Bea is new at school – again. Her so-called buddy for her first day turns into a bully, and no-one else seems interested in making friends. That’s okay, Bea tells herself. After all, who knew how long they’d stay in this town on the edge of the Arctic Circle?

Bea’s dad is a geologist, working for a huge oil company. It’s his job to assess areas and report on the benefits and risks of drilling there. He’s busy and often working late or away for days at a time, so when he is home, Bea loves spending time with her dad. They enjoy wilderness hikes, and outdoor activities together – not something her mum is into.

Bea’s favourite thing to do is to fly with her dad who is also a pilot. He has taught her everything she needs to be able to fly a small plane herself. She just needs to be a few years older to do it legally.

Bea is having a hard time at school and relishes an away trip with her dad, for his work. She will get to spend two whole days with him, away from all her worries. After only minutes at the remote airport miles from her new home, things go terribly wrong. She flees for her life.

Far from any civilisation, with no roads, or communication with the outside world possible, Bea finds a boy with severe hypothermia. She knows what to do, and soon he is conscious again. His name is Yutu. Luckily, he knows what to do to get home. He has been raised by his grandmother in the traditional ways of the area.

Temperatures well below freezing, unpredictable snow storms, a hungry polar bear and the fear that someone is after her, makes their journey fretful. Bea and Yutu believe that all be well, as long as they can just get home.

There is something even more terrible waiting for Bea however. Dad is missing, and the police are looking for him. Did he really do what they say he did? Bea doesn’t want to believe it.

Two characters with very different upbringings come together in a life or death situation. Both are trained in at least some first aid and survival techniques, ensuring the rising tension of the story.

Both Ele and Yutu are likeable characters with strong links to a family member and willingness to believe in them. The blend of modern and age-old traditional life is compelling as both realise the importance of what they have in their lives. This realisation brings a mutual respect between them, and a budding friendship.

An environmental theme is also important in the story, showing the effect of climate change on people, homes, animal’s habitat and food sources and unpredictable weather patterns. All of these issues are taking lives, both human and animal.

This thread of the story taught me things about both survival in the snow, and consequences of climate change on entire communities. An enjoyable read.  

Author – Ele Fountain

Age – 9+

(2021, Allen & Unwin, Snow, Ice, Danger, Plane, Polar Bears, Action, Adventure, Animals, Courage, Crime, Environment, Family, Friendship, Greed, Snowmobile, Traditional teachings, Grandmother, Trust, Geology, Oil Exploration, Betrayal, Survival)