I have two very active, adventurous boys. One loves to read while I sometimes think the other is allergic to them. I think it was last year when we came across The Adventures of Wilder Good and both of my boys were hooked on these amazing books.  We read all four of them in record time. When we saw that there was a fifth book out, we were really excited to have the chance to go on yet another one together.

In this story, we learn of his mother’s diagnosis of cancer; we learn of a precious family heirloom. A lance head, with an onyx carved into it. When it becomes broken, Wilder heads out on an adventure to attempt to find the rock where the stone came from so that he can carve a new one and make a new lance head to replace the one that was broken.

Isn’t this always the sort of thing that opens up a deeper conversation? I know this reminded me of those loved ones lost; those precious heirlooms that were lost or destroyed, perhaps not. Surely, we all have those mementos that are reminders of a loved one; that have a familial story to tell. Memories and value that is priceless and irreplaceable.

This gift had been a gift to his mother from her father long ago. Although he is forgiven, he is given permission still to go out, along with his good friend and Corndog, a local foster child and quite the Boy Scout, on a journey to attempt to make restoration. Whatever it takes to please the one you love. Off they go on a three-day journey full of adventure and close calls. Yet this is not just about completing a task so much as it is about learning about our true self. Exploring our weaknesses and strengths, digging down deep in faith. Out in the wilderness,just three boys, working together and showing the value and power of being united.

With two boys who are great lovers of the wilderness and survival this was a fun story for them to read. It gave them plenty of ideas as to tools to procure and adventures to take. My boys enjoyed every page; on the edge of the seat often feeling as though they were travelling right along with these boys. They are even developing their own “essentials pack” based on the one in the book.

So many wonderful lessons to be learned with the pages of this book. I always appreciate wholesome stories of this sort showing that there are so many simple things, that can have great power. There is great learning to be had in Jedi’s and dogs and wilder things.

-Product review by Jennifer King, The Old Schoolhouse® Magazine, LLC, October, 2018