What do you think?
Rate this book
Survivor Diaries #1
جدال با امواج
Eleven-year-old Travis and his family are on a whale watch off the coast of Washington when disaster strikes. The boat capsizes, throwing everyone into the ice-cold chaotic waves. Separated from their families and struggling to stay afloat, Travis and twelve-year-old Marina must use all of their grit and knowledge to survive.
112 pages, Paperback
First published July 4, 2017
48 people are currently reading
506 people want to read
About the author
Terry Lynn Johnson
12 books336 followersTerry Lynn Johnson writes outdoor adventures inspired by her own team of eighteen Alaskan huskies. Her passion for adventure has provided her with a rich background to write from.
When she's not writing, Terry enjoys hiking, snowshoeing, and kayaking. She works as a Conservation Officer (Game Warden) in Whitefish Falls, Ontario.
She is represented by Caryn Wiseman of the Andrea Brown Literary Agency.
When she's not writing, Terry enjoys hiking, snowshoeing, and kayaking. She works as a Conservation Officer (Game Warden) in Whitefish Falls, Ontario.
She is represented by Caryn Wiseman of the Andrea Brown Literary Agency.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 96 reviews
November 26, 2018
Quick read. Interesting as well as informative on how to increase your chances of survival in cold water. Simply written, appropriate for the age range of young to middle readers, starting at seven I would say on up. 4 educational stars. Definitely recommended.
October 6, 2020
~ review copy provided
OVERBOARD is the first book in a series that is really going to appeal to kids who are looking for adventure books. [The book is at Lexile 540L. There is not Accelerated Reader info available right now.]
The story is about a whale watching cruise out into the waters off Washington state. That's pretty interesting in itself, but matters get totally out of hand when the small vessel is capsized and Travis, our main character, finds himself in the heat sapping waves drifting away from everyone else...
~
I think the writing in this book is top notch and the story is very engaging. So if older siblings are reading and loving Gary Paulsen's HATCHET, you can hand younger readers OVERBOARD and not feel like you've short changed them. Both books are excellent and feature surprise, a sense of mild danger and the can-do spirit of adventure.
Besides the adventure one of the things that kids are going to love are the survival tips, which range from the dangers of hypothermia and what to do to combat it, to how to start a fire with a magnesium block. Parents, on the other hand, are going to like that Travis has to overcome his surprise, and dare we say shock, at being in this situation, as well as his own self doubts. The power of just focusing on one step at a time is definitely put on display.
There is a girl, Marina, in this story. She's the captain's daughter and she and Travis are flung together. She can't do much physically to aid their situation because she's injured, but her contributions of knowledge were absolutely necessary for their suvival.
I find myself very enthusiastic about this series. With OVERBOARD's good writing, survival details, and good plotting -- I would have never guessed the final solution that led to the kids' rescue -- I think this is going to be a series that kids are going to gobble up, and that teachers are going to want on their shelves.
OVERBOARD is the first book in a series that is really going to appeal to kids who are looking for adventure books. [The book is at Lexile 540L. There is not Accelerated Reader info available right now.]
The story is about a whale watching cruise out into the waters off Washington state. That's pretty interesting in itself, but matters get totally out of hand when the small vessel is capsized and Travis, our main character, finds himself in the heat sapping waves drifting away from everyone else...
~
I think the writing in this book is top notch and the story is very engaging. So if older siblings are reading and loving Gary Paulsen's HATCHET, you can hand younger readers OVERBOARD and not feel like you've short changed them. Both books are excellent and feature surprise, a sense of mild danger and the can-do spirit of adventure.
Besides the adventure one of the things that kids are going to love are the survival tips, which range from the dangers of hypothermia and what to do to combat it, to how to start a fire with a magnesium block. Parents, on the other hand, are going to like that Travis has to overcome his surprise, and dare we say shock, at being in this situation, as well as his own self doubts. The power of just focusing on one step at a time is definitely put on display.
