Notes From My Captivity

In this fast-paced and suspenseful novel, seventeen-year-old Adrienne embarks on a dangerous journey into the Siberian wilderness, determined to disprove her stepfather’s beliefs. In this wild and unforgiving place, she is taken captive by the Usinovs—legendary hermits who communicate with ghosts—and in her resolve to survive, she learns about loss, family, love, and the relationship between humanity and nature. This story is rich in mystery and adventure and is appropriate for senior secondary students; it may be of particular interest to those interested in the survival and adventure genres. Most suited as an independent read, students could extend their learning about survival in the wilderness, about Siberia, or the text may serve as a springboard to analyze how Adrienne’s experiences transformed her character and allowed for personal growth as a result of the challenges she faced.