Cut Off

Braden Murphy has been a techno-superstar ever since he went to a high-tech computer camp on summer vacation. And now the virtual world has become his entire universe. Braden doesn’t do alcohol or drugs. In spite of living close to a beautiful natural world, Braden doesn’t do outdoors. His world revolves around devices – his smartphone, laptop, iPad, and Xbox are on the go every waking hour. He can’t live without his gadgets.Braden doesn’t think he has an addiction – but his parents and teachers are seeing things much differently. His grades are on a downward spiral; his health is suffering and he has been suspended six times for texting during class. When everything starts getting even more out of control his parents give him no choice but to attend a teen rehab program run by a Dene elder. Project Lifeboat is designed to treat all sorts of addictions through wilderness activities and native culture. Now Braden is learning about white-water paddling, outdoor survival and Dene lore.Then the team is trapped after a severe storm and resulting flood and separated from their group leaders. Braden is now marooned in a completely non-digital world; cut off from everything he clung to for support – the virtual world that defined his identity. He and the other team members will have to connect with a new network of mountains, rivers and eagles and the skills they have managed to pick up to survive the journey back home to their families.

Jamie Bastedo is a professional ecologist, outdoor educator, radio broadcaster and author of several books for young readers. His writing promotes a wider appreciation and wise use of nature. Jamie is the author of Nighthawk, Sila's Revenge, On Thin Ice, Free as the Wind and Tracking Triple Seven.