Survival Themed Novels Your Learners Will Love
By MARISSA DESPINS Updated Dec 13, 2023
Survival themed novels for upper elementary and middle school
Survival themed novels can be a great way to get struggling readers interested in and excited about reading. These novels often feature characters who must persevere against all odds, making them great for encouraging growth mindset. Whether the story takes place in a post-apocalyptic future or on an uncharted island, what better way to ignite students’ interest than with some good old-fashioned adventure?
Looking for some print and go survival themed novel studies that you can download and use with your students right away? Click on the image or button below to see all of the novel studies available in my TPT shop!
For more information on teaching specific novels, you won’t want to miss our posts on teaching Wonder, The Hunger Games, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, and The Outsiders!
Read on to take a look at some of my very favorite survival themed novels for upper elementary and middle school.
The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
The Hunger Games is one of my very favorite survival themed novels. The story follows Katniss Everdeen, a sixteen-year-old girl living in the dystopian nation of Panem. Every year, two children from each of the twelve districts are chosen at random to compete in a deadly competition known as “The Hunger Games”. In the Games, they must fight to the death until only one remains standing. Katniss volunteers to take her little sister’s place in order to keep her safe and embarks on an adventure that tests her courage and resilience. Along the way, she discovers that there is more going on behind the scenes than meets the eye.
This engaging story is part of a top notch trilogy. It offers valuable teaching opportunities to touch on the dangers of authoritarianism and about how important it is for us to stand up against injustice.
Looking for a complete unit to use along with this fantastic novel? Click here or on the image below!
Grab a great FREE resource to use along with the novel by clicking here or on the image below!
Read more tips and tricks for teaching this engaging novel by checking out our complete guide to teaching The Hunger Games!
For more dystopic novel study ideas, check out our favorite dystopian novels for middle school!
My Side of the mountain By Jean Craighead George
This classic novel tells the story of Sam Gribley, who runs away from home and lives alone in the Catskill Mountains. He learns many lessons about self-reliance and courage as he makes his home in the woods.
This novel is a classroom favorite for upper elementary and middle school students. It contains elements of nature study and conservation that help spark conversations about ecological issues, and makes an excellent addition to your list of survival themed novels.
Hatchet by Gary Paulsen
In Hatchet, 13-year-old Brian Robeson is the lone survivor of a plane crash. He finds himself stranded in the Canadian wilderness with nothing but his hatchet and his wits. This classic novel follows Brian as he learns how to survive alone in the wild. While there, he must battle hunger, fear, and loneliness. In addition to being an exciting read, Hatchet also offers valuable lessons about resilience and courage.
Grab some engaging resources to use along with this novel by clicking on the images below.
Looking for more information on teaching Hatchet? You may want to check out our Exploring Hatchet: Novel Study Activities and Character Analysis using Hatchet by Gary Paulsen posts!
Island of the Blue Dolphins by Scott O’Dell
No list of survival themed novels is complete with this award-winning novel. The story follows Karana, a young Native American girl who has been left alone on an island off California’s coast after her tribe was forced to leave. She must learn how to survive on her own, relying on her wits, resourcefulness, and animal friends to make it through difficult times.
This novel is perfect for upper elementary and middle school students, and discusses key themes of courage, resilience, and perseverance.
Grab a complete novel study to use along with this engaging story by clicking here or on the image below.
Grab a FREE resource to use along with the novel by clicking here or on the image below.
Looking for more information on teaching this engaging novel? Check out our complete guide to teaching The Island of the Blue Dolphins!
The Cay by Theodore Taylor
This survival classic tells the story of Phillip Enright, a boy stranded on an island with an elderly black man with whom he forms an unlikely friendship. Together they must find ways to survive despite limited resources and dangerous situations they encounter along their journey.
This novel can be used with both middle schoolers and high schoolers. It is a great novel for promoting discussions about key issues of racism and prejudice.
Touching Spirt Bear By Ben Mikaelsen
In this engaging survival story, Cole Matthews embarks on a vision quest after being sentenced to one year spent alone on an isolated island in Alaska following his involvement in a violent incident at school. During his time there he must confront his inner demons while learning how to survive without any modern conveniences or amenities available to him. Along his journey, he discovers healing through forgiveness and understanding as well as respect for nature and its creatures.
Middle school readers will appreciate this tale of personal growth set against a backdrop featuring the beautiful dangers of nature.
Looking for resources to use along with this engaging novel? Check these out in my TPT store by clicking on the images below.
The Maze Runner by James Dashner
The Maze Runner trilogy follows a young teen named Thomas as he wakes up one day with no memory of who he is. He finds himself trapped within the mysterious walls of The Glade with only two ways out—through The Maze. Along with his newfound friends, Thomas must face off against impossible odds if he is ever going to escape the living nightmare of The Maze alive.
The Maze Runner is part of a trilogy, making it a great choice to help get students excited about reading. Because of this, it makes a great classroom library addition – I could hardly keep it on my shelf, and my grade 8 students argued over who would have the chance to read it next.
Survival themed novels are a truly excellent tools for engaging student readers. These stories contain captivating plots and unforgettable characters. Because of this, these stories can help bring literature alive for your students. Whether reading aloud or independently, these stories provide great opportunities for discussion on topics such as courage, resilience, empathy, and more – perfect for any classroom!
For additional information to help you plan your next novel study, you may be interested in our posts on the benefits of teaching novel studies and well as our complete novel study planning guide!
If you are struggling with choosing the perfect book for your next novel study, you won’t want to miss our lists of favorite middle school and upper elementary novels!
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