Published by Farrar, Straus and Giroux

Summary:  When Raymond realizes that his neglectful parents have left him for good, he feels that he has no choice but to camp out in the woods near his middle school.  He manages to survive there for the better part of a year, sleeping with his dog Rosie inside a hollow fallen tree, fishing and dumpster diving for food, and occasionally helped by a couple of kind new friends: Harlin and Lexi from school and an old man named Stigs who fishes in the same river.  It’s a pretty desperate existence, but Raymond finds it preferable to foster care, which he’s had some experience with.  A combination of a middle school bully and Mother Nature eventually catches up with Raymond, but with the help of his new friends, he finds what may be a happy ending.  240 pages; grades 4-7.

Pros:  Fans of Hatchet and other survival stories will enjoy getting to know Raymond, whose situation may feel a little closer to home than Gary Paulsen’s tale.  Despite his terrible parents, Raymond is a likable kid who finds himself drawn toward friendship and connection even as he tries to be self-sufficient.

Cons:  With one somewhat notable exception, most of Raymond’s teachers seem more concerned with his grades and behavior than any of the signs that all is not well with him at home.