Ice Island

Shahan, Sherry. ICE ISLAND. Delacorte Press, 2012. ISBN: 9780385741545

Shahan provides vivid descriptions of the Alaskan terrain and the brutal conditions that the young characters (Tatum and Cole) endured as they battled against the elements to survive. The descriptions of sled dog racing, the Siberian Yupik culture, and the inner drive of those who choose this extreme sport feel authentic. The glossary of Yupik words and dog sled terminology at the end of the book is a nice resource for readers. There were a few points where I would have liked a little more depth about the characters and their motivations.

This book will appeal to both boys and girls ages 10 and up who enjoy adventure and survival stories. Readers who liked Gary Paulsen’s Hatchet will also enjoy this book.

Woods Runner

1. Bibliography

Paulsen, Gary. WOODS RUNNER. 2010. New York: Random House Children's Books. ISBN: 9780385738842

2. Review

In this historical fiction novel by Gary Paulsen, author of the Newbery Honor Book HATCHET, readers are taken to the backwoods of Pennsylvania during the early stages of the Revolutionary War. Samuel is a 13-year-old boy who is more at home in the deep forest than in the small cabin with his family. His family learns that a war is brewing in nearby cities, but they still feel far removed from the crisis. When Samuel returns from hunting, he discovers to his shock that his home has been burnt to the ground and his parents are taken prisoner by the British and Hessians (Germans soldiers for hire who were brutal during the war). Samuel then ventures out on his own to find them and along the way meets several people who help him. He discovers his own inner strength and must set aside his childhood to become a man in the midst of the danger and chaos. Paulsen includes fascinating historical blurbs before each chapter that give the reader some context as to what is happening in the book. A thrilling read, with some graphic war passages. Recommended for children ages 12 and up.

3. Connections

• Some other books by Gary Paulsen include:
  -BRIAN'S WINTER, BRIAN'S RETURN, and BRIAN'S HUNT
  -HARRIS AND ME
  -HATCHET
  -LAWN BOY and LAWN BOY RETURNS
  -MUDSHARK
  -THE RIVER

• Other books for middle schoolers about the Revolutionary War include:
  -Avi. THE FIGHTING GROUND
  -Fast, Howard. APRIL MORNING
  -Forbes, Esther. JOHNNY TREMAIN
  -Goodman, Joan. HOPE'S CROSSING
  -Harlow, Joan Hiatt. MIDNIGHT RIDER
  -O'Dell, Scott. SARAH BISHOP
  -Wisler, G. Clifton. KING'S MOUNTAIN