MCCARTHY, Tom . Survival: Real Tales of Endurance in the Face of Disaster . ISBN 9781619304765 . ea vol: 128p. (Mystery and Mayhem). chron. glossary. maps. Nomad . Oct. 2016. Tr. $19.95. Gr 5-8 These hi-lo books focus on high-stakes stories from European and U.S. history. Each begins with a brief overview, followed by profiles of a specific person or disaster. In Pirates and Shipwrecks , readers are introduced to a number of pirates and three shipwrecked crews. Two shipwrecks, the Bounty mutiny, the ill-fated Donner party, and a trek across Death Valley comprise Survival . Intriguing details about Ernest Shackleton's starving crew keep readers engaged. A map of the area where each event took place, a time line, and an abbreviated list of other historical events from the time period allow students an additional way to connect with the material. Aside from an author's note that attributes the story of Daniel Collins to a published narrative, none of the other tales have references. The author uses the phrases savage islanders and natives who would kill them to describe encounters survivors had with people from island nations. VERDICT Because of the stereotypical language and lack of sources, this title is not recommended. Librarians should instead seek out Lauren Tarshis's Nature Attacks! Hilary Writt, Sullivan University, Lexington, KY

Five true tales of pirates and shipwrecks spare none of the intriguing and grisly details. Employing a casual, conversational tone that reads easily, McCarthy spins five yarns of bloodthirsty pirates and harrowing shipwrecks. The first offering portrays the terrifying experience of sailors who survive a shipwreck only to land on a beach of decapitated, sun-bleached skeletons. The next, another account of nautical distress, tells of a lost ship, reports of possible cannibalism, and the expedition that set out to learn the truth. The third recounts the tales of two fierce female pirates who were just as ruthless and bloodthirsty as their male counterparts. The fourth and fifth deliver more tales of maritime mayhem and cutthroat (quite literally) pirates, keeping up the lively pace already established. McCarthy shows a good sense for the interesting and gory detail, offering up plenty of blood-soaked action while keeping it appropriate for a young readership. Included after each vignette are other notable facts of the time period, and at the end of the offering is a glossary and resources. Releasing simultaneously is Survival, a volume that follows the same format and offers accounts of events such as the Donner Party disaster. Recommend this to fans of the I Survived… series who might be seeking a bit more fact and a little less fiction. A breezy offering just right for fans of survival tales. (Nonfiction. 7-12)