Adventure stories for teenagers...

[British Red]

Its been a long time for me

A buddy asked for some suggestions for exciting adventure books aimed at the teenager / young adult market, not necessarily Bushcrafty but for a teenage lad.

My suggestions so far have been "Brendon Chase" by BB (which he loved) and "My side of the mountain" (also a hit).

He didn't like "White Fang" (I suspect because there is no person for him to identify with).

Has anyone got any suggestions of books in that vein?

Red

 

[locum76]

How old is he? Has he read any Mark Twain?

 

[British Red]

12 I think.

I might suggest Huck Finn - not sure if the "old time language" will wash though....

Good thought - thanks

 

[Miyagi]

I liked White Fang, Call of the Wild, The Hobbit, Lord of the Rings when I was young.

I read some Mark Twain and some Dickens, after that the reading material was Shakespeare or Steinbeck for exam purposes, and the Racing Post for my Father who's eyes were failing him.

Heartily recommend James Clavell's, James Michener's books and the Warlord and Victor comics.

Miene Kampf and the Bunty were more my sister's cup of tea...

 

[delbach]

Wolf Brother by Michelle Paver just started reading them myself and they are really good
Andrew

 

[Shewie]

Wolf Brother by Michelle Paver just started reading them myself and they are really good
Andrew

Got this one on my chrimbo list

 

[Tengu]

Williard Price.

Im suprised he hasnt come up already

 

[sandbender]

Moby Dick, although again the "old time language" may not appeal.

 

[eel28]

Has he read any Willard Price? used to really love those books when I was younger.

hmmmm think i will have to get in the loft and seek them out for a reread

 

[locum76]

I had about 10 Willard Price books. They were a fun read but got a bit predictable.

If the lad likes reading he'll rip through them.

 

[British Red]

Three recomendations can't be bad - I'll pass it on - might get one myself if people suggest them. Are they a series? Or is it just a set of stories connected by an author? If a series can anyone remember the "first one"?

Thanks for the input all

Red

 

[locum76]

The Willard Price stuff is a list of books featuring two brothers who go on different adventures, usually collecting animals for zoos with a couple of odd ones thrown in such as Volcano adventure. There was always a baddie trying to do them in or capturing the animals brutally where the brothers would use softer methods.

They didn't seem to be in any particular chronological order.

 

[Highbinder]

I'd suggest The Hobbit and LotR for sure. Wait a couple of years and then introduce him to some Kerouac novels.

 

[Tengu]

the hobbit is small kids stuff. (though very clever) and best for reading out load

LotR is cumbersome and slow

 

[forestwalker]

Land of Feast and Famine (Helge Ingstad).

There should be a bunch of decent (i.e. not Ellis Deerfoot and such racist crap) pioneer stories. Acutally, the Ingalls ones aren't bad, and quite educational.

Kim, don't forget Kim.

Arthur Ransome, good stuff, my daugher *is* Nancy Blackett in some ways (she even got a red cap, I suppose I should start calling her a Redcap...)

The Icelandic Sagas. Dialogue, poetry *and* violence, can't beat that combination.

The Long Ships by Bengtsson

Mallorys Morte d'Arthur? Might be a bit too early, but good tales that give a different perspective on things.

Some of the early polar explorers might be available in suitable editions

Kiplings Jungle Book?

 

[forestwalker]

Some early Heinlein (Double Star, Tunnel in the Sky, Citizen of the Galaxy) and Asimov (Foundation, Lucky Starr)?

 

[British Red]

Thanks guys, I'll look into the Willard stuff and read and pass on one

Arthurian stuff is a great idea. I find Morte D'arthur heavy going personally but I recall a book called "Firelord" which was good and Anne MaCaffrey did a good one for young people.

Kipling is a great call - how could I forget Kipling??

Red

 

[British Red]

Think he's a bit young for Asimov so far.....I did think about Ringworld but he doesn't have a sci fi type mind yet (shame - I enjoy them)

 

[Highbinder]

the hobbit is small kids stuff. (though very clever) and best for reading out load

LotR is cumbersome and slow

The hobbit is still one of my favourite books, it is most definately not a 'kids book' even if it is read as one sometimes.

LotR is a bit like marmite. You're entitled to your opinion but I read LotR at 13-14 and really enjoyed it. I've also heard a lot of people say it appeals much more to boys than girls.

How about His Dark Materials? The film was pants, and the last book wasn't too good but the first two (Northern Lights (IIRC) and Subtle Knife) were both good.

 

[British Red]

I'm there on both the Hobbit and LOTR. He ain't getting my signed copy of the hobbit though I loved (and still love) both books - real good vs evil stuff!