During a massive blackout in rural Nevada, two brothers struggle to survive without their self-reliance-obsessed dad and without enough water cross the desert for help. - (Baker & Taylor)

The sons of a survivalist father are robbed of their supplies when they are home alone during a massive blackout that tests the limits of their skills and sense of morality. A first novel. Simultaneous eBook. - (Baker & Taylor)

21 days without power. 2 brothers on a desperate trek. 72 hours before time runs out...

The Lockwood brothers are supposed to be able to survive anything. Their dad, a hardcore believer in self-reliance, has stockpiled enough food and water at their isolated Nevada home to last for months. But when they are robbed of all their supplies during a massive blackout while their dad is out of town, John and Stew must walk 96 miles in the stark desert sun to get help. Along the way, they’re forced to question their dad’s insistence on self-reliance and ask just what it is that we owe to our neighbors, to our kin, and to ourselves.

From talented newcomer J. L. Esplin comes this story of survival and determination as two young brothers confront the unpredictability of human nature in the face of desperate circumstances.

“A suspense thriller, survival story, and a story of the love between brothers. You'll turn the pages and be surprised again and again.”—Gary D. Schmidt, Newbery Honor Award-winning author of The Wednesday Wars

“Fast-paced, believable, