Far North

by Will Hobbs

From the window of the small floatplane, fifteen-year-old Gabe Rogers is getting his first look at Canada's magnificent Northwest Territories with Raymond Providence, his roommate from boarding school. Below is the spectacular Nahanni River -- wall-to-wall whitewater racing between sheer cliffs and plunging over Virginia Falls. The pilot sets the plane down on the lake-like surface of the upper river for a closer look at the thundering falls. Suddenly the engine quits. The only sound is a dull roar downstream, as the Cessna drifts helplessly toward the falls . . . With the brutal subarctic winter fast approaching, Gabe and Raymond soon find themselves stranded in Deadmen Valley. Trapped in a frozen world of moose, wolves, and bears, two boys from vastly different cultures come to depend on each other for their very survival. After an airplane accident, fifteen-year-old Gabe, his Dene Indian boarding-school roommate Raymond, and the elderly Indian Johnny Raven are left stranded in the Canadian wilderness. The wise old man calls on his deeply rooted knowledge of the land to keep the tiny group alive, leaving the boys to battle nature alone when he dies.

Genres: Adventure, Young Adult, Survival, Fiction, Realistic Fiction, Middle Grade, Canada

240 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1996

About the author

WILL HOBBS is the author of seventeen novels for upper elementary, middle school and young adult readers, as well as two picture book stories. Seven of his novels, Bearstone, Downriver, The Big Wander, Beardance, Far North, The Maze, and Jason's Gold, were named Best Books for Young Adults by the American Library Association. ALA also named Far North and Downriver to their list of the 100 Best Young Adult Books of the Twentieth Centrury. Ghost Canoe received the Edgar Allan Poe Award in 1998 for Best Young Adult Mystery.

In outdoor stories that appeal to both boys and girls, Hobbs has readers discovering wild places, sharing adventures with people from varied backgrounds, and exploring how to make important choices in their own lives. A graduate of Stanford University and former reading and language arts teacher, Will has been a full-time writer since 1990. He lives with his wife, Jean, in Durango, Colorado.

Will's books have won many other awards, including the California Young Reader Medal, the Western Writers of America Spur Award, the Mountains and Plains Booksellers Award, the Colorado Book Award, and nominations to state award lists in over thirty states.

Reviews

[Christine Boyer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm going back to teaching 6th grade in the fall and I'm trying to find some good novels to integrate with the social studies curriculum of Canada & Latin America. Usually I rely on Gary Paulsen's, "Hatchet", for a setting in Canada. "Far North" was much better and more specific with regard to the Northwest Territories, the capital, Yellowknife, and lots of mention of the mountains and rivers. It even features the culture of the Dene people who are the natives in that area. No bad words, challenging vocabulary - but not over the top. Will probably appeal more to boys than girls, but I think all the action will make it a general crowd pleaser. I'm using it!

[Carolyn Mary · Rating 1 out of 5]

I.HATE.THIS.BOOK. I had to read this for a class this year, and it's honestly the worst book I've ever read. It was very boring, they didn't use good vocabulary, and everything was predictable. I do NOT recommend this to ANYONE.

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

At first I had only looked at this cover and was like, it sounds kind of boring... Too bad I had judged this book by the cover because I could have enjoyed the story so much sooner! I recommend this for anyone who likes good survival stories in the North.

[Nikki in Niagara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reason for Reading: Several reasons: I read this aloud to my son. He really enjoyed our previous two Will Hobb's read alouds Jason's Gold and it's sequel Down the Yukon. He asked that I read him more by the author. I searched out titles and specifically choose this one for two reasons: 1) ds is very fond of both survival stories and any story that takes place at sea/on water (in this case an arctic river); 2) I have a geographical reading project going and as far as Canada goes I only have two provinces left and this would count as my North West Territories book.

We sat down to read this book expecting an exciting book and Will Hobbs once again delivers. We were both thoroughly glued to our seats during the reading of this book. Hobbs always takes time to introduce his characters and set his story properly before diving into the adventure so don't expect to hit the ground running. This is not how Hobbs writes. He is a wonderful writer, with a skilled pen at description of scenery and really giving one a sense of being exactly where he has planted his characters, in this case a very northern part of Canada in the North West Territories, close to the Yukon border, along the Nahanni River boarded by cliffs on both sides. Once the adventure starts, though, the excitement is non-stop and peril is around every corner. Hobbs deals with man vs nature in a realistic manner and man doesn't always win, he gets hurt and sometimes he dies. Chapters end in either cliffhangers or desperate measures making one sorry to leave off until next time. As I said we both really enjoyed this, I'd say I liked this best of the three we've read so far.

