• Age: 12 to 18
• Grade: 8 to 12
• Reading age: 12 to 18

Tej and Liam are going snowboarding. When they take a shortcut over a treacherous logging road and have an accident, their adventure becomes more about survival than fresh powder. Tracked by a hungry bear, while trying to outrun the weather without any food, Tej and Liam learn about their friendship and what it will take to survive. When Tej is hurt, Liam decides he has to go for help—alone.

Diane Tullson grew up in Calgary, Alberta, and has studied English literature, journalism and editing. Before becoming an author, Diane worked in newspaper, radio and travel. She is a member of the Canadian Children's Book Centre, the Vancouver Children's Literature Roundtable, Children's Writers and Illustrators of British Columbia and the Writers Union of Canada. Diane has been nominated for many awards, including the Stellar Award and the Arthur Ellis Award. Diane lives with her family in Delta, British Columbia. For more information, visit www.dianetullson.com.

Diane Tullson's profile page

• Commended, CCBC Best Books for Kids & Teens
• Long-listed, Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA) Quick Picks
• Commended, Pennsylvania School Librarians Association (PSLA) Top Forty

"Combining plenty of action with realistically cogent concerns, this should find some success with its target audience."

Kirkus Reviews

"Should be popular with teen boys as well as the growing number of fans of the Orca Soundings series."

Resource Links

"Interesting, believable characters and an intriguing plot-line."

CM Magazine

"Manages to combine an exciting adventure with a reading level suited to struggling readers."

The Alan Review

"A story chock-full of action and drama...The reader feels fear, discomfort, and desperate urgency along with the characters."

KLIATT

The Darwin Expedition

This novel in the Orca Sounding series appeals to reluctant readers through an interesting plot and fast-paced action in scenic settings that involve snowboarding, friendship, the outdoors and danger. The protagonists roll their truck on an old logging road, and realize they must hike out of the backcountry in order to save themselves. They endure cold weather, scarce food and fighting amongst themselves. Their lives are threatened when they cross paths with a grizzly bear and her cub. The two main characters must learn to trust and rely on each other in order to survive. The resolution of the story demonstrates that friends can disagree and even hurt each other, but they can remain friends nonetheless.

Diane Tullson has published six novels for young adults. A free Orca Soundings teachers’ guide is available at www.orcabook.com.

Caution: Some inappropriate sexual and sexist references.

The Darwin Expedition (Orca Soundings)

Following an accident on a remote logging road, Liam and Tej must draw on all their resources to survive the elements and escape the bear that is following them.