i really just wanted to see what the fuss was about with these books, they've been snatched up so quick on outreach visits! this was pretty good for its purpose. it has a short time to establish its main characters, and uses that time to distinguish their characterization well. i liked the running thread of leo's admiration for his grandpop, and how his father's stories about him help him survive and hold on to his integrity even when dealing with the boys who took his most precious belonging. the ending development of leo realizing those stories and the mindset they inspire in him being his true most precious thing is nice. and the action is enaaging! and this goes by very fast and doesn't lull, and is an easy enough read i think for reluctant readers. as a fan of survival stories like hatchet, i probably would have enjoyed these a lot had i known about them as a kid!