[Brendan Folk · Rating 4 out of 5]

Knowing that winter is just around the corner, Gabe Rogers and Raymond Providence must learn what it takes to survive in the wilderness. This all happens after their plane engine fails to start on a river and they are trapped there. The pilot of the plane is the only person that is unable to get out of the plane and is killed. Gabe and Raymond survive, but their adventure has just begun in trying to survive and make it back to civilization.
There are three main characters in this book. The first is Gabe Rogers, a Texan who has come to Canada to be closer to his father. The second character is Raymond Providence, a native resident of Canada. The third character is Raymond’s Great-Uncle, Johnny Raven. This book takes place in the far north of Canada, in the Northwest territories. The young boys, Gabe and Raymond, and the old man, Johnny, struggle to survive in the fierce winter that mother nature throws at them. Along the way, these guys have to fight against starvation and wild animals and they struggle to find a shelter to keep them safe. Will all of the them survive throughout the harsh winter or will the harsh wilderness get the best of them? Along the way, Gabe and Raymond learn how to work together and to rely each other for survival. Sometimes in life, somethings are better left unexplored.
I wanted to read this book because it was recommended to me by a friend. This book has to do with the outdoors and my life revolves around the outdoors. This book also reminds me of all the times that I have went camping with my family. Sure, our camping trips were not so extreme that they involved life or death, but there are things that you live without when you are camping. The comforts of home that you are used to are not there when camping and you have to learn to adapt and adjust.
I would highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys an adventure. It is one of those books when you pick it up you can’t put it down. This book is aimed at anyone who enjoys the outdoors, especially teenagers who love being outdoors like me. Anyone who enjoys survival books would more than enjoy this book. This book isn’t for people who are not outdoorsy like I am because the book really is all about nature and the adventures of being outdoors.

[Jan · Rating 4 out of 5]

For me this was a much grittier and more harrowing saga of wilderness survival than the novel Hatchet, a book I'm sure many will compare this one to. Maybe it was because this book had two teenage boys and a Native American elder working together as they tried to survive the winter in the Canadian wilderness without being mauled by a bear, freezing to death, or dying from starvation. Whatever it was, I found this story to be a very exciting read that definitely held my interest. Students who enjoyed Hatchet, or want to read stories of adventure and survival will most likely want to give this one a try.

[Cody Conroy · Rating 3 out of 5]

A pretty easy-to-read winter survival story. There were definitely some interesting parts that kept me engaged, but most of the book was rather cliche and unrealistic for what I imagine a winter-survival situation would actually be like.

All in all, not a bad book and definitely worth giving a go.

[Jason Vander Ende · Rating 4 out of 5]

Far North by Will Hobbs

Plot Summary

Gabe Rogers, a teenage boy from Texas, flew up to the Northwest Territories because his Dad wanted him to experience the deep cold. His father works on the oil rigs, and he wanted Gabe to live in the NWT for a year and go to school and visit him. After a few weeks of school, he decided to go visit his Dad. He boarded a small plane with a boy his age named Raymond and an old man named Johnny. On a scenic flight up to the oil rig, the planes engine cuts out and they are free falling. They land safely on the river, but are in a race against time scrambling to get their gear to shore before the plane goes down the waterfall. The pilot can't get off the plane in time, and dies a trgaic death. Gabe, Raymond, and Johnny are now left in the middle of nowhere with a rifle with only a few bullets, the bare necessities for survival, and an incoming cold snap of -60 degrees farenheit.

Fortunately, Johnny is an accomplished hunter, and he manages to kill a moose that will provide food for an extended period of time. However, rescue does not seem like a very likely option, so they must try to brave the winter until the river thaws in May and raft out down into the nearest village. Johnny passes on all the knowledge of survival that he possesses to Gabe and Raymond, and dies of old age, leaving Gabe and Raymond left to survive on their own. Will they conquer the deadly winter? or will they succumb to it?

Personal Response

I greatly enjoyed reading this novel by Will Hobbs. Even though the content and complexity of his style of writing may be well below my usual standard, he always manages to keep me intrigued. Perhaps this is because of my fascination with the outdoors and my passion for camping, but nonetheless I enjoyed this book. Furthermore, Hobbs also threw in some pretty valuable knowledge that speaks of stewarship and companionship. It is so true that there was no way that Gabe and Raymond could have survived without the elder Johnny Raven's guidance about survival. I look forward to the next time I decide to pick up a Will Hobbs novel.