There is a girl, Marina, in this story. She's the captain's daughter and she and Travis are flung together. She can't do much physically to aid their situation because she's injured, but her contributions of knowledge were absolutely necessary for their suvival.
I find myself very enthusiastic about this series. With OVERBOARD's good writing, survival details, and good plotting -- I would have never guessed the final solution that led to the kids' rescue -- I think this is going to be a series that kids are going to gobble up, and that teachers are going to want on their shelves.
August 14, 2017
This is one of a series by Canadian author Terry Lynn Johnson who has lived much of what she writes. It's a quick read at a hundred pages with lots of action. I'm certain my fifth graders will eat this up right quick!
May 9, 2018
Overboard (Survivor Diaries) by Terry Lynn Johnson
"Tell me how you survived the whale attack," the reporter said.
- opening lines
Could you survive if the whale watching boat you were on capsized and you were left floating in the cold ocean? Travis and Marina are in just such a situation. Luckily, Travis is wearing an immersion suit, and Mariana has survival supplies in her vest (and a lot of knowledge). All they have to do is stay out of the water, find land, and get rescued. Simple, right?
So, this is a good book, but the plot is a little thin. Things resolve a bit too easily for me, but I don't think kids will mind. At the end of the book, there is a section with "U.S. Coast Guard-Approved Cold Water Survival Tips" which kids will probably find very cool and informative.
It's about 100 pages, easy to read and about survival, kids will love it.
Recommended to: Grades 3-5 (and some second graders), fans of the I Survived series, adventure fans, reluctant readers
"Tell me how you survived the whale attack," the reporter said.
- opening lines
Could you survive if the whale watching boat you were on capsized and you were left floating in the cold ocean? Travis and Marina are in just such a situation. Luckily, Travis is wearing an immersion suit, and Mariana has survival supplies in her vest (and a lot of knowledge). All they have to do is stay out of the water, find land, and get rescued. Simple, right?
So, this is a good book, but the plot is a little thin. Things resolve a bit too easily for me, but I don't think kids will mind. At the end of the book, there is a section with "U.S. Coast Guard-Approved Cold Water Survival Tips" which kids will probably find very cool and informative.
It's about 100 pages, easy to read and about survival, kids will love it.
Recommended to: Grades 3-5 (and some second graders), fans of the I Survived series, adventure fans, reluctant readers
August 30, 2017
I have been a fan of Terry Lynn Johnson since reading her previous books Ice Dogs and Dogsled Dreams. She loves the outdoors, adventure and nature which shows in her writing. Overboard is not just an adventure story but a learning experience at the same time, with survival tips and the dangers of the outdoors, appealing to both boys and girls.
The day begins peacefully for 11-year-old Travis when his family takes a whale watching excursion off the coast of Washington. A rogue wave capsizes the boat separating the family. Along with 12-year-old Marina the two struggle to survive. They learn how strong they really are when that is the only direction they can go. Taken from real life situations this is a great adventure story of courage, survival and determination.
I never thought I could do that. I did it when I wasn't busy thinking I couldn't. I just did it. Seemed to me, the thing about surviving something is believing you can.
December 26, 2017
A fast-paced adventure series for children about survival in extreme elements. Overboard is the first book in Johnson's series, with Avalanche!, Lost! and Dust Storm! to follow. Pen and ink drawings add to the drama at sea.
Johnson's plot is realistic, engaging and the tension palpable. Overboard focuses on Travis and Marina using skills they know after their site-seeing boat capsizes in icy waters and on shore until help arrives. What do you do first? How much time do you have before hypothermia sets in? How do you stay calm? What skills do you need most?
I predict this series will have huge kid-appeal because the element of danger and the universal need to know what to do if you are unexpectedly caught in a situation where your life depends upon what you know.
Johnson's plot is realistic, engaging and the tension palpable. Overboard focuses on Travis and Marina using skills they know after their site-seeing boat capsizes in icy waters and on shore until help arrives. What do you do first? How much time do you have before hypothermia sets in? How do you stay calm? What skills do you need most?
