Leaving Protection

Gr 7 Up—Robbie, 16, grew up on Alaska's Prince Wales Island. To earn money for his family, he wants to work as a deckhand during the short and very risky king salmon season to help his family. Robbie signs on with Tor Torsen and gets off on the wrong foot with the secretive and moody captain. Tension abounds, some created by Robbie's mistakes, some by the fact that he knows that Tor is searching for valuable historic metal plaques buried along the coastline by early Russian explorers. The descriptions of the Alaskan scenery, fishing, and the raging storm near the end of the story will draw listeners in and hold their attention. Charles Thurston's first-person narration of Will Hobbs's novel (HarperCollins, 2004) seems clipped at the beginning, but listeners will soon become accustomed to it and be drawn in by his voice changes and inflection as he alternates between Robbie and the gruff, moody, and enigmatic Tor. In addition to enjoying an exciting story, listeners will also learn a great deal about Alaskan history and salmon fishing. Gary Paulsen's fans will enjoy this tale.—John R. Clark, Hartland Public Library, ME