2024
WISE Score
Amazon
Six teens, one RV, and a sniper who knows all their secrets. It's basically 'The Breakfast Club' if it were a high-stakes horror movie.
4.3
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Five Survive is a tightly wound, claustrophobic thriller that doesn't let up. It’s the literary equivalent of a summer blockbuster—fast, loud, and a little bit messy, but undeniably entertaining.
It’s not 'educational' in the traditional sense, but it’s fantastic for brain engagement. If your teen is glued to their phone, this is the kind of book that actually has a chance of making them put it down. Just don't expect them to want to go on a camping trip anytime soon.
Best for 13 and up. While Amazon says 14-17, a mature 13-year-old who has already discovered the 'Good Girl's Guide' series will be fine. It's too intense for the middle school crowd that still prefers 'Diary of a Wimpy Kid.'
This is a pressure cooker of a story. While it explores loyalty, it's mostly built on lies, betrayal, and the ugly things people do when they're terrified. It's not 'bad,' but it's definitely not where you go for warm fuzzies or moral clarity.
The 'locked-room' mystery set inside a broken-down RV is a clever constraint. The real-time eight-hour countdown keeps the tension high and forces the characters to be creative with their limited resources.
The threat is a sniper with a high-powered rifle. There is blood, gun violence, and significant psychological trauma. It's exactly what it says on the tin, so it's not 'unsafe' via surprise, but it's too intense for younger or sensitive readers.
It's a massive win for reluctant readers. The pacing is so aggressive that it's hard to put down, which is great for building reading stamina. It also forces teens to think about ethics and the consequences of long-held secrets.
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