Stevenson, Robin. Outback

Stevenson, Robin.  Outback     

 Orca  2011  131p  9.95  978-1-55469-4119-8      

 ms/hs   Realistic Fiction       E-BN   

A survival story.  When Jayden joins his uncle on a trip into the Australian Outback to search for new species of lizards,it turns into life and death survival when the jeep catches fire. Jayden has been in an absolute funk since his girlfriend broke up with him.  When offered a visit to Australia to do some research with his uncle, he goes.   Once Jayden arrives he finds out the the research will take place in the Outback, miles from any sign of civilization, food, water or gas.  They arrive at the destination -Jayden, Uncle Mel and research assistant Natalie.  Before all the supplies can be unloaded, the jeep catches fire and most of the supplies are lost. What will they do, will they make it out?  The action  is nonstop.

  Once safely home, Jayden knows he will some day return to Australia to

photograph the austere beauty of the Outback.

  This fast paced story gives enough descriptive detail to give the reader a

real feel for the scenery and to understand the desperation felt by Jayden and

Nat.  Reluctant readers will gobble it up.            Theal, Joan