Survivor Girl

In this funny, action-packed middle grade novel from the author of the American Girl Luciana books, Alison gets invited to be on her dad’s reality show, Survivor Guy, and faces important realities about her family, self-reliance, and learning to work together with friends.

12-year-old Ali adores her reality-show celebrity father, Survivor Guy, and hopes to follow in his footsteps. But when he invites her on location, Ali is sure she won’t survive one episode . . . until she learns the truth: The show isn't just her dad and a camera. It’s a huge crew and set, with stunt doubles! When a wildfire strikes and Ali and two other kids miss the last rescue helicopter, suddenly, the fight for survival is real. Will she find the self-confidence she needs so they can work together and get out of the wilderness alive?

STEM themes and plot strands about body image and divorce are subtly woven into this page-turning tale.

• Action-Packed Adventure: When a TV set turns into a real-life disaster zone, a sudden wildfire leaves Ali and her new friends stranded in the Great Dismal Swamp.
• A Father-Daughter Story: Ali idolizes her famous dad, Survivor Guy, but discovering his show is fake is only the first challenge she’ll have to face on this trip.
• Teamwork and Friendship: To make it out alive, Ali must learn to trust two other kids and rely on teamwork to navigate the dangerous wilderness.
• Finding Your Courage: She’s pretended to be a survival expert to her friends, but now Ali must find real courage and prove she can be a true Survivor Girl.
• Perfect Summer Reading: Packed with humor, heart, and STEM themes, this is a gripping read for kids ages 10-12 who love adventure.

"A strong story that shows survival is more than just getting through physical challenges." —Kirkus   "Teagan’s characters are well defined and well rounded.... The action sequences fit smoothly with the scenes of emotional growth, and the resolution is satisfying."—The Horn Book   "Good action and dynamic interactions.... A fun read for those that like adventure." —School Library Connection