was a camp counselor, and even had infant first aid certification, so the parents think he is a safe bet. The children think differently, and Baxter is especially leery given the state of the uncle's cabin. The children are not there for long; after the parents leave (having been menaced by a moose right after they all arrived), the children are given an instructional booklet of seemingly disparate newspaper articles, and sent to look for Vivi. Once they find her, they set off on a perilous adventure in the woods that includes more moose exposure, a burn incident, a small avalanche, a spectacularly poopy diaper, and a tumble into a river. Uncle Hornsby is apparently looking out for them, but when the group arrives at a cabin, they realize that he is in danger. Using their one flip phone, that has a 9% change left, they call 911 and request assistance, only to find that a horrible winter storm is approaching. Will they be able to get back to the cabin and help their uncle? But most of all, will they get school credit for their exploits?
Strengths: I never hope to meet a moose in the wild, but I loved how the parents were able to stay calm and keep everyone safe. Pro tip: throw apples far from your group so that the moose is distracted and goes after them. The idea that children are forced to be friends with each other because their parents are friends is an intriguing concept, and the four children exhibit typical tween behaviors. Petty spats, annoying each other, but ultimately, working together to insure their survival. Uncle Hornsby's survival strategies, though a bit haphazardly delivered, are sound. It's good for the children to rely on each other and their own capabilities, and they ultimately triump. This is another good warning to never go anywhere without a back pack full of granola bars and a well charged satellite phone.
Weaknesses: This lost me a bit with the whole "losing school credit" unless the kids did a project; I haven't once in 25 years seen anything remotely like that in school, although it seems to happen a lot in books. I also found it hard to believe that the kids would take such a small child with them, but both of these things will not phase the average twelve year old reader at all. They will also not care that Uncle Hornsby's wrinkly flesh is described so enthusiastically, but as a Pre Elderly person, I didn't enjoy it very much.
What I really think: If outdoor adventure with a bit of humor goes over well in your library, make sure you have this along with Gangsei's 2017 The Wild Bunch and Hale's 2022 Super Troop.
December 1, 2023
15 SECRETS TO SURVIVAL by Natalie D. Richards is an engaging blend of tween angst, survival challenges, and humor. The story follows Baxter, Abigail, Turner, and Emerson, forced into a wilderness extra credit project. What begins as a team-building weekend takes a thrilling turn when their instructor disappears, leaving them with a survival guide and daunting challenges. The narrative creatively unfolds through questionnaires, injecting a fun dynamic. While aspects of parental decisions may raise eyebrows, the target audience can easily immerse themselves in the exciting plot. Richards successfully weaves a tale of teamwork, mystery, and unexpected surprises in the woods, keeping readers hooked with funny moments and suspense. The book's unique approach and enjoyable storyline make it a delightful read for young audiences.
#bookstadog #poodlesofinstagram #doodlesofinstagram #furbabies #dogsofinstagram #bookstagram #dogsandbooks #bookishlife #bookishlove #bookstagrammer #books #booklover #bookish #bookaholic #reading #readersofinstagram #instaread #ilovebooks #bookishcanadians #canadianbookstagram #bookreviewer #bookcommunity #bibliophile #15SecretstoSurvival #NatalieDRichards #PenguinRandomCA #DelacortePress #MiddleGradeBooks #bookreview
March 8, 2024
Natalie D. Richards delivers a compelling adventure in her latest offering, blending elements of adventure and survival into a narrative that tests the bounds of teamwork and endurance. Told through the eyes of Baxter, the book provides a vivid, first-person account that aligns perfectly with its middle-grade audience. Richards' use of language ensures that the story is accessible and engaging, drawing readers into the trials faced by Baxter, Abigail, Turner, and Emerson as they navigate the unforeseen challenges of wilderness survival.
The premise unfolds with a group of classmates thrust into an unexpected survival scenario under the tutelage of an eccentric instructor, only for the situation to escalate when they find themselves alone. The group's reliance on a survival handbook and the mysterious woods that envelop them crafts a narrative ripe with tension and discovery. But, the whole setup is kinda out there. There's no way a bunch of parents are going to drop their 12-year-olds and a toddler with a single elderly person for a survival camp in the dead of winter in Montana. I actually really enjoyed the survival bits and how the kids navigate the challenges, but the whole reason they're out there felt incredibly forced. Richards could have easily cooked up a more believable reason for them to end up in that situation without making the adults in the story look like terrible parents.
So, while the storytelling and thematic exploration of survival and teamwork are undeniably strong, the implausible premise detracts from the book's overall impact, earning it a rating of 2 out of 5.
