The World's Most Amazing Survival Stories

Tim O'Shei examines ten men and women who cheated death in this 2006 Capstone Press release. Part of that publisher's 'World's Top Tens' series, THE WORLD'S MOST AMAZING SURVIVAL STORIES introduces readers 9-12 to some very gutsy individuals who faced down death. In reverse countdown order, O'Shei describes the death-defying situations faced by Gareth Wood, Petra Nemcova, Scott O'Grady, Bethany Hamilton, Colby Coombs, Aron Ralston and others. Some were attacked by sharks. Others were trapped high on mountain tops, shipwrecked and so on. They survived mainly due to determination and resourcefulness. Several of the people chronicled lost limbs which may be upsetting to 9- and 10-year olds. (One photo shows Bethany Hamilton after the shark attack that cost the 13-year old her left arm). The stories in O'Shei's book should appeal to and perhaps inspire younger readers. Recommended.