From deep in the wilderness to deserted islands, from historical disasters to futuristic worlds, survival stories captivate young readers by putting them in the shoes of brave adventurers who must rely on courage, wit, and resilience to stay alive. Whether they’re stranded in the wild, facing extreme weather, or overcoming impossible odds, these characters show the power of determination and resourcefulness.

This collection of survival books is perfect for kids who love thrilling adventures, gripping challenges, and tales of triumph over adversity. With both fiction and non-fiction selections, readers will discover incredible survival skills, real-life heroics, and edge-of-your-seat storytelling.

Get ready to embark on an unforgettable journey of survival—where every page is a test of bravery! Here are some great kids' books about survival, ranging from classic adventure stories to modern tales of resilience:

Classic Survival Stories:

Hatchet by Gary Paulsen

A  powerful story about the physical skills and the mental strength that is needed to survive. Brian has grown up in the city. That’s where he’s comfortable. But on his very first visit to his father following his parents divorce, the small plane he’s flying in crashes. Brian is alone in the Canadian wilderness. All he has with him is the hatchet his mum has given him when he left her. Brian’s thoughtful, careful tactics enable him to find food and shelter and to survive the scarier aspects of the forest, including coming face to face with a bear. But Brian’s survival is also an inner journey of self discovery which makes Hatchet a book of great depth as well as a great adventure.

Island of the Blue Dolphins by Scott O’Dell

Twelve-year-old Karana escapes death at the hands of treacherous hunters, only to find herself totally alone on a harsh desolate island. How she survives in the face of all sorts of dangers makes gripping and inspiring reading especially when you consider it's based on a true story.

My Side of the Mountain by Jean Craighead George

A boy runs away to live in the woods, learning survival skills and befriending a falcon.

Lord of The Flies by William Golding

A group of boys is stranded on an uninhabited island after a plane crash. As they attempt to establish a society, their initial attempts at order quickly dissolve, and the boys descend into a more primal existence. Their childhood fears evolve into violent and savage instincts, particularly during frenzied pig hunts. The novel explores the darker side of human nature, but it's important to note that its portrayal of roles and social dynamics reflects the outdated perspectives of its time compared to modern standards.

Floodland by Marcus Sedgwick

In a future where England is submerged by water, Zoe finds herself stranded in Norwich, now an isolated island. After being separated from her parents, she survives amidst lawless gangs. Determined to escape, Zoe unearths a derelict boat and makes her way to Eels Island. However, the island, ruled by the mysterious boy Dooby, holds its own dangers. Driven by the hope of reuniting with her parents, Zoe embarks on a courageous journey to escape, leading to a surprising and emotional conclusion. Floodland explores themes of survival, hope, and the human spirit with warmth and depth.

Modern Survival Adventures:

Wildlands by Brogen Murphy

Two young people are left to survive alone in a dangerous wilderness, far from any other humans in this unusual future-set story.

It’s 2050 and Astrid and her little sister Indie are travelling by train from London to Glasgow, a journey that takes them through the Wildlands, a huge area of northern England and southern Scotland forcibly cleared of its human inhabitants and rewilded as a sanctuary for wildlife, wolves and bears included.

Their mum was involved in its creation and Indie is excited to look out from the train windows, Astrid less so, particularly as she’s recently discovered secrets her mothers kept from her which have changed her view of them and herself. When the sisters accidentally fall from the train and are left with little more than the clothes they are wearing, this becomes a gripping survival story.

Brogen Murphy creates a convincing and vivid natural world, simultaneously appealing and threatening. We need to read to the very end to find out if the girls survive and this is an absorbing adventure, Astrid’s distress about her family adding depth to a story that makes you think about our place in the world.

The Wild Robot by Peter Brown

The Wild Robot tells the story of a robot who is shipwrecked on an island, and creates a life for herself there. Finding herself on the remote island, Roz quickly realizes that she’ll have to learn survival skills from the island’s wild inhabitants then, inadvertently destroying a nest of goose eggs, ends up the adoptive mother to a gosling too and responsible for bringing him up. Though Roz doesn’t feel emotions, she has been designed to do the best job possible, and bringing up her adopted son calls for all sorts of adaptations. Beautifully written and beautifully illustrated, the story is sure to inspire all readers with affection for robot Roz, and also to set them thinking about what it means to be human.

The Explorer by Katherine Rundell 

Fred has always dreamed of being an explorer, but when the plane he’s on crashes in the Amazon jungle, his adventure takes an unexpected turn. Stranded with three other children in the vast, untamed wilderness, Fred faces the harsh reality of survival with no hope of rescue. But as they struggle to find a way out, they discover that someone may have been there before them. This thrilling tale of courage and discovery will keep young readers on the edge of their seats.

Becoming Grace by Hilary McKay

In this gripping reimagining of Grace Darling's childhood, Hilary McKay brings to life the remarkable story of a young Victorian girl who faced her fear of the sea to become a hero. Growing up on the isolated Longstone Rock as the daughter of a lighthouse keeper, Grace’s life is shaped by the constant threat of shipwrecks and loss. After a near-drowning incident at eight, she becomes terrified of boats, yet her survival instincts are tested when tragedy strikes in 1838. As The Forfarshire shipwrecks during a fierce storm, Grace must summon all her courage to row through treacherous waters and rescue survivors. This powerful tale highlights the survival skills and bravery required to overcome the harsh elements of nature.

Refugee by Alan Gratz

Although Josef, Isabel, and Mahmoud are separated by continents and decades, shocking connections tie together their stories of surviving harrowing journeys as refugees.

Factual Survival Guides:

Survival Camp by Bear Grylls

Let Chief Scout and survival expert Bear Grylls be your guide, teaching you everything you need to know about surviving in the wild. From scaling rugged terrains to navigating the skies, the seas, and the depths below, Bear Grylls Survival Camp will give you the confidence and knowledge to tackle it all.

Kids' Survival Guide by Ben Hubbard

With fun illustrations and infographics, this book introduces young readers to survival skills across different habitats like deserts, forests, mountains, tundras, and desert islands. It covers essential tips such as basic first aid, how to navigate using the sun, and how to tie knots. Topics include surviving a shark attack, building a mountain shelter, and using the stars to navigate in the desert.

Click on the books below to purchase, download an extract, or read our expert reviews.