The premise unfolds with a group of classmates thrust into an unexpected survival scenario under the tutelage of an eccentric instructor, only for the situation to escalate when they find themselves alone. The group's reliance on a survival handbook and the mysterious woods that envelop them crafts a narrative ripe with tension and discovery. But, the whole setup is kinda out there. There's no way a bunch of parents are going to drop their 12-year-olds and a toddler with a single elderly person for a survival camp in the dead of winter in Montana. I actually really enjoyed the survival bits and how the kids navigate the challenges, but the whole reason they're out there felt incredibly forced. Richards could have easily cooked up a more believable reason for them to end up in that situation without making the adults in the story look like terrible parents.
So, while the storytelling and thematic exploration of survival and teamwork are undeniably strong, the implausible premise detracts from the book's overall impact, earning it a rating of 2 out of 5.
September 22, 2024
I still think all of the adults SUPER overreacted to a bunch of kids calling each other names, while wildly UNDER-reacting to the fact that wild moose are freely roaming around this cabin and nosing into cars. Not one single lesson on how to behave if you see one up close? Because I feel like a lot of people, kids in particular, are not necessarily aware that they're dangerous and not just overgrown deer.
However, once you get past all of Baxter's (somewhat justified) whining and the actual adventure/lessons begin, it's a really fun survival story. And actually plays out kind of like a video game, between the challenges themselves and the clues they have to solve in order to find the next page of instructions telling them where to go. It's also way more dangerous than I would have thought; there are so many places where, realistically, at least one kid would have died and/or been seriously injured. (Great job, Baxter's parents! Really solid vetting of the situation. If I were one of the other parents I would absolutely be ending our friendship over this, if not suing somebody for child endangerment.)
I just wish the story hadn't included a stupid toddler and her stupid babbling baby dialogue. This is one of my pet peeves in children's lit, and has been since childhood.
P.S. I have to say, I'm very impressed by Natalie's pivot from YA thrillers to here. I've read several of the former but I would never have guessed this was the same author, not so much because of a difference in writing skill (although I do think she's visibly improving with each release), but just because the style is so different.
However, once you get past all of Baxter's (somewhat justified) whining and the actual adventure/lessons begin, it's a really fun survival story. And actually plays out kind of like a video game, between the challenges themselves and the clues they have to solve in order to find the next page of instructions telling them where to go. It's also way more dangerous than I would have thought; there are so many places where, realistically, at least one kid would have died and/or been seriously injured. (Great job, Baxter's parents! Really solid vetting of the situation. If I were one of the other parents I would absolutely be ending our friendship over this, if not suing somebody for child endangerment.)
I just wish the story hadn't included a stupid toddler and her stupid babbling baby dialogue. This is one of my pet peeves in children's lit, and has been since childhood.
P.S. I have to say, I'm very impressed by Natalie's pivot from YA thrillers to here. I've read several of the former but I would never have guessed this was the same author, not so much because of a difference in writing skill (although I do think she's visibly improving with each release), but just because the style is so different.
October 22, 2023
𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐃 𝐓𝐇𝐈𝐒 𝐈𝐅 𝐘𝐎𝐔
😑 were forced to be friends with people you didn’t like
🫎 have ever been almost attacked by a moose
🏔️ went on a wilderness adventure in Montana
🚶enjoy middle grade reads
• 𝐖𝐇𝐀𝐓 𝐈𝐓’𝐒 𝐀𝐁𝐎𝐔𝐓
When classmates Baxter, Abigail, Turner and Emerson break a school rule, they’re forced to travel to the middle of nowhere for an extra credit project. They think things can’t get much worse. After all, how will learning to survive in the wilderness help them stay out of trouble in school?
What starts off as a weekend of team building takes a scary turn when their instructor goes missing and they are given nothing but pages of a survival guide to complete a series of challenges.
They soon learn the woods around them have unexpected surprises. Will they discover a way to work together to find their teacher and overcome the dangers of winter in the mountains?
• 𝐌𝐘 𝐓𝐇𝐎𝐔𝐆𝐇𝐓𝐒
This was such a fun read, filled with tween angst, survival stories, and funny moments! I really liked the creative way the introduction was done when they were answering questions - 2 of which I answered incorrectly by the way. I was a bit shocked that the parents not only dropped off their kids with this random great uncle that only parent even knew but that they also left a toddler in both his and a bunch of tweens care, but I think most kids who read this will be able to suspend disbelief and ignore all of that and just focus on the fun and exciting parts of the story!
