21 days without power. 2 brothers on a desperate trek. 72 hours before time runs out... The Lockwood brothers are supposed to be able to survive anything. Their dad, a hardcore believer in self-reliance, has stockpiled enough food and water at their isolated Nevada home to last for months. But when they are robbed of all their supplies during a massive blackout while their dad is out of town, John and Stew must walk 96 miles in the stark desert sun to get help. Along the way, they’re forced to question their dad’s insistence on self-reliance and ask just what it is that we owe to our neighbors, to our kin, and to ourselves. From talented newcomer J. L. Esplin comes this story of survival and determination as two young brothers confront the unpredictability of human nature in the face of desperate circumstances. “A suspense thriller, survival story, and a story of the love between brothers. You'll turn the pages and be surprised again and again.”—Gary D. Schmidt, Newbery Honor Award-winning author of The Wednesday Wars “Fast-paced, believable, funny, and poignant. 96 Miles is a great read from the first sentence to the surprising and satisfying ending. I give Esplin’s debut novel 100%. Don't miss it!”—Roland Smith, New York Times bestselling author of Peak “Readers who enjoy realistic survival stories will not be able to put down Esplin’s debut.... Filled with survival techniques, danger, and overcoming realistic obstacles, this story will have readers turning pages. A great choice for lovers of Gary Paulsen’s Hatchet or Roland Smith’s Peak.”—School Library Journal At the Publisher's request, this title is being sold without Digital Rights Management Software (DRM) applied.
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J. L. Esplin
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96 Miles
by J. L. Esplin
Books Like 96 Miles
If you're looking for books similar to 96 Miles, here are some recommendations based on themes, tone, and narrative style.
The Martian
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A science fiction survival story about an astronaut stranded alone on Mars. Mark Watney must use his scientific knowledge and resourcefulness to survive in an extremely hostile environment. Like '96 Miles', the novel emphasizes problem-solving, self-reliance, and human determination. The protagonist faces seemingly insurmountable challenges and must think creatively to survive. Weir's novel combines technical detail with a compelling personal narrative.
Hatchet
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A survival story about a young boy stranded in the wilderness after a plane crash. Brian must use his wits and limited resources to stay alive in the Canadian forest. The book explores themes of self-reliance, resilience, and personal growth under extreme circumstances. Like '96 Miles', it focuses on a young protagonist's survival journey and inner strength. Paulsen's novel is a classic of the survival genre, emphasizing problem-solving and mental toughness.
The Road
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A post-apocalyptic journey of a father and son traveling through a devastated landscape. The novel explores survival, protection, and human connection in extreme conditions. While darker than '96 Miles', it shares themes of brotherly/familial love and survival against overwhelming odds. The characters must navigate dangerous terrain and make difficult moral choices. McCarthy's work emphasizes the power of human relationships during crisis.
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Peak
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Robert C. O'Brien
A post-apocalyptic novel about a young woman surviving alone after a nuclear disaster. Ann must navigate a dangerous world with limited resources and constant threat. The book shares '96 Miles'' themes of survival, isolation, and personal resilience. The protagonist demonstrates incredible resourcefulness and strategic thinking. O'Brien's novel explores human survival in a dramatically altered world.
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A post-apocalyptic novel about a family surviving after a catastrophic meteor strikes the moon. Miranda and her family must adapt to rapidly changing circumstances and limited resources. The book shares '96 Miles'' themes of survival, family bonds, and resourcefulness during a crisis. It explores how ordinary people respond to extraordinary challenges and the importance of family support. The narrative focuses on personal resilience and strategic thinking in desperate situations.
Dry
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A near-future thriller about surviving a severe water shortage in California. The story follows teenagers navigating a crisis when water becomes scarce. Similar to '96 Miles', the novel explores survival, resource management, and human behavior under extreme stress. Characters must make difficult moral choices and work together to survive. Shusterman creates a tense narrative about community and individual resilience.
Trapped
Michael Northrop
A survival story about seven students stranded in their high school during a massive snowstorm. The teenagers must work together to survive with limited resources and increasing danger. Similar to '96 Miles', the book explores group dynamics, survival strategies, and personal resilience. The characters face unexpected challenges and must rely on their wits and each other. Northrop creates a tense narrative about survival in an isolated environment.
Monument 14
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A survival story about a group of children and teenagers trapped in a superstore during a series of apocalyptic disasters. The group must work together to survive and protect each other. Similar to '96 Miles', the novel explores group dynamics, survival strategies, and personal growth under extreme circumstances. Characters face unexpected challenges and must rely on their collective skills. Laybourne creates a tense narrative about survival and cooperation.
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