Memorable Quotes

1.) When Gabe, Raymond and Johnny Raven are stranded in the Northwest Territories, they realize that they will need to go kill a moose or a comparable animal in order to obtain some food that would last them until a search party comes and saves them. Johnny Raven is an accomplished hunter so he goes hunting. It is bad luck for the Native people to say that you are going hunting, so he says that he is going for a walk.

"Those old guys never say they're going hunting," Raymond said. "Even my father, he never says he's going hunting. It's bad luck. They just say they're going for a walk. They think that way the animals won't overhear them." (67)

I like this quote because it displays Native traditions and ideas. It sounds a bit ridiculous, but some people believe in superstitial ideas.

2.) After Gabe and Raymond rescue themselves from the Nahanni River wild country, Raymond's village throws a massive potluck celebration. It is spread through the village that they had survived only because they learned from one of the elders of the village.

"People seemed to know that Raymond was going to speak, and that he was going to speak last. The word had spread around the Dene country of Raymond's and my long ordeal in the mountains, and how it was the knowledge of an elder - Johnny Raven - that had made it possible for us to continue on our own." (210)

This quote is awesome in that it shows that respecting and listening to the wisdom that elders possess will benefit an individual greatly further down the road.

3.) Before Johnny Raven died, he wrote a letter to Raymond and the rest of the village to read in remembrance of him.

"Then Raymond finished with Johnny's last words: 'And so I say to you: Take care of the land, take care of yourself, take care of eachother.'" (213)

I love this quote beacuse it speaks of stewardship and companionship. With age comes wisdom in that we must take care of this world in oreder for people after us to enjoy the world to the fullest. Also, age brings the knowledge that humans often work best together, not on our own.

[Emily Kerr · Rating 5 out of 5]

The best winter survival story there is! Absolutely loved it

[Janessa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read this originally in middle school and decided it was time for a reread. I deeply enjoy a good survival story.

[Kaitlyn Douthitt · Rating 3 out of 5]

I actually read this one in the 6th grade, shout out to Mrs Blake from Bloomfield middle

This was a quick, easy read that I actually enjoyed more as an adult than I did back in middle school when I first read it. With a different perspective on life now, the story felt a bit more predictable than I remembered. There were moments of suspense, but I do think it could've benefited from a few more twists or deeper layers. Still, it's a solid survival story-just not one l'd revisit again.

[Dakota Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really good story of Friendship, Strenghth and bravery!!

[Dylman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book Review of Far North
By Will Hobbs

"Mayday! Landed on river. Engine out. Floating toward the falls"(42). The book Far North By Will Hobbs is an adventurous, thrilling and page turning story about a 15-year-old Gabe Rogers and his roomate from boarding school Raymond who go on a flight in a bush plane and the engine cuts out and the two boys and an old man who was also on the plan have to survive in the winter canadian wilderness.
One big thing that made this a great book is the description. This is because when Will Hobbs described the Canadian wilderness it makes you feel like you are there. He describes the trees rolling over there mountains like a blanket and the waterfalls and rivers cutting through the hills and canyons. He also describes what Gabe sees as he flies over the land in the bush plane Which is that it looks very surreal. It also makes sense that the author Will Hobbs can describe the wilderness as easily as well as he does because most of the authors time that he spends besides writing is backpacking and river running in places that represent his books.
Another thing that made this book very exciting is how the author uses the wilderness. He uses the ciffs, rivers, mountains and the cold as almost another character or entity in the book. He did this by using the Canadian wilderness as not just a setting but as an obstacle the boys and the old man have to go through. One example of this is when the boys are traveling down the river in there raft that they made they were going along smoothly and then one of the boys said that everything is going to be okay, but then later that night they got a lot of snow and it was very very cold so the lake froze up. I think this makes the book more interesting because it's almost like the wilderness was listening.
Something else that makes this book very interesting is the diversity of characters. Since the two main characters Gabe and Raymond are so different it gives for an interesting story and conversation. Gabe is from Texas, and Raymond is from a small town up in Northern Canada. I also think it helps out the story because it moves things along and all the conversations aren't that similar.
I think this is a great book because it It is not just another survival story but it's also a story about how a boy goes into an unknown place and makes friends and is just a story about not giving up. This type of writing from Will Hobbs is expected since 12 of his other books have been granted several Awards too.


