About This Book
Reach for this book when your middle schooler is grappling with group dynamics, feeling like an outsider, or needs a powerful example of how to handle high-stakes adversity. Set against the backdrop of a real 1975 disaster in Hawaii, the story follows Dylan and his Boy Scout troop as a routine camping trip turns into a harrowing fight for survival following a massive earthquake and tsunami. It is a masterclass in exploring the transition from childhood fear to adult-level responsibility. While the survival elements are gripping, the heart of the book lies in the complex relationship between Dylan and the troop bully, Louie. This is an ideal pick for readers aged 10 to 14 who enjoy outdoor adventures but are also ready for more nuanced discussions about courage, the weight of leadership, and finding common ground with people you dislike. It provides a grounded, realistic look at how individuals respond differently to crisis.
