96 Miles

J. L. Esplin

- 4.5 • 13 Ratings

- $9.99

- $9.99

21 days without power. 2 brothers on a desperate trek. 72 hours before time runs out...

The Lockwood brothers are supposed to be able to survive anything. Their dad, a hardcore believer in self-reliance, has stockpiled enough food and water at their isolated Nevada home to last for months. But when they are robbed of all their supplies during a massive blackout while their dad is out of town, John and Stew must walk 96 miles in the stark desert sun to get help. Along the way, they’re forced to question their dad’s insistence on self-reliance and ask just what it is that we owe to our neighbors, to our kin, and to ourselves.

From talented newcomer J. L. Esplin comes this story of survival and determination as two young brothers confront the unpredictability of human nature in the face of desperate circumstances.

“A suspense thriller, survival story, and a story of the love between brothers. You'll turn the pages and be surprised again and again.”—Gary D. Schmidt, Newbery Honor Award-winning author of The Wednesday Wars

“Fast-paced, believable, funny, and poignant. 96 Miles is a great read from the first sentence to the surprising and satisfying ending. I give Esplin’s debut novel 100%. Don't miss it!”—Roland Smith, New York Times bestselling author of Peak

“Readers who enjoy realistic survival stories will not be able to put down Esplin’s debut…. Filled with survival techniques, danger, and overcoming realistic obstacles, this story will have readers turning pages. A great choice for lovers of Gary Paulsen’s Hatchet or Roland Smith’s Peak.”—School Library Journal

At the Publisher's request, this title is being sold without Digital Rights Management Software (DRM) applied.

PUBLISHERS WEEKLY DEC 16, 2019

Since their mother died, 13-year-old John Lockwood and his 11-year-old brother, Stewart, live in a remote area of the Nevada desert with their father, an avid survivalist who has always insisted his boys be prepared for the worst. After a massive power outage occurs when John's dad is away, the Lockwoods are quickly stripped of everything they've carefully stockpiled. Forced to walk 96 miles in the punishing desert heat and wind to get help, John and Stew encounter siblings Cleverly and Will in an abandoned trailer while scavenging for water. Together, the four of them must endure exhaustion, dehydration, and each other if they hope to survive the grueling journey. Debut novelist Esplin deftly creates a compelling uncertainty through the increasingly dire circumstances that her characters face. The story never drags, due to both the authentic survival tips she sprinkles in yucca root as a natural detergent and John's detailed narration, which lets the reader experience this arduous and tension-filled journey firsthand. More than just a harrowing survival story, Esplin offers a richly layered look at the frustrations of sibling rivalry, the depths of family loyalty, and the challenges of forgiveness. Ages 8 12.)

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