At the end of Hatchet, Brian, who had been stranded in the Canadian wilds after a plane crash, was rescued right before the start of winter. But what if he hadn't been? What if he'd had to contend with winter's dangers on his own? That is the story Paulsen tells here.

As the frost hits, Brian must figure out how to create shelter and clothing that will protect him from bitter cold and blinding snows. And he's also going to have to find a way to trap bigger game if he's going to have enough to eat. Will he make it?

With an appreciation of nature's beauty as well as its dangers, this extraordinary book offers a powerful lesson in self-reliance.