Peak Survival: Take it to the Extreme by Pam Withers Date of Publication: 2004. ISBN: 1552855309. Number of Pages: 153

REQUIRED READING ABILITY: Low/Average
GENRES: Realism, Adventure
THEMES: Survival, Sacrifice and Redemption, Bullying, Friendship, Coming of Age

SUMMARY:
Jake, Peter, and Moses are 15-year-old boys who are planning to do some work over the school break with an extreme snow sport company. They are being heli-lifted to the top of a mountain for a weekend training event. Once the boys are dropped off and the pilot (Joe, Moses' dad) returns to the ground, a fun weekend turns to chaos.

The boys immediately witness a helicopter crash and must search the wreckage for survivors. They find only one, a young woman named Fiona from England. Soon after, they then find themselves in the middle of a terrible snowstorm and must spend the evening alone on the mountain out of contact with the adults of the company. From one dangerous situation to another, the four teens must make their way back down to civilization, and must do so before their water and food supply run out.

WHO WOULD LOVE THIS BOOK? A kid who...

• loves extreme sports
• likes adventure and/or survival stories
• likes characters to learn important life lessons
• wants non-stop action
• does best with a quick and easy read
• enjoys books with male protagonists
• likes inspiring stories
• enjoys skiing and snowboarding
• is a reluctant reader
• has a First Nations background or is interested in the culture

WHAT ELSE?
The story is quick and easy to read, and is the second in a series of extreme sports adventures entitled “Take it to the Extreme” all by Pam Withers. The story line is simple to follow with a few snow sport terms thrown in. Anyone who doesn't ski or snowboard may have to do a little research in order to understand them. The exciting plot and story content may be a draw for reluctant readers, and the characters all experience some character development, providing opportunities for some discussion. Some teachers feel that the ending is very sudden and abrupt, but that may be in part due to the series aspect and the need to keep reluctant readers entranced.

RELATED LINKS:
Take it to the Extreme Website
Author's Profile