The Young Adventurer’s Guide to (Almost) Everything: Build a Fort, Camp Like a Champ, Poop in the Woods: 45 Action-Packed Outdoor Activities

In their introduction to this outdoor manual, the authors state that “maintaining our connection to nature... is more important than ever.” With that outcome expressed, they invite readers to learn about specific scenarios, such as “how to outrun a bear” (“You can’t”), survival skills, and assembly projects. Unfortunately, scattershot presentation weakens the whole. Some activities require skills not covered until later (a knot needed for a friction fire bow is not explained for another 25 pages), and there is no index for guidance. In addition, though the book acknowledges its debt to Native American traditions and mentions cultural appropriation, it offers a dodge rather than suggestions for further understanding: “That’s a lot to think about, and if it doesn’t resonate with you, that’s OK.” Boushee’s doodle-style drawings competently illustrate most concepts, but the many missed opportunities make this invitation to the outdoors too uneven to recommend. Ages 8–12. [em](Apr.) [/em]