Work Cited
“Meet Will Hobbs.” Will Hobbs Author, www.willhobbsauthor.com/will/meetwill....

“Bearstone.” FictionDB - Your Guide to Fiction Books, 1 Oct. 1989,
www.fictiondb.com/author/will-hobbs~b....

[Henry Luecht · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was my favorite book when I was young. It gave me respect for the true wilderness. I always appreciated the grandfather’s skills and wisdom.

[Ivan · Rating 4 out of 5]

In the far North, nature rules. When Gabe, a fifteen year old from Texas, goes to boarding school in the Northwest territories, he learns what life in the North is really about. Gabe learned that sometimes in life certain places are better left unexplored. He learned this when curiosity led him, his friend Raymond, Raymond's uncle Johnny Raven, and a bush pilot into a tough situation. When the group found themselves stranded in the far North during the late fall they knew trouble was ahead. During the Winter they had to face starvation, subarctic cold, bears, and the treacherous Nahanni River. The book did deliver on what the publisher summary said about the book. It is what I had hoped for because I wanted a book that covered the life-or-death experiences of living in the wild involuntarily. Anyone who likes books about the true wilderness would like this book because it gives good detail to the natural surroundings of the group's situation. People who dislike adventurous nature books should avoid this book. Within the book there are multiple occasions where someone's life is put at risk. The only quality I dislike about this book is the fact that particular situations were easily predictable. Other than that the book would have received five stars from me.

[JohnP · Rating 2 out of 5]

I enjoy Will Hobbs and feel that he is a master at suspensful adventure and portraying the drama of being ‘out in the wild’. Here, two boys get stranded in the Pacific Northwest just before winter and have to fight for their lives.

While there were some dramatic scenes, overall, this story didn’t hold my attention as much as The Maze or Crossing the Wire. There’s only so many times I can take commentary on the boys’ dwindling food supply or their lack of warm clothing. The ending is decent and there is a nice wrap-up scene, but overall I think there could have been more death-defying events in this one.

[Tarl · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was exciting and had quite a few thrills but it had many aspects I disliked. Firstly, the characters seemed to lack some good old fashioned common sense. I don't know about you, but flying off your path without any one knowing where your going isn't that good of an idea. Secondly, Gab and Raymond seemed to have an odd pattern of horrible luck. I mean, they get treed by a bear, half their food eaten by a bear, and they both injure themselves falling out of the tree the bear chased them up! But besides all of that, the story had great action, a decent plot, and was a great, twist filled survival story.

[Liz B · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whew! What a great ride this was. I'm glad I finally read it--we've owned it for book clubs for probably 10 years. This book has and will continue to stand the test of time and be relevant--although there are some current issues referred to (in terms of exploitation of Canada's far north), they won't be outdated any time soon. In the meantime, this is a fascinating, suspenseful, and believable adventure/ survival novel, perfect for all kinds of readers--but particularly for boys who want lots of action and also like learning lots of details about how to do stuff in the wilderness. Good for 6, 7, and 8.

[CJ Hoov · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I was younger this book truly moved me. I always said it was my favorite book. Now, some 20 years later, I decided to read it again. I realize now that this was the catalyst for my transition to living in the mountains. The feelings and scenes from this book truly make me appreciate the soul of the mountains and if you allow your spirit to be connected to the wild then it will provide and return the energy you put into it. I will forever think of Johnny Raven and his wise words when I see a raven in the mountains. I will always know that my spirit is in the mountains and I will do whatever I can to protect and cherish the beauty of the wilderness.

[Holly · Rating 5 out of 5]

This came home with my son as a reading assignment. We read it aloud to each other over several weeks. It's a great book for reading with any kid who appreciates a good action story. I enjoyed the Native American (Native Canadian?) history, mythology and culture that was threaded through the book. It left me wanting to take a canoe trip down the same river in the Northwest Territories that the author did prior to writing this book.

[Nate Orff · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LIKED the part where the poler bears came and eat the sciencetist! then wen the aliens shoot the polar bear the words made it feel like i was the poler beara!!! i dont know why its called far north bcuz its in the south and why is there a plain on the cover. they only fly flying sazuers and it cant land on the ocean. Gr8 job will Hobbs on this bloody graphic novel!!!

