My husband read the boys Hatchet by Gary Paulson. Finn had requested a “survival” book, but this was beyond his reading level so they all enjoyed reading time with dad instead.

Here’s the synopsis.

“Thirteen-year-old Brian Robeson is on his way to visit his father when the single-engine plane in which he is flying crashes. Suddenly, Brian finds himself alone in the Canadian wilderness with nothing but a tattered Windbreaker and the hatchet his mother gave him as a present—and the dreadful secret that has been tearing him apart since his parent’s divorce. But now Brian has no time for anger, self pity, or despair—it will take all his know-how and determination, and more courage than he knew he possessed, to survive.”

The boys LOVED it. Even my husband was on the edge, wanting to finish it after the kids went to bed. It was full of action and suspense. They didn’t know if Brian would ever make it out alive. Now they’re all ready to start The River (book 2 of the Hatchet Adventures). This is a great book for your adventurous tween/teen.