Age: 3rd-4th grade reading level, 3rd-middle school interest level, good for high interest and low level readers.

Said to bring older boys back to reading after the Hardy Boys lost popularity, Paulsen provides an entire book dedicated to one 13-year-old character and his surroundings. This book is perfect for boys and girls uninterested or bored with fantasy and soppy romance novels. Not only does it have adventure and suspense, but it also addresses tough issues like divorce, believing in oneself, bravery, and nature as both ruthless and beautiful. Brian is a character that children can connect with and open their perception of real-life issues.