Salmon Survivor
Salmon Survivor is a story about navigating loss and grief after the death of a parent or loved one. After Jack's father drowns unexpectedly in a fishing accident, he struggles with life returning to any sense of normalcy. Due to the loss of his favorite fishing partner, Jack gives up his love of fishing and journaling, until he is forced to travel from Pennsylvania to Alaska to meet his grandfather. Over the summer, Jack challenges himself to do something his father never accomplished, catching the Alaskan Salmon Slam: all five species of Pacific salmon. An experienced fisherman, he encounters more than he expected fly fishing in the Last Frontier. Dealing with his grief, Jack traverses the path back to himself and discovers a parallel between the cycle of life and death in salmon and the loss of his father. Against Alaska's mighty wilderness, wildlife, and weather, can Jack complete the slam before the summer's end? Or will he drown trying?
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2022 SPARK Award Winner, given by the Society of Children's Book Writers & Illustrators
1st Place Winner of the 2022 PENCRAFT AWARDS
Bronze Winner of the 2022 Moonbeam Children's Book Awards
2022 Gertrude Warner Finalist, Middle-Grade Fiction Children's Book Contest
"Salmon Survivor follows the struggles of a young angler as he navigates grief and self-discovery in the middle of remote Alaska. Whether you're new to the outdoors or are one of the many who've found themselves on the river, there's something for everyone in this remarkable story."
April Vokey, AnchoredOutdoors.com
"This book fills a void for students grades 4-8 that love fishing...The writing is full of figurative language, the illustrations add depth, and the pacing is perfect for the upper elementary/middle school student."
Tammy Turner, Librarian
Salmon Survivor is poignant, funny, dramatic, educational, and above all entertaining."
Chris Wood, CEO Trout Unlimited
"Salmon Survivor is a classic adventure story that harkens back to the wilderness survival tales of Gary Paulsen and Jean Craighead George. This is the perfect book for young readers who love spending time outdoors (especially if they love to fish!). Great for reluctant readers with its fun facts and compelling designs. Emotion, adventure, and humor all rolled into one fantastic book."
K.L. Going, author of The Next Great Jane, Pieces of Why, and Fat Kid Rules the World
"Christian Shane perfectly found the bridge connecting fly fishing to a story that will tug at your heart. While navigating a storyline involving loss and grief, Christian interlaces fly fishing for salmon to an audience that will fall in love with the challenges and tranquility the sport brings so many."
Tim Cammisa, YouTuber of Trout and Feather & Author of Fly Tying for Everyone
