Cabin on Trouble Creek

After clearing enough forest to build a log cabin for their new home, Pa returns east to fetch the rest of the family, while young brothers Daniel and Will stay behind to watch the land. Pa had planned to return within six weeks . . . but something must have gone wrong. Now the boys must survive the winter with only a few supplies and their ability to invent and improvise. But are they alone in the woods? Jean Van Leeuwen's engrossing novel of pioneer survival is based on a true incident.

Karen Jensen - VOYA

Brothers Daniel, age eleven, and younger Will travel with their father to an untamed Ohio to build a cabin. When the basic cabin is completed, Pa returns to get the rest of the family, thinking that he will only be gone for five or six weeks. As winter sets in, it soon becomes clear to the boys that Pa cannot get back. Over the course of the winter, the boys learn to catch food, make clothing, and observe the world around them more closely. A sad Indian named Solomon, who challenges their view of a people of which they have only heard through stories, teaches some of these skills to them. A few other characters briefly appear, but this claustrophobic story is mostly of two boys alone in the wilderness. The characters are well developed, and readers will understand their subtle transformation as they learn to survive on their own. The language and style is simplistic, an accurate reflection of both the era and the boys' ages. Younger or reluctant teen readers will enjoy this survival story. Other readers looking for a good inspirational fiction read or one that commends the art of storytelling will appreciate that the boys get through their hardest times by telling each other the Bible stories that their mother used to share. Middle school and public libraries will find this book a welcome addition. VOYA CODES: 3Q 3P M (Readable without serious defects; Will appeal with pushing; Middle School, defined as grades 6 to 8). 2004, Dial, 224p., Ages 11 to 14.