[Art · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reminded of Jim Kjelgaard, "Wild Trek" and Gary Paulson, "Hatchet!"
Survival and old ways of living are the main themes in this book w/relationships of family and friends coming right in behind.
Looking forward to reading more from this author.

[Antonia Ryder · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another book I picked up from my older brother.

I was pretty sure I knew what I was getting into when I started reading this book, and it delivers what it promises. A winter survival story in the far Canadian north. The Northwest Territories, to be more specific.

I'm not always super keen on survival stories, though I have read a few that I liked, and this was an entertaining read for all of that. I genuinely wondered if they would get through.

Gabe is going to the Northwest Territories from Texas because he wants to be with his father. He leaves behind football, his grandparents, and warmth for the great north. And a school there. There he meets a pilot, his father, and Raymond, his roommate.

Raymond and Gabe become friends, but Raymond isn't happy at the school and wants to go home. So when Gabe is given a tour on an airplane, Raymond and an old relative decide to go back to the Slavey village. After veering off course to show Gabe some special sights, the plane malfunctions and crash lands in the water. Gabe, Raymond, and the old Slavey man Johnny escape the plane with supplies, but their pilot is swept away.

And the fight for survival begins.

What I liked

This story is pretty intense from the moment of the plan splashdown and onward. There is forward progress at times, where the characters seem to finally be making a breakthrough, and backward steps when wild animals and weather and ice work against them in a variety of ways and make survival truly questionable.

Gabe makes some mistakes on his way, and thanks to their elder, they're able to figure out some of the necessities for survival until things go sour, and they're forced to decide whether to press on or try and weather the winter where they are.

If you're into survival style stories sent in a winterscape, this is probably going to be your thing. It's quick and too the point, isn't very long, and has decent characters. I also can't help appreciating that it's set in one of Canada's territories.


What I Didn't Like

I don't have a whole lot negative to say about this book. It isn't for everyone, and those who aren't into winter survival should definitely steer clear.

The ending doesn't go into as much detail as the beginning or the end, and although it isn't rushed, I kind of wish there was a little more to it. A part of me wishes we could have gotten to know Gabe's father a little better.

If you're okay with a skimmed ending, this is a good book to read. If you prefer a lot more depth in both characters and conclusion, this might not be for you.


Overall, I've re-read this book several times. Usually in the summer when I want to think about something other than heat. It's easy to pick up, and satisfying to read.

[Pam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Far North by Will Hobbs is a young adult novel written specifically with middle school students in mind. It is an adventure novel that can actually be mapped as the adventure takes place. The places they travel to do exist as do the tales that surround them. The Far North was a very hard place to live when you depend only on yourself and the land. The weather and the animals are just two things one would have to fight against. True solitude was another.
Gabe Rogers is just fifteen and is living in a boarding school in the Northwest Territories of Canada. He and a roommate, Raymond Providence, set out with a pilot to fly to see Gabe’s Father and Raymond’s family at Yellowknife. Along with them was an old man, Johnny Raven, who was from Raymond’s village and was going home from the hospital. Clint, the pilot, worked for an air freight company and agreed to take the Gabe to Yellowknife after dropping Raymond and the Old man at Nahanni Butte. On the way, he makes a detour to show the boys Virginia Falls on the Nahani River. As he lands above the falls, the engine quits and the plane drifts toward the falls. Clint is able to tie the plane to the shore long enough to get the boys and most of what is on the plane off. He goes back for a final load and the rope breaks taking the plane and Clint off the Falls. Gabe, Raymond, and the Old Man are stranded. They have no idea if the message Clint sent was even sent as the radio had been acting up. It was up to them to find a way to survive in the Far North.
The book is exciting as the boys trek across the frozen north to try to reach safety. They have only each other and what little Johnny Raven taught them to keep them alive.

[Ay Oh Be · Rating 3 out of 5]

When working in Northern Canada I was asked repeatedly if I had read this as a student. I hadn't. After what felt like the fifteenth time being asked I got my hands on a copy. I don't work up north anymore but if anyone asks me I can say I read it now.

This had very strong Hatchet vibes but with a lovely cultural twist. Like Hatchet it is a teens versus nature story. Both stories start with a plane crash and the include the desperate survival. Unlike in Hatchet the protagonist isn't alone. Gabe is stranded with his school roommate Raymond and a Dene elder, Johnny.

