This is an incredibly good middle grade book. The writing is age appropriate with good establishment of foreshadowing (without being blatantly obvious). There is great information with regard to the wilderness and wilderness survival. I appreciate that Paulsen doesn't let things be easy for Brian in the wilderness. He fails at some things and has to learn how to make things work. It takes practice, trial and error. The book, though intended for middle graders, still reads fairly solidly for an adult. The intended age group does have to be kept in mind, but overall the writing is really good for nearly every age. A good narrative and a great story.