The Wild Lands by Paul Greci
Published by Imprint on January 29th 2019
ISBN: 1250183588
Pages: 384
Goodreads

Travis and his younger sister Jess live in remote interior Alaska near what used to be Fairbanks. Set in the future, the Alaskan oil fields have run dry and the United States has abandoned — and burned — much of the former state. Travis and his family decide to stay and try to live off the land until the 2nd wave of fires made it impossible to grow anything and the salmon stopped returning. They set off north for the Arctic sea to try to find civilization. After a violent encounter trying to cross a river, they end up heading south and join fellow travelers along the way. Will they make it to civilization? Will there be civilization? Does the United States still exist? Will they ever stop worrying about where to find food, water, and shelter? This page-turning YA book will appeal to middle school readers as well.

Reviewed by Karen Sandlin Silverman, Mt. Ararat Middle School, Topsham