😑 were forced to be friends with people you didn’t like
🫎 have ever been almost attacked by a moose
🏔️ went on a wilderness adventure in Montana
🚶enjoy middle grade reads
• 𝐖𝐇𝐀𝐓 𝐈𝐓’𝐒 𝐀𝐁𝐎𝐔𝐓
When classmates Baxter, Abigail, Turner and Emerson break a school rule, they’re forced to travel to the middle of nowhere for an extra credit project. They think things can’t get much worse. After all, how will learning to survive in the wilderness help them stay out of trouble in school?
What starts off as a weekend of team building takes a scary turn when their instructor goes missing and they are given nothing but pages of a survival guide to complete a series of challenges.
They soon learn the woods around them have unexpected surprises. Will they discover a way to work together to find their teacher and overcome the dangers of winter in the mountains?
• 𝐌𝐘 𝐓𝐇𝐎𝐔𝐆𝐇𝐓𝐒
This was such a fun read, filled with tween angst, survival stories, and funny moments! I really liked the creative way the introduction was done when they were answering questions - 2 of which I answered incorrectly by the way. I was a bit shocked that the parents not only dropped off their kids with this random great uncle that only parent even knew but that they also left a toddler in both his and a bunch of tweens care, but I think most kids who read this will be able to suspend disbelief and ignore all of that and just focus on the fun and exciting parts of the story!
November 25, 2023
With plenty of friendship drama, middle grade readers will find 15 Secrets to Survival very engaging, relatable, and enjoyable. This fast-paced adventure story was hard to put down. Children will be on the edge of their seats until the very end.
After treating each other poorly in an academic competition, four friends are challenged to survive in the wild with nothing but a survival guide - only the survival guide is incomplete, and they have to uncover clues to find the fifteen secret survival sheets and put it all together. I found the fifteen survival tips sheets very helpful and factual. I think children will find this information valuable should they ever find themselves in a situation where they have to survive in the outdoors.
This is a new favorite middle-grade adventure/survival story for me! This book is perfect for children who love Hatchet by Gary Paulsen, adventure, camping, hiking, surviving, and a good laugh! I also think this book teaches some great life lessons about friendship, loyalty, and appreciating differences. 15 Secrets to Survival is a great addition to classrooms and libraries.
Thank you to Random House Children’s/Delacorte Press and @NetGalley for the gifted ebook ARC in exchange for an honest review
#15SecretsToSurvival #NetGalley #childrenslit #middlegradereads #middlegradebooks
After treating each other poorly in an academic competition, four friends are challenged to survive in the wild with nothing but a survival guide - only the survival guide is incomplete, and they have to uncover clues to find the fifteen secret survival sheets and put it all together. I found the fifteen survival tips sheets very helpful and factual. I think children will find this information valuable should they ever find themselves in a situation where they have to survive in the outdoors.
This is a new favorite middle-grade adventure/survival story for me! This book is perfect for children who love Hatchet by Gary Paulsen, adventure, camping, hiking, surviving, and a good laugh! I also think this book teaches some great life lessons about friendship, loyalty, and appreciating differences. 15 Secrets to Survival is a great addition to classrooms and libraries.
Thank you to Random House Children’s/Delacorte Press and @NetGalley for the gifted ebook ARC in exchange for an honest review
#15SecretsToSurvival #NetGalley #childrenslit #middlegradereads #middlegradebooks
December 23, 2023
Four twelve year olds who resorted to name-calling in a series of texts messages during a school project are punished by being sent away on a weekend together in the snowy Montana woods. Led only by the elderly Uncle Hornsby, the kids must learn to collaborate on a series of survival-type activities that become more serious as the weekend goes on. Can these kids, each good at something different, come together to face the increasingly bad weather and a terrible development before it’s too late?
The story is narrated by Baxter, a video game geek, who feels that he is the least equipped of the group to provide any help on their quest. But, by the end, what he learned from gaming makes a big difference to their survival. The narration is full of funny, typical middle grade exaggeration and silliness, which is a great counterpart to the real challenges that face the two boys and two girls. It was gratifying to observe each kid learn to appreciate the talents each brings to the team as they face snow, ice, hunger and caring for Baxter’s 18 month old sister to boot. Uncle Hornsby is an eccentric old mountaineer who leads the kids on a mysterious many-stepped quest with cryptic clues on how to proceed, but whom the kids suspect may have gotten into trouble. I loved seeing kids’ increasing reliance on one another, and I learned some outdoor winter survival techniques as well.