I predict this series will have huge kid-appeal because the element of danger and the universal need to know what to do if you are unexpectedly caught in a situation where your life depends upon what you know.
May 30, 2017
My eight year old daughter devoured the "I Survived" books. This new series "Survivor Diaries" is sure to be a favorite for kids who enjoy survival stories. This story draws the reader in and engages them with the characters and the story. There are also nice illustrations throughout. What I really like is how the book educates the young reader on what to do if they ever find themselves in a similar situation, such as survival skills, endurance, and conquering your fears. In fact, the book ends with a section titled US Coast Guard Approved Cokd Water Survival Tips that is very informative and practical.
I would recommend this book to anyone that enjoys good survival stories, appropriate for children 8 and up. I received this as a free ARC from Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Children's Book Group on NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I would recommend this book to anyone that enjoys good survival stories, appropriate for children 8 and up. I received this as a free ARC from Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Children's Book Group on NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
October 20, 2017
I won this book in a giveaway and I am so glad I did. I very much enjoyed the story and how it was unique featuring kids that survived unforeseen tragedy. The story follows a boy named Travis who went with his family whale watching and how a nice family trip turned cataclysmic. I don't want to say much more as not to spoil the story since it is a short read but it was packed with adventure, survival and tips & tricks. I hope to get to read the other books in this series. I would recommend this book to everyone of all ages.
August 12, 2018
I was anxious to check out this series after reading that it was a good fit for all the kids who love the "I Survived" series. Where "I Survived" focuses on historical events, the "Survivor Diaries" focuses on nature. I loved it! This is definitely a one-sitting book--heart pounding and page turning. Perfect for 3-5th graders. You will be very, very careful the next time you go on a whale watch!
I loved that the author included useful survival tips from the U.S. Coast Guard in the back and has downloadable survival quiz cards on her website. Stay Calm. Stay smart. Survive!
I loved that the author included useful survival tips from the U.S. Coast Guard in the back and has downloadable survival quiz cards on her website. Stay Calm. Stay smart. Survive!
April 16, 2018
Young Travis is thrown overboard when their ship is hit with a rogue wave. He and Marina attempt to swim to an island close by but it is difficult for her as she has a broken wrist. It is all danger and struggle from that point on and middle grade readers will be captivated by the survival aspect of the novel. Recommended for early readers and reluctants who enjoy Hatchet-style fiction.
December 27, 2017
This is the first book in an adventure series that is high-action, fast-paced, and extremely accessible at just under 100 pages. I’ll be buying them all for my library, and I think they will really appeal to kids who are not quite ready for the I Survived and Can You Survive series.
March 24, 2017
This was a great read! I can't remember reading a book so fast as I wanted to see how they would be rescued. Amazingly, this is inspired by a true story. Wow!
November 18, 2018
4 stars for kids
I think kids in grades 2-5 will enjoy this book (as well as the others in the series). Short, easy to read, and has illustrations through out. Great for struggling readers with action and adventure.
I think kids in grades 2-5 will enjoy this book (as well as the others in the series). Short, easy to read, and has illustrations through out. Great for struggling readers with action and adventure.
August 17, 2017
This was really good!!! Provides practical knowledge and engages the reader with a gripping story of survival
March 31, 2018
First in a series for preteen, teens and anyone that wants an interesting quick read.
July 9, 2017
A fast-paced survival adventure, perfect for 8-12 year-old readers, complete with real life survival tips following the story.
July 10, 2017
This is an amazing start of a new series for kids, 7 and up, who love action, adventure, high-stakes, and page-turning thrills. Each book finds a kid in a true-to-life harrowing adventure where survival skills are necessary to stay alive. This book starts off with a water disaster and as the kids fight for their lives, readers also learn really cool tips and techniques. Author Terry Johnson already has a huge following with her beloved middle grade, ICE DOGS, and this book will not disappoint. Highly recommended!
