15 Secrets to Survival

Richards, Natalie D. 15 Secrets to Survival
November 7, 2023 by Delacorte Press

E ARC provided by Edelweiss Plus

Baxter's parents are very good friends with several of the children with whom he goes to school; his parents set up a company with one of the couples, and they all live in the neighborhood. He's always had to hang out with Abigail, Turner and Emerson, but he doesn't like them very much. When the four (whom his mother has dubbed "the Getalong Gang") have to be on a the same team for the Know and Grow elective course, it doesn't go well. After some fighting took place during a competition, all of the kids lose credit for the course, and Baxter loses his spot on the E Sports team. The only way they can get the credits back is by doing a project. Luckily, Baxter's great uncle Hornsby has a cabin in the mountains, and since the parents are all taking a cruise to Aruba, they dump the children with him. They even leave Vivi, Baxter young sister who is probably between one and two. Hornsby will give them a challenge, but keep them all safe. He taught Baxter's parents outdoor survival skills after they were married, was a camp counselor, and even had infant first aid certification, so the parents think he is a safe bet. The children think differently, and Baxter is especially leery given the state of the uncle's cabin. The children are not there for long; after the parents leave (having been menaced by a moose right after they all arrived), the children are given an instructional booklet of seemingly disparate newspaper articles, and sent to look for Vivi. Once they find her, they set off on a perilous adventure in the woods that includes more moose exposure, a burn incident, a small avalanche, a spectacularly poopy diaper, and a tumble into a river. Uncle Hornsby is apparently looking out for them, but when the group arrives at a cabin, they realize that he is in danger. Using their one flip phone, that has a 9% change left, they call 911 and request assistance, only to find that a horrible winter storm is approaching. Will they be able to get back to the cabin and help their uncle? But most of all, will they get school credit for their exploits? 
Strengths: I never hope to meet a moose in the wild, but I loved how the parents were able to stay calm and keep everyone safe. Pro tip: throw apples far from your group so that the moose is distracted and goes after them. The idea that children are forced to be friends with each other because their parents are friends is an intriguing concept, and the four children exhibit typical tween behaviors. Petty spats, annoying each other, but ultimately, working together to insure their survival. Uncle Hornsby's survival strategies, though a bit haphazardly delivered, are sound. It's good for the children to rely on each other and their own capabilities, and they ultimately triump. This is another good warning to never go anywhere without a back pack full of granola bars and a well charged satellite phone. 
Weaknesses: This lost me a bit with the whole "losing school credit" unless the kids did a project; I haven't once in 25 years seen anything remotely like that in school, although it seems to happen a lot in books. I also found it hard to believe that the kids would take such a small child with them, but both of these things will not phase the average twelve year old reader at all. They will also not care that Uncle Hornsby's wrinkly flesh is described so enthusiastically, but as a Pre Elderly person, I didn't enjoy it very much. 
What I really think: If outdoor adventure with a bit of humor goes over well in your library, make sure you have this along with Gangsei's 2017 The Wild Bunch and Hale's 2022 Super Troop.