As they struggle to survive in the harsh environment scrounging for food and making desperate attempts to reach Raymond's Dene community the reader is treated to lively descriptions and an introduction to Dene culture. Knowing very little about Dene culture I enjoyed that aspect of the book immensely. As Raymond struggled to learn more about his people through Johnny Raven the reader was able to experience some of the Dene cultural beliefs. This angle added magic and mysticism to the story that gave it more depth.

I greatly preferred that there was a cast a characters in this novel to the isolated monologues in Hatchet. Being able to experience the trials through the characters added a relatability to the text. Gabe and Raymond suffered set back after set back as they braved the northern environment. It was a non-stop dangerous adventure.

In the end I am happy that I read the story. I would like to read the non-fiction account that Hobbs used to craft this tale Dangerous River by Patterson. Hopefully some day I will.

[Blooregard Q. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this book. It's very descriptive in a way that's not too much. I really feel like I got to know a small part of the Nahanni River region, which would otherwise be impossible for me.

It sounds absolutely beautiful. There's so much respect for the region and its people in this book, and the author handled that beautifully. Kudos.

The book is definitely suited for young adults as well as adults, and I found the story and predicament of Gabe and Raymond very intriguing. At times it was difficult for me to put this book down.

As a non-native English speaker, some of the words were difficult for me to understand (f.e. 'boughs', 'dowel', 'leanto'...), and sometimes the description of the region left me a bit confused, but both issues were easily solved with the help of Google and Google Maps. I do wish the author would have used Celcius to describe the temperatures, but that's a personal matter.

To conclude, this was a great survival story with lovely depth and characters. Anyone who would describe this as boring doesn't know a good story when it hits them in the face. This story, despite being fictional, contains elements of history and Canada's indigenous people, and that should be respected.

[Joshie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I actually really enjoyed this book. Although it is a survival story on the surface, there are much deeper ideas in this book. At the beginning, Gabe is ignorant of the Dene ways, values and traditions, and does not understand why these things are important to people, being a Texas boy and all. By the end, Gabe's beliefs take a 180 and align more with Raymond's, because he now understands that the Dene have knowledge of the world and survival that nobody else does, which is specific to them. It's a book about viewing another culture and way of life in its own context. I really appreciated the view this book was expressing, especially considering the time it was written. I didn't find the writing bad like many others did, as I felt it all worked together well and honestly only found one typo. I also went into this book with zero expectations and was thrilled the whole time. The first few chapters were so boring that I almost considered not reading on, and the ending was a bit lacking in emotion which is why I give this book 4 stars. If you like books about survival and stories that make you think, this may be the one for you.

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

When I read the blurb on the back cover, I was reminded a lot of Gary Paulsen's Hatchet. We have multiple copies of this book in our classroom, and I like to use those for small book groups during the year (or during at-home learning)!

Gabe has started boarding school in Canada's Northwest Territories to be closer to his father. Will, his roommate Raymond, and Raymond's great-uncle fly to their village, but the pilot makes a scenic detour and trouble ensues. The plane goes down, the pilot dies, and the three are left to fend for themselves with winter coming.

The great-uncle knows how to live off of and with the land, and the boys come to appreciate his knowledge and skills more and more. Great descriptions of the land, the animals, and their struggle to survive in a ruggedly harsh landscape.

I also like how it focused on the ability of indigenous people to live in this environment. (Something that Hatchet didn't have).

[Mrs. Hamand'S · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book “Far North” is an action packed survival story about a group of people surviving from a plane crash in the wilderness of Canada. They run into some struggles with their plane. For example, when they land on the river to see the Nahanni falls, their engine stops as they make their way to the ragging falls. In addition to having struggles with their plane, they have problems with a raft they made. For example, when they make their way down the river they run into a ice bridge, as they get closer it suddenly breaks. Flying them down the river. So far they have lost some people. When he went hunting he froze and died. So, as you can see Far North is an suspenseful book full of action.

[Ellie Galer · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this book because I teach it to my 6th graders. To be honest, I found it really hard to get through but near the end I found myself really appreciate the story Hobbs has written. Not because these two boys survive which is amazing, but because it tells the story about how culture and heritage save us.

Hobbs does a great job weaving the lessons about heritage and culture and the importance of preserving them into this survival story. And that is the lesson I most want my students to hold onto. Who you are and where you come from has merit. No one should ever be able to take that away from you. Celebrate who you are and make sure you always remember where you come from because that is the very foundation of what makes you, you.