Read
July 6, 2017First in my new series (can be read in any order) which were so fun to write! And the first of my books to ever get reviewed in the Wall Street Journal.
THE WALL STREET JOURNAL says: children "who love mettle-testing stories will love this one."
THE WALL STREET JOURNAL says: children "who love mettle-testing stories will love this one."
July 28, 2017
I got such a kick out of this little book. I've always loved survival stories, and Terry Lynn Johnson is uniquely suited to write them. A conservation officer in Canada, Johnson is familiar with extreme environments, and her background helps to make this a much more convincing story. If your kids love adventure stories and learning cool survival tips, they are going to love Johnson's Survivor Series!
November 11, 2016
Fans of the "I Survived" and "Can You Survive" series are going to love this new series! I think it's a great fit for grades 3-5. Entertaining and informative!
November 4, 2016
Children who like survival stories will definitely love this new series!
October 21, 2017
Survivor Diaries: Overboard! is a middle grade novel about an 11 year old boy named Travis and a twelve year old girl named Marina who are both aboard a whale watching ship when a huge wave capsizes the boat sending all 23 people overboard. Separated from the others, they are not able to make it to the lifeboat. Clinging to a piece of wood from the ship they are adrift in the ocean. How will they ever survive? Armed with Marina's survival knowledge gleaned from years of listening to her father and Travis' focused ability to get things done they save themselves from certain death.
This novel is great for this age group because it talks about facing your fears and not giving up. Written by a real life survival expert/conservation officer/dog sled business owner, Terry Lynn Johnson is well qualified to teach this subject matter and teach she does. At the end of the book there are several pages of author's notes that educate preteens how to survive if their boat capsizes, how to conserve heat while staying afloat in the cold water, and the signs and symptoms of hypothermia and how to treat it. Highly recommended reading for adventure seeking youngsters, this book will be shared with my granddaughter whom I know will love it too!
This novel is great for this age group because it talks about facing your fears and not giving up. Written by a real life survival expert/conservation officer/dog sled business owner, Terry Lynn Johnson is well qualified to teach this subject matter and teach she does. At the end of the book there are several pages of author's notes that educate preteens how to survive if their boat capsizes, how to conserve heat while staying afloat in the cold water, and the signs and symptoms of hypothermia and how to treat it. Highly recommended reading for adventure seeking youngsters, this book will be shared with my granddaughter whom I know will love it too!
September 23, 2017
Terry Lynn Johnson takes the "I Survived" genre to a personal level as eleven-year-old Travis recounts his brush with death while riding on a tourist whale watching boat, which capsizes in a huge "rogue wave." Unable to fight the tide and fierce winds, both he and Marina, the captains daughter are swept out to sea. Readers following the suspenseful overboard debacle will not be disappointed, characters are fully fleshed out. Trevor has severe self doubt, and 12-year-old Marina who works alongside her father everyday, carries adult sized worries. The author's endnote covers the environmental characteristics of the weather and currents, tides, and winds of the Pacific northwest area around Vancouver Island, where the story takes place. The U.S. Coast Guard -Approved Cold Water Survival Tips are fascinating, adding even more informative facts, to the many the author subtly weaves throughout this exciting illustrated survival tale. Its shorter length and believable life threatening events will cause many fans of Gary Paulson, and the "I Survived" series to eagerly await the sequel.
September 22, 2017
Lots of kids love stories based on true events, especially when those events happened to kids like them. That’s the appeal of the Survivor Diaries series by Terry Lynn Johnson.
I read Overboard! for review. It’s the story of an 11-year-old boy and 12-year-old girl who get tossed in the water when their whale-watching vessel flips over. They don’t make it to the rescue raft and drift off among rough seas. They fight hypothermia as they figure out how to survive long enough for rescuers to find them. It’s a gripping tale that also relates survival skills for anyone caught in a dangerous situation. There’s even a U.S. Coast Guard-approved list of cold-water survival tips at the end.
An author’s note says the story was inspired by true events, although names and some details were changed. I recommend the Survivor Diaries for readers aged 9 to 12.
The publisher provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
I read Overboard! for review. It’s the story of an 11-year-old boy and 12-year-old girl who get tossed in the water when their whale-watching vessel flips over. They don’t make it to the rescue raft and drift off among rough seas. They fight hypothermia as they figure out how to survive long enough for rescuers to find them. It’s a gripping tale that also relates survival skills for anyone caught in a dangerous situation. There’s even a U.S. Coast Guard-approved list of cold-water survival tips at the end.
An author’s note says the story was inspired by true events, although names and some details were changed. I recommend the Survivor Diaries for readers aged 9 to 12.
The publisher provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
December 15, 2017
Johnson, Terry Survivor Diaries: Overboard 103 pgs. HMH, 2017. $10. Language: G; Mature Content: G; Violence: G
Travis is a on a wildlife watching boat tour with his family when the entire group ends up in the cold waters off the coast of Washington. Travis finds himself swept away with a young girl named Marina, who knows the how-to’s of survival but is injured and sick. Will the pair be found? Or will a friendly seal help guide them to safety.
This was a fantastic read for 2-4th graders with fast paced action, surprising well fleshed out characters, and an interesting plot. The appendix contains real life survival information and what facts (the seal!) the story was based up. The cover is appealing and its sure to be a popular read. Its quite a bit like the ‘ I survived’ series but without the historical context. I am going to order this series for my library, as my adventure genre section could use some sprucing up.
EL (K-3), EL –ADVISABLE. Stephanie Elementary School Librarian & Author
https://kissthebook.blogspot.com/2017...
Travis is a on a wildlife watching boat tour with his family when the entire group ends up in the cold waters off the coast of Washington. Travis finds himself swept away with a young girl named Marina, who knows the how-to’s of survival but is injured and sick. Will the pair be found? Or will a friendly seal help guide them to safety.
This was a fantastic read for 2-4th graders with fast paced action, surprising well fleshed out characters, and an interesting plot. The appendix contains real life survival information and what facts (the seal!) the story was based up. The cover is appealing and its sure to be a popular read. Its quite a bit like the ‘ I survived’ series but without the historical context. I am going to order this series for my library, as my adventure genre section could use some sprucing up.
EL (K-3), EL –ADVISABLE. Stephanie Elementary School Librarian & Author
https://kissthebook.blogspot.com/2017...
August 5, 2018
This is one of our Sunshine State Young Reader Award books for the 2018-19 school year. I really enjoyed this book and it was one of the first easy chapter books that I’ve recently read that doesn’t need the illustrations. In fact, the book was so well written with detail that I thought the illustrations took away from the imagery my mind had created. The author was very well educated in the content & it was so nice to read a realistic fiction book written for young readers. So much of the reading for students is fiction & most non-fiction is written at a higher reading level than early elementary. The book also has a preview of the second book in the series at the end. I would definitely recommend this book & the series for early chapter book readers.
March 25, 2017
I was pleasantly surprised by this book - not only is it engaging, but it also manages to mix plot with survival tips beyond what you read in the appendix (which is also a great feature) to make an exciting and useful read. I'll be suggesting it to my local (coastal!) library for purchase.
July 15, 2017
A very good book! I read it in one sitting. I love how its in the survivors words, and the survivors are kids. I also like how they overcome fears in order to survive. Very well written, I now want to read the rest in this series and add them to my library or give them to my grandkids as gifts.
August 9, 2018
Exciting story of two pre-teens who survive a wilderness adventure. The main character overcomes his fears to do so -- he has lost his athleticism after a dumb gymnastics injury and has to defeat his adjacent fear of heights to get help. So it's a moral as well as a survivor tale, but maybe kids won't notice?
August 30, 2017
Very captivating story! Keep me attention from start to finish! No can wait for next book! Read in one sitting!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 96 reviews