Survival Strategies of the Almost Brave

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: March 2, 2016

Review

Following their mother's death, twelve-year-old Liberty spends two days protecting her eight-year-old sister while they navigate their way back to the only adult they trust when they are abandon at a desert gas station by their mentally incapable father. The story line is reminiscent of Voight's "Homecoming" but is set in present day of stranger danger which keeps Liberty from seeking help as they make their way back towards San Diego, secretly hitching rides with various characters. Liberty's perspective will have readers concerned for her safety, intrigued about the different adults who cross their path and anticipating the action in each chapter as described by each survival strategy chapter heading. White intersperses the action chapters with Liberty's memories of her mother that flesh out the reasons for her father's behavior and her own grieving process. Give to middle grade readers who enjoy realistic fiction. This is White's debut novel, hope to read more by her in the future.

Overall Book Score: very good