Books about life-or-death situations can have great plots and exciting events. They can also inspire people to excel. In this nonfiction book, you'll read about Alec, who is shipwrecked, and Karana, who is left behind on an island. Mulan fights in wars for years. What do these books communicate about survival? What allows these characters to survive? This title includes important text features such as a glossary, index, and table of contents to engage students in reading as they develop their comprehension, vocabulary, and literacy skills. The Reader's Guide and culminating activity direct students back to the text as they develop their higher-order thinking skills. Check It Out! provides resources for additional reading and learning. With TIME For Kids content, this book aligns with national and state standards and will keep grade 4 students engaged in learning.