Prepping isn’t just for adults—introducing young readers to survival concepts through engaging books can spark their interest in self-reliance and preparedness. Whether you’re a parent looking for books to share or a teen curious about survival, these five young-adult-friendly books blend adventure, strategy, and real-life survival lessons.
1. Hatchet – Gary Paulsen A must-read survival novel, Hatchet follows 13-year-old Brian Robeson, who is stranded in the Canadian wilderness after a plane crash. Armed with only a small hatchet, he must learn to build shelter, find food, and adapt to nature. This book is a gripping introduction to bushcraft, perseverance, and the mental challenges of survival.
Where to Get It
📖 Buy the physical book on Amazon
💻 Download the digital version for free at OceanofPDF
2. The Zombie Survival Guide – Max Brooks While humorous in tone, this book serves as a lighthearted but surprisingly informative guide to survival tactics. It covers defense strategies, supply storage, and long-term self-sufficiency—skills that apply to real-world prepping, even if the zombie threat isn’t real. Teens will love its fun, engaging approach to preparedness.
Where to Get It
📖 Buy the physical book on Amazon
💻 Download the digital version for free at OceanofPDF
3. My Side of the Mountain – Jean Craighead George This classic novel follows Sam Gribley, a young boy who leaves city life to live alone in the Catskill Mountains. He learns how to build shelter, forage for food, and thrive in nature. It’s an excellent read for those interested in bushcraft and self-reliance, with plenty of real-world survival lessons woven into the story.
Where to Get It
📖 Buy the physical book on Amazon
💻 Download the digital version for free at OceanofPDF
4. The Rule of Three – Eric Walters Set in a world where a massive blackout cripples society, this novel follows 16-year-old Adam as he navigates growing chaos. With the help of an elderly neighbor who understands survival strategies, Adam learns about security, resource management, and the importance of community in a crisis. A gripping and realistic take on prepping in a grid-down scenario.
Where to Get It
📖 Buy the physical book on Amazon
💻 Download the digital version for free at OceanofPDF
5. Life As We Knew It – Susan Beth Pfeffer This novel explores a survival scenario where an asteroid impact shifts the moon’s orbit, triggering extreme climate disasters. The story follows Miranda, a teenager struggling with food shortages, power outages, and societal collapse. It’s a chilling yet insightful look at long-term survival challenges and why preparedness is crucial.
Where to Get It
📖 Buy the physical book on Amazon
💻 Download the digital version for free at OceanofPDF
These books offer a mix of thrilling adventure, practical survival knowledge, and valuable life lessons. Whether for entertainment or inspiration, they’re perfect for young readers looking to explore the world of prepping!
