Books like Far North by Will Hobbs

From the window of a small floatplane, thirteen‑year‑old (or fifteen‑year‑old) Gabe Rogers catches his first glimpse of Canada’s vast Northwest Territories, accompanied by his roommate from boarding school, Raymond Providence. The breathtaking Nahanni River, with its whitewater rapids, sheer cliffs, and Virginia Falls, dominates the view. During the flight, the pilot lands on the quiet, lake‑like upper river, only for the plane’s engine to quit, leaving them drifting helplessly toward the falls. With the subarctic winter rapidly approaching, Gabe and Raymond become stranded in Deadmen Valley, surrounded by moose, wolves, and bears. Their very survival hinges on mutual dependence and a growing friendship that bridges their different cultural backgrounds. Set against the harsh yet magnificent wilderness of the Northwest Territories, the story highlights themes of survival, resilience, cultural exchange, and the raw power of nature.

First publish date: 1996