About This Book
This award-winning young adult novel follows Mike Rankin, a seemingly invincible athletic teenager whose life is upended by a leukemia diagnosis. Determined not to let his illness define him, Mike secretly embarks on a solo deer hunting trip, a long-held dream. The journey becomes a profound test of his physical and mental resilience, forcing him to confront his deepest fears about his health and future. It's a sensitive and wise story that explores themes of self-reliance, courage, and coming to terms with life-altering challenges, making it suitable for middle-grade readers navigating complex emotions or facing personal struggles.
A teenage boy goes on a secret hunting trip alone in an effort to come to terms with his leukemia and to test his strength and resourcefulness in battling the elements and stalking the white-tailed deer that is his quarry.
illness
peril_danger
separation_from_parent
Discussion Prompts
1
How does Mike's leukemia diagnosis change his perspective on life and his hunting dream?
2
Why do you think Mike chose to go on the hunting trip alone and in secret?
3
What fears does Mike confront during his journey, both internal and external?
4
How does the wilderness challenge Mike, and what does he learn about himself from these challenges?
5
What does it mean to be 'strong' in this story, and how does Mike demonstrate different kinds of strength?
External Reviews
If Your Family Enjoyed This
Reviews
No reviews yet — be the first to share how this book landed with your family.