The story is narrated by Baxter, a video game geek, who feels that he is the least equipped of the group to provide any help on their quest. But, by the end, what he learned from gaming makes a big difference to their survival. The narration is full of funny, typical middle grade exaggeration and silliness, which is a great counterpart to the real challenges that face the two boys and two girls. It was gratifying to observe each kid learn to appreciate the talents each brings to the team as they face snow, ice, hunger and caring for Baxter’s 18 month old sister to boot. Uncle Hornsby is an eccentric old mountaineer who leads the kids on a mysterious many-stepped quest with cryptic clues on how to proceed, but whom the kids suspect may have gotten into trouble. I loved seeing kids’ increasing reliance on one another, and I learned some outdoor winter survival techniques as well.
December 30, 2023
Fast paced thriller that provides some good life lessons. Would be an excellent book for classroom discussion on teamwork and survival in the wilderness. The author’s first middle grade book was a hit for me. Four classmates who are former friends are forced to band together during a wilderness retreat. After Baxter, Emerson, Turner and ABigail get in trouble during a team competition, their teacher and parents decide they must learn to work as a team. The solution is to spend a few days at an isolated cabin solving some puzzles and learning wilderness life skills. This wasn’t hard core survival camp. The kids were left with food and a cabin with tasks during the day and an adult supervising. But as in all good thrillers, things don’t go exactly as planned.
An added complication to these tasks is Baxter’s younger toddler sister. For some wacky reason the parents thought it made sense to leave the toddler. Decision that added complexity to the survival skills test.
A moose plays a role in several scenes. THe moose antics certainly made for a few tense and funny moments and provided inspiration for the great cover.
As the kids work together to solve the puzzles, plan a project and survive they gain insight into themselves and each other. The author did a great job of showing how misperceptions about an individual can be dangerous. What we see on the outside might not be the whole story. Words said in anger can have very real and damaging effects. I think many parents and teachers will appreciate the way the author has these kids learn independence and teamwork. It was an enjoyable read that many young readers will love.
An added complication to these tasks is Baxter’s younger toddler sister. For some wacky reason the parents thought it made sense to leave the toddler. Decision that added complexity to the survival skills test.
A moose plays a role in several scenes. THe moose antics certainly made for a few tense and funny moments and provided inspiration for the great cover.
As the kids work together to solve the puzzles, plan a project and survive they gain insight into themselves and each other. The author did a great job of showing how misperceptions about an individual can be dangerous. What we see on the outside might not be the whole story. Words said in anger can have very real and damaging effects. I think many parents and teachers will appreciate the way the author has these kids learn independence and teamwork. It was an enjoyable read that many young readers will love.
July 28, 2024
12yo Baxter, Turner, Abigail and Emerson have known each other since pre-school. Their parents are friends, but they are not - more like frenemies. So when the group starts arguing with each other and saying mean things on a group chat during a school competition, they are disqualified and given an alternate assignment. As a team building activity, the children are delivered to Baxter's great Uncle Hornsby - a survivalist - in the mountains of northern Montana (and it's December). But what they think is survival training turns into life and death as Uncle Hornby disappears and the kids find themselves alone in the wilderness.
Wow, so much peril - winter, snow storms, collapsing shed, frozen rivers, an avalanche, dangerous wildlife, oh, and they have an 18 month old little sister with them. It felt like a bit much for the 2 days? they were together. Uncle Hornsby is portrayed as super elderly - so many wrinkles - and I puzzle at the wisdom of the parents just dropping the kids off and heading to Aruba. All in all, exciting, as the action never stops - they go from one dangerous situation right into the next, I'm not sure some of them might have permanent injuries. A bit long for middle grade, nearly 400 pages. The author gives us hair colors, but races are not defined, so the characters default white.
cross posted to http://kissthebook.blogspot.com
Wow, so much peril - winter, snow storms, collapsing shed, frozen rivers, an avalanche, dangerous wildlife, oh, and they have an 18 month old little sister with them. It felt like a bit much for the 2 days? they were together. Uncle Hornsby is portrayed as super elderly - so many wrinkles - and I puzzle at the wisdom of the parents just dropping the kids off and heading to Aruba. All in all, exciting, as the action never stops - they go from one dangerous situation right into the next, I'm not sure some of them might have permanent injuries. A bit long for middle grade, nearly 400 pages. The author gives us hair colors, but races are not defined, so the characters default white.
cross posted to http://kissthebook.blogspot.com
April 7, 2025
This book was nominated for the Great Stone Face Award, an annual book award that is voted upon by students in grades 4-6 in the state on NH. As a school librarian, I read all the nominees each year and I was really excited to see this one on the list of nominees. (I'm a sucker for a cute book cover!)
