CALIFORNIA YOUNG READERS' MEDAL WINNER

A DARING RESCUE —or a deadly risk?

Ever since Josh's older brother died, his father has been drinking too much and taking his anger out on Josh. But when he orphans a bear cub, it's more than Josh can stand. Josh insists on rescuing the bear cub—only to find that he must surrender it to game officials.

Knowing the cub will be sent to a research laboratory, Josh makes a defiant choice. Taking only his brother's motorcycle, the cub, and his dog, Josh runs away to the mountains, vowing to stay until the hunting laws are changed. But the mountains hold unexpected menace, and Josh's bid for justice soon becomes a battle to survive.

"A fast and suspenseful survival story."—Bulletin, Center for Children's Books

• International Reading Association Award Winner

• Western Writers of America Spur Award Winner

• California Young Readers' Medal Winner

• Wyoming Indian Paintbrush Book Award Winner

• CBC/IRA Favorite Paperback for 1994