A boy befriends a polar bear being transported from Norway to London in this "breathtaking adventure." Tasked with caring for the bear on the ship, the boy must keep her safe from dangers, including pirates. Based on a true story, this timeless tale explores the themes of freedom, captivity, and the bond between a boy and his unlikely friend.

Journey of the Pale Bear

A powerful novel addressing the Syrian refugee crisis and themes of integration, terrorism, and Islamophobia. Follow fourteen-year-old Ahmed, a Syrian refugee struggling to survive in a city that wants nothing to do with him. When he meets Max, a young American boy, their unlikely friendship defies the odds and teaches them both the importance of bravery and hope. Award-winning author Katherine Marsh delivers a heartwarming story of everyday heroes that will leave readers inspired.

Nowhere Boy

In this gripping tale of survival, a young boy must navigate the Canadian wilderness alone after his small plane crashes. Armed with only a hatchet, he must learn to find food and shelter, and overcome terrifying challenges each day. As he transforms from a helpless victim to a resourceful survivor, readers will be inspired to explore the wilderness themselves.

Hatchet

Escape into 18th century England with "The Unexpected Life of Oliver Cromwell Pitts." Follow Oliver on his perilous journey to find his missing father and troubled sister, surviving through encounters with cruel orphan masters, corrupt magistrates, conniving thieves, and treacherous adventures. Avi weaves a vivid historical setting with a cast of colorful characters in this high adventure tale that will keep you turning the pages. A Kirkus Reviews Best Book of 2017.

Being an Absolutely Accurate Autobiographical Account of My Follies, Fortune, and Fate

The Unexpected Life of Oliver Cromwell Pitts

Misfit Jonathan Grisby arrives at Slabhenge Reformatory School for Troubled Boys, an ancient and desolate fortress. An unexpected accident leaves the boys unsupervised on the island, free but in danger. Can Jonathan confront his past and save his friends from harm? Author Dan Gemeinhart's powerful tale of redemption and outcasts in peril shines a light on the darkest truths we create for ourselves.

Scar Island

A beautifully written middle-grade debut, this novel tells the story of four determined homeless children who form a family and survive on the dangerous streets of Chennai, India. Padma Venkatraman infuses the story with hope and bravery that will inspire readers, as the children use their instincts and grit to make a life for themselves. However, when illness strikes, Viji must decide whether to risk seeking help from strangers or to keep holding on to their fragile, hard-fought freedom.

The Bridge Home

This heartwarming tale follows Wilhelmina Silver, who is uprooted from her idyllic life on an African farm to attend a daunting boarding school in England. Facing fierce schoolgirls and a world she never expected, Wilhelmina must muster the courage to survive. From the author of Rooftoppers, this utterly beautiful story is a treasure of a book that celebrates resilience, friendship, and hope.

Cartwheeling in Thunderstorms

"Fort" is a thrilling summer adventure that explores the themes of friendship, revenge, and standing up for yourself. When two older boys mess with their beloved fort and another kid who's unable to defend himself, Wyatt and Augie launch Operation Doom. This novel features two hilarious and relatable young heroes who learn unexpected lessons along the way.

Fort

Survival in the Alaskan wilderness becomes a true test of friendship for two young boys after their sailboat sinks. Without food, supplies, or immediate hope of rescue, they must scavenge and forage to stay alive. They also struggle to overcome their differences and animosity towards each other - an improbable bond may be their only ticket to survival. An award-winning author presents a modern-day adventure classic that fans of The Call of the Wild, Hatchet, and The Cay will love.

The Skeleton Tree

Amid the striking landscape of Tibet and India, experience a heart-pumping adventure of survival, courage, and hope. Follow Tash, a practicing Buddhist, and her best friend, Sam, as they flee from the occupying Chinese soldiers after Tash's parents are taken. The escape journey over the mountains is perilous - filled with blizzards, hunger, treacherous terrain, and the looming threat of capture. The story showcases the powerful will to survive even in the most desperate of times.

Running on the Roof of the World

Follow the adventures of high-spirited Jane, who joins Mr. Mercer's expedition to bring Civil War widows and orphans out west to Washington Territory. Jane is determined to make a new life for herself and her baby brother, but Seattle isn't the haven she thought it would be. Experience the trials and triumphs of life in a rough-and-tumble frontier town with Jane as she uses her broad mind, sturdy constitution, sense of humor, and stubbornness to overcome whatever comes her way.

The Many Reflections of Miss Jane Deming

An Alaskan dogsled racer gets lost in the wilderness with her dogs and encounters a mysterious boy. With her survival and the dogs' in jeopardy, it's up to her to lead them through tricky obstacles. Written by a real-life musher, this thrilling adventure puts readers in the driver's seat alongside Victoria and her dogs.

Ice Dogs

A twelve-year-old girl struggles to find her identity and her place in a newly divided India, where tensions between Hindus and Muslims have led to violence and displacement. As a refugee, Nisha and her family must embark on a perilous journey to their new home. Through loss and uncertainty, Nisha holds onto hope and the belief that she can rebuild herself in a fractured country.

The Night Diary

Discover the truth about Hemlock Mountain in this classic tale. Follow Jonathan as he sets out alone to prove that there are no bears on the mountain, only to find out that people aren't always right. Will he make it home safely? Find out in this thrilling story.

The Bears on Hemlock Mountain

Discover a Newbery Medal classic about courage and overcoming fear. In this tale, a Polynesian boy named Mafatu fears the sea after it took his mother. Though he comes from a culture that values bravery, Mafatu is labeled a coward until he sets out to face his fear alone. Stranded on a desert island, he taps into his strength and resourcefulness, growing in courage with each obstacle he overcomes. This legendary story has been passed down for generations, and is sure to inspire readers today.

Call It Courage

A young boy named Phillip is fascinated by war games until his ship is torpedoed by German forces. Stranded on a raft with only Stew Cat and Timothy, an old West Indian, as companions, the boy must confront his prejudices about people who are different. When a head injury leaves him blind, Phillip becomes entirely reliant on Timothy, who teaches him about survival and equality on a deserted island.

The Cay

A thrilling historical adventure set in the 17th century, Cast Off follows Petra, a 12-year-old girl who stows away on a Dutch merchant ship to escape her abusive father. When she's discovered by Bram, a half-Dutch, half-Javanese boy, Petra convinces him to help her stay hidden and disguise herself as a boy. But as the ship faces deadly challenges like pirate attacks and mutiny, Petra and Bram must make impossible choices to protect each other and their dreams of freedom. This engaging and meticulously researched novel is filled with secrets, intrigue, and unforgettable adventure.

The Strange Adventures of Petra De Winter and Bram Broen

Cast Off

Follow Will Sparrow, a 13-year-old liar and thief, as he takes to the road and encounters a cast of colorful characters, including con artists, oddities, and monsters. Along the way, Will learns the art of deception from those more skilled than him and struggles to keep his guard up against further tricks. In this Newbery medalist's latest work, set against the backdrop of Elizabethan England, appearances are often misleading as Will discovers the truth about himself and those around him.

Will Sparrow's Road

A brave girl named May is stranded on a Kansas prairie homestead after being abandoned. Isolated from family and neighbors, she must fight to survive the oncoming winter while facing memories of her struggles with reading at school. This Laura Ingalls Wilder-inspired novel, written in beautiful and riveting verse, gives readers a strong new heroine to love.

May B.

Venture into the wild with Sam Gribley as he leaves his city life behind and sets up home in the Catskill Mountains. With a falcon and a weasel for company and only his wits to survive, Sam learns to live off the land in this spellbinding, funny, and touching account. Along the way, he battles blizzards, hunters, loneliness, and fear, all while discovering his desire for freedom, independence, and adventure. Jean Craighead George's My Side of the Mountain is a Newbery Honor Book that has inspired generations of young readers to explore the great outdoors.

My Side of the Mountain

A young boy in 1936 Michigan embarks on a journey to find his father - and he won't let anything get in his way.

Hatchet

Gary Paulsen