Backpacking Hacks

April 1, 2020

Gr 3-5-When it comes to outdoor adventure, it's important to pick the right resources. These ruggedly handsome titles help establish priorities, whether it's shelter from the elements or what equipment to bring and what to leave behind. The books stress planning ahead, gathering information, and using observation to inform decision-making. Full of tips and hacks, they also include instructions for useful items like solar stills, packable toothpaste, first aid kits, fire starting packs, and more. Abundant stock photos of wild animals and diverse hikers will inspire readers, while an engaging page layout with lots of sidebars and captions offers multiple entry points. VERDICT Packed with good advice and good-looking to boot.

Copyright 2020 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

April 1, 2020
Grades 2-5 At the beginning, this new book in the Outdoor Adventure Guides series (4 titles) poses a question: "Will you survive or thrive in the wild?" The following two-page spreads cover camping and hiking basics that should help make any outdoor adventure more comfortable. Practical advice ranges from the seemingly obvious (choose campsites away from garbage cans and latrines) to innovative (greasy snack chips make excellent tinder for campfires). Chapters cover planning and preparation, food and water, shelter, keeping campsites clean and critter-free, personal hygiene, and activities. Pages are filled with colorful photos, oversize fonts and setoffs, boxed insets, diagrams, and lists. Back matter includes a glossary and further information sources. This attractive package will appeal to wanna-be, amateur, and experienced outdoors people alike, and will come in handy on family and scout camping trips.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2020, American Library Association.)