For the curious child who loves 'what if' scenarios, this interactive book challenges readers to make smart choices for survival in various wilderness situations.
A parent might reach for this book when their adventurous child is fascinated by survival shows or asks constant 'what if' questions about nature. It is an excellent tool for channeling that curiosity into practical learning and building confidence. This interactive, choose-your-own-path book places the reader directly into various wilderness survival scenarios, from encountering a bear to getting lost in the woods. Readers must make critical decisions that lead to different outcomes, teaching them real-world consequences in a safe, engaging format. The book fosters resilience, bravery, and critical thinking, making it a perfect fit for 7 to 9 year olds who are ready to test their problem-solving skills and feel empowered by their choices.
Factual descriptions of dangers (like bears or hypothermia) could be scary for very sensitive children.
Sensitive Topics
The book deals with peril and the potential for injury, but it is handled in a clinical, non-graphic, and educational way. For example, a 'wrong' choice might lead to a description of hypothermia's effects, but it is not gory. The approach is entirely secular and fact-based. Resolutions are realistic: bad choices lead to bad outcomes, good choices lead to survival. The overall tone is hopeful because it focuses on empowerment through knowledge.
Ideal Reader
This is for the 7 to 9 year old fact-hound who loves shows like 'Man vs. Wild' or is obsessed with Minecraft's survival mode. It is also great for a slightly anxious child who is about to go on their first big camping trip, as it provides a sense of control and knowledge. It appeals to kids who enjoy logic puzzles and seeing immediate consequences for their actions.
Parent Prep
No prep is needed; a parent can read it cold with a child. However, it might be useful to preview the 'wrong' outcomes to be prepared for any questions about danger. A parent can frame these moments as learning opportunities, not reasons to be terrified of the outdoors. A parent hears their child say, "What would happen if we got lost on our hike?" or "What should you do if you see a snake?" Or, the parent is planning a family camping trip and wants to prepare their child in a fun, non-scary way.
Age Experience
A 7-year-old will likely treat it as a fun game, enjoying the cause-and-effect and the thrill of making choices. An 8 or 9-year-old will begin to internalize the actual survival skills being taught. They will appreciate the logic behind the 'right' answers and may start applying the critical thinking to other situations, connecting more with the STEM aspects.
What Makes It Special
Unlike narrative survival stories like Hatchet, this book is interactive and gamified. Its strength is the direct, non-linear format that puts the reader in control. Compared to other choose-your-own-path books, its focus is explicitly educational and grounded in real-world science, blending entertainment with practical, confidence-building knowledge.
Read plot summary
The book presents several distinct, self-contained wilderness survival scenarios. In each, the reader is cast as the protagonist who must make a critical choice (e.g., what to do when a bear approaches, how to find water, which direction to go when lost). Each choice leads to a page explaining the positive or negative outcome, grounded in real survival knowledge. The structure is non-linear and interactive, encouraging multiple read-throughs to explore different paths.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
Discussion Prompts
1
In the scenario where you encounter a bear, one choice is to run and another is to make yourself look bigger. Why do you think making yourself look big is the better choice, even though it feels scary?
2
Let's look at the 'Lost in the Woods' chapter. If you made a choice that led to a 'Try Again' page, what did you learn from that outcome that would help you make a better choice next time?
3
The book suggests staying in one place if you're lost. Why is this often a better survival strategy than trying to find your own way out?
4
After reading this, what is one new skill you learned that you think is most important to remember if you were ever in a real survival situation?