Unfortunately, I was a bit disappointed.
While there's nothing really bad about this one, it just drags in spots. I found myself getting bored with the storyline, which is not a good sign for a middle grade book. If I'm bored, I can only imagine that kids will be bored as well.
It is easy to discern the popularity of a book in my library when it has been nominated for this award, because I tally the results of the voting for my school, and as I write this review, we are closing in on the last week of voting for this year's award. So far, this book has received only one vote in a school with a student population of around six-hundred, which doesn't bode well for it's future circulation.
Hopefully, this book will find it's target audience. I suspect that it may be checked out for the cute cover, but I doubt that many students will actually finish reading it.
**Side Note:
As an adult, I really struggled with the decisions made by the adults in this book. The parents of the children leave them in the care of an elderly man, who then sends them off on a quest for survival clues while also caring for a baby!
As the story develops, the lack of supervision is explained, but the fact remains that responsible parents would never put their children, especially a child still in diapers, in this kind of situation.
I don't think kids will notice this, but as an adult, I kept waiting for someone to call the parents out for neglect.
Unfortunately, I was a bit disappointed.
While there's nothing really bad about this one, it just drags in spots. I found myself getting bored with the storyline, which is not a good sign for a middle grade book. If I'm bored, I can only imagine that kids will be bored as well.
It is easy to discern the popularity of a book in my library when it has been nominated for this award, because I tally the results of the voting for my school, and as I write this review, we are closing in on the last week of voting for this year's award. So far, this book has received only one vote in a school with a student population of around six-hundred, which doesn't bode well for it's future circulation.
Hopefully, this book will find it's target audience. I suspect that it may be checked out for the cute cover, but I doubt that many students will actually finish reading it.
**Side Note:
As an adult, I really struggled with the decisions made by the adults in this book. The parents of the children leave them in the care of an elderly man, who then sends them off on a quest for survival clues while also caring for a baby!
As the story develops, the lack of supervision is explained, but the fact remains that responsible parents would never put their children, especially a child still in diapers, in this kind of situation.
I don't think kids will notice this, but as an adult, I kept waiting for someone to call the parents out for neglect.
November 19, 2023
Baxter and his group of "forced" friends (friends because their parents are life-long friends, not by choice), finally push the limits of adult patience. After botching a competition and having a fight through text messages, the adults at school and the adults at home feel the kids need to learn to work together and value each others' skills and strengths. The parents send the kids to Baxter's uncle on a survival expedition. When things go sideways and Baxter's uncle is injured, the kids truly must depend on themselves and each other.
This book reminded me of Andrew Clements "A Week in the Woods." There was plenty of action/adventure and a steady dose of humor. I feel like Richards created relatable characters and the adventure was unique and engaging. My one criticism should be taken with a grain of salt - as a mother, I had constant issues with understanding how the parents could have left a toddler with the older kids to care for in a survival setting. A more independent young child - yes, but a baby who needs fed and diapered and was left alone for periods of time? I cringed often.
Solid addition for an upper elementary/middle school library.
This book reminded me of Andrew Clements "A Week in the Woods." There was plenty of action/adventure and a steady dose of humor. I feel like Richards created relatable characters and the adventure was unique and engaging. My one criticism should be taken with a grain of salt - as a mother, I had constant issues with understanding how the parents could have left a toddler with the older kids to care for in a survival setting. A more independent young child - yes, but a baby who needs fed and diapered and was left alone for periods of time? I cringed often.
Solid addition for an upper elementary/middle school library.
August 28, 2024
15 Secrets to Survival written by Natalie D. Richards read by Michael Crouch – Middle schoolers Baxter, Emerson, Abigail and Turner are sent to an outdoor team building experience when they are rude to each other on a school social media platform. Although their parents have been friends for years the quartet does not consider themselves friends, only seeing the negatives in each other. Spending this extended weekend with Baxter’s ex camp counselor, now mountain man uncle Hornsby is an eye-opening experience for the four city kids who must live without cell phones and other comforts of home for a few days. Forced to follow clues Uncle Hornsby lays out for them, the kids must learn to work together and recognize and use each other’s strengths to survive snowstorms, wild animals and rescue Uncle Hornsby when he goes missing. Crouch does a great job narrating the story from Baxter’s point of view bringing in a wide range of emotions tween listeners will be able to relate to. A great middle grade adventure which brings current day student interests into everyday problem solving.
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