AVALANCHE!

When 12-year-old twins Ashley and Ryan Hilder are caught in an avalanche, their survival training, quick thinking, and fortitude make the difference between life and death.

Ashley has always lived in the shadow of her overachieving, uber-athletic brother. But when an avalanche renders Ryan incapacitated with severe hypothermia, it is up to Ashley to save not only his frostbitten feet, but his life. The white twins soon find that the cold is not their only enemy in Wyoming’s Teton range. Bears, wolves, and wolverines are real and constant dangers. If they are to survive, Ashley must push aside her feelings of insecurity and make life-and-death decisions for both of them. While this is at its heart a well-researched, fast-paced survivor story, it is also a coming-of-age tale with surprising vulnerability and depth. The feeling of living in a sibling’s shadow will resonate with many readers, while the messages of tenacity and strength are inspirational. An online game and connections to other Survivor Diaries combine with its easy-reading type and fast, straightforward plot to make this an ideal story for transitioning readers. An author’s note outlines avalanche and wilderness safety skills and offers further resources for those looking to dig deeper into outdoor survival.

A content-enriched page-turner with surprising depth.