Alone

Survival is a common topic and broad theme for middle-grade literature. Many novels for this age group deal with characters who survive against the odds, oftentimes alone or otherwise without adult help. These stories tend to be empowering, demonstrating that children of this age can be smart and resourceful.

One classic survival novel that is often taught in schools is Gary Paulsen’s Hatchet, in which the protagonist, Brian, gets stranded alone in the Canadian wilderness. Brian’s journey parallels Maddie’s in some ways. At first, he feels hopeless and helpless, but over time, he learns to stay calm, take inventory, be creative with his limited resources, draw on former knowledge, and apply rationality to solve problems. Like Brian, Maddie does have to develop some wilderness and survival skills, as she faces wild animals and harsh Colorado winters. However, Brian is only alone for a few months, and he has to survive in an unfamiliar place where it is very difficult to find suitable food and shelter. Maddie’s challenge, in contrast, more closely resembles that of Karana from Scott O’Dell’s Island of the Blue Dolphins. Karana is stranded alone for 18 years, albeit on her own island, where she knows the territory and starts out equipped with supplies. Thus, finding food and shelter is not excessively difficult; Karana’s real difficulty is going such a long time with no human contact.

Middle-grade survival novels address different aspects of survival and different challenges but generally all show young protagonists overcoming what they initially perceived as insurmountable obstacles. The protagonists gain confidence and “age” or “grow up” at an expedited rate as a result.