10+ Books Like the I Survived Books
The I Survived books provide a huge dose of adventure! And if you would like a printable list of other books like the I Survived series that you can take to your library or screenshot on your phone for easy access, just pop in your email address below and it’ll come right to your inbox!
If you have a child who loves the I Survived books, you’re in luck because there are a LOT of them in the series.
But once you’ve run out of THOSE, what is next?
Here are some of my favorite books for readers who love the I Survived books!
Books to Read If You Liked the I Survived Books
Frozen Stiff by Sherry Shahan
In case Alaska didn’t already seem dangerous enough to you, this book will really show you how WILD Alaska is. Cody and her cousin are excited for their camping and kayak trek into the Alaskan wilderness together with their moms, but when they sneak off together and then lose Cody’s kayak along with her supplies, thing are going to get very dangerous, very fast.
Avalanche! (Survivor Diaries series) by Terry Lynn Johnson
Twelve-year-old twins Ashley and Ryan’s limits are tested when faced with a powerful avalanche while skiing in Wyoming’s Grand Teton Mountains. This book is filled with survival tips from experts, so anyone can be prepared to survive a disaster.
Unsolved Case Files by Tom Sullivan
A graphic nonfiction series about real FBI cases that have never been solved. They’re packed with fun illustrations, newspaper clippings, and theories of what could have happened. The two older girls and I have absolutely loved this series.
Hatchet by Gary Paulsen
Ella (like so many readers before her) was completely absorbed by this story of a boy alone in the wilderness trying to survive after a plane crash.
Peak by Roland Smith
Peak Marcello comes by his love of climbing naturally – his father (that he’s had no contact with for years) runs a climbing company in Thailand. Peak has a hard time channeling his love into legal climbing though, and gets himself arrested after he scales a skyscraper in New York City. His options are to go to juvie or go live with his father. Obviously the latter sounds better but when he and his father reunite, he discovers that his dad wants him to be the youngest person to ever successfully climb Everest.
My Side of the Mountain by Jean Craighead George
A great survival story, Sam is so unhappy living with his family in New York City that he runs away to the Catskill Mountains. He learns about courage, danger and independence as he figures out how to survive all on his own.
And when I asked for suggestions on Instagram, here are some of the other titles recommended for fans of the I Survived books.
The Canyon’s Edge by Dusti Bowling
Okay, this middle grade novel sounds absolutely gripping! While on a climbing trip with her father in the canyons of Arizona, everything goes terribly wrong, leaving Nora alone in the desert facing dehydration, deadly snakes, venomous scorpions, and, worst of all, her biggest fear. This one is written in verse, so I am sure it would be easy to fly through.
Disaster Days by R. Behrens
Hannah Steele loves living on Pelling, a small island near Seattle, where life feels safe and simple. But when a devastating earthquake strikes while she’s babysitting her neighbors, Zoe and Oscar, everything changes. Stranded without power, cell service, or access to help, Hannah must step up and navigate the chaos as their survival depends on her. This one has been described as Hatchet meets The Babysitters Club – I think my girls would eat it up!
Out of Range by H. Lang
Sisters Abby, Emma, and Ollie are sent to Camp Unplugged in the Idaho mountains to resolve their months-long feud, cut off from technology and the outside world. But when they become lost in the wilderness after a disaster, they must face raging wildfires, dangerous animals, and survival challenges with no training or supplies. Forced to rely on one another, they may discover that their bond as sisters is their greatest strength.
Alone by Megan Freeman
Another novel written in verse, this middle grade survival novel sounds riveting! Twelve-year-old Maddie wakes up to a nightmare: her town has been mysteriously evacuated, leaving her completely alone. With no power, internet, or help, Maddie must rely on her ingenuity, a loyal Rottweiler named George, and her love of books to survive. Facing natural disasters, looters, and crushing loneliness, Maddie’s determination is tested as she fights to endure the most challenging experience of her life.
Ranger in Time Series by Kate Messner
Ranger is a trained search and rescue dog, but when he can’t pass the test to become an official search and rescue dog, he still finds a way to save the day – by time traveling! This is a fun historical fiction book with a brave golden retriever.
Girls Survive Series by Julie Gilbert
This 22 book series is very reminiscent of the I Survived series but the main characters are ALL girls. These survival novels cover anything from Mount St. Helens, Underground Railroad, and the Black Death.
Everest, Book 1: The Contest by Gordon Korman
Four kids from across America compete to become the youngest to summit Everest, facing fierce competition and intense preparation. But as they reach the higher peaks, disaster strikes, and survival depends on courage, quick action, and sheer chance. This is a trilogy so there is more to read after the first book. Korman also has another survival trilogy, Island, which takes place on a desert island.
Red Fox Road by Frances Greenslade
Francie and her parents are stranded in the middle of nowhere after their truck breaks down on a remote logging road during a road trip to the Grand Canyon. While Francie is eager to test her survival skills, building fires and foraging for food, she soon learns the true challenge is enduring as hours turn into days. This one is recommended for middle graders on the upper end of the age range.
And if you’d like a printable copy of this list of other books like the I Survived series that you can take to your library or screenshot on your phone for easy access, just pop in your email address below and it’ll come right to your inbox!
I would add the You Choose series by Capstone Publishing. They have sets that are based on historical events, “can you survive” sets, and haunted places sets. I have found that fans of I Survived really enjoy them!
This is a great list of books, but I think Christina Soontronvat’s riveting nonfiction about the cave rescue, All Thirteen, should join them. Another to consider is Jewell Parker Rhodes’s Paradise on Fire–unfortunately California wildfires are very topical.