About This Book:
Two brothers try to lead lost campers to safety in the fourth adventure of the Wilder Boys series.
The Wilder boys help out at a wilderness camp near Sequoia National Park, a day’s drive south of the Sierras. The camp’s main draw is a multi-day trek traversing woodlands, mountains, and desert during a team-based orientation competition that will take them to the edge of Death Valley. When Jake and Taylor’s team counselor is badly hurt in a flash flood, they must galvanize the lost campers to find shelter, aid the injured counselor, and supplement their low supplies with what can be found around them.
At first, stumbling across a ghost town seems like a lucky break from the scorching heat of summer, but the town is already occupied by counterfeiters who are none too pleased about their operation being discovered. The boys must use all their resourcefulness and knowledge of the outdoors to protect their teammates from the criminals and the elements.
*Review Contributed By Mark Buxton, Staff Reviewer*
Teamwork required
What worked:
This book is a refreshing change from newly-discovered superpowers, impending doom, bullies, and fragile adolescent relationships. Brothers Jake and Taylor attend a three-week wilderness camp that culminates with a five-day, forty-mile hike to the edge of Death Valley. The story will connect with readers who have experienced camping through scout troops or family vacations. The campers take every challenge as a competition and Jake’s cabin wants to win them all. However, an all-girl team is equally as good, perhaps better, so the boys have their hands full.
The cast of characters is a highlight as it presents a range of camping experiences. Jake has survived serious dangers in the previous books so he accepts the role of assistant counselor, despite being the same age as the oldest campers. Nico thinks he has all the answers since he’s attending his third wilderness camp. Taylor has a similar personality which causes friction between the boys throughout most of the book. Kaito has no camping experience and is afraid of heights but he loves to read and knows a lot about things found in nature; he also adds humor through his non-stop, corny riddles. Juan has been sent to camp to get him away from electronic devices so he arrives with a negative attitude. Jake knows a lot about survival but can he get this ragtag group of campers to work as a team?
The entire story is set in the wilderness so it may seem like a fantasy world for readers living in urban environments. Juan becomes an expert with navigation (map and compass skills he learned in a video game) which is crucial when venturing into thick forests concealing steep, treacherous cliffs. Taylor carries a sketchbook where he draws pictures of different birds he encounters. Readers will learn techniques for building fires, catching rabbits, and erecting safe shelters using things found in the wild. First aid techniques are also shared as Jake’s group encounters a wide variety of dangers. Even rain can be life-threatening when hiking in the mountains.
What didn’t work as well:
The synopsis shares way too much information. Much of what’s described doesn’t happen until the last fourth of the book so nothing is left to readers’ imaginations. It doesn’t make sense why publishers reveal the whole story.
The final verdict:
The straightforward, suspenseful adventure can be enjoyed by a wide range of young readers. Some of the most exciting expeditions are based on reality since readers know they can happen to real people. This book is fast-paced and entertaining and I recommend you give it a shot.
