Award-winning American author Gary Paulsen, best known for his YA novel Hatchet, sadly died last October so Northwind must be one of his last.

As with his other titles about survival (most written from personal experience), this one tells the story of Leif, an orphaned boy who has been brought up in rough conditions on the docks and on board ship.

A fatal sickness was brought to the camp where he was staying with the men and Old Carl insisted he leave with Little Carl. Equipped with some essential belongings and pushed out to sea in a dugout canoe, they are told to go north so they do. However, they do not escape the sickness and, after several days of unconsciousness and delirium, Leif wakes to find Little Carl dead.

The rest of the novel follows Leif as he paddles north, sheltering in bays, looking out for bears while camping ashore, picking blackberries and eating salmon he catches with a spear. He dreams about his mother who died in childbirth.

This is a story where nothing much happens to move the plot along. It is really just a series of incidents with Leif interacting with the wildlife around him, including orcas, other whales, bears, ravens and eagles.

While the writing is excellent, the lack of resolution and use of dreams and philosophical musings may not engage many young readers.

Reviewed by Lynne Babbage
Age Guide 9+