Wild River - Hardcover

Petersen, P.J.

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0385737246 ISBN 13: 9780385737241

Publisher: Delacorte Books for Young Readers, 2009

Synopsis

It’s Ryan versus the river in a race against time to save his brother’s life.

When twelve-year-old Ryan reluctantly agrees to join his experienced older brother Tanner on a camping trip, he could never have dreamed this would turn into the most frightening day of his life.

Ryan’s no good at sports or outdoor stuff. He’d rather be home playing video games. But Tanner says it’s an easy trip. They’ll kayak down the Boulder River, catch fish, and roast marshmallows.

But the river is higher than usual, and the kayaking is scary. Tanner isn’t worried. But soon after, he’s badly hurt in a kayaking accident, leaving Ryan alone and afraid he can’t save his brother’s life. He’s only faced danger in video games. What good are games now when Ryan faces a real-life battle?

About this title

About the Author:

P. J. Petersen has written many books for children, among them Whitewater. He lives in Redding, California.

From School Library Journal:

Grade 4–7—Twelve-year-old Ryan goes kayaking and fishing on a California river with his older brother, Tanner, and his gripping adventures will pull even reluctant readers into his first-person narrative. As the boys shoot down rocky rapids, a jagged log in the chute slices into their kayak, toppling them into freezing water, injuring Tanner and leaving him unconscious. Using what he learned from his video games, Ryan is able to stay calm and survive some harrowing situations, and ultimately save both of their lives. Foreshadowing keeps the suspense rolling for careful readers. Safe back home, Ryan refuses to tell anyone except Tanner about his heroic deeds and flips on his favorite video game for solace instead of sharing his feelings with his family. The relationship between the brothers is refreshing; they clearly like each other, and Tanner is in touch with Ryan's needs and accepts him unconditionally. Some readers might wish to see some growth in Ryan as a result of his experiences, but it's more likely that he is having difficulty dealing with what happened and opening up about the events will come later. In theme, this is reminiscent of Gary Paulsen's Hatchet (1987) and Will Hobbs's Downriver (1991, both S & S).—James K. Irwin, Sandy Library, UT END

About this edition

• Publisher: Delacorte Books for Young Readers
• Publication date: 2009
• ISBN 10: 0385737246
• ISBN 13: 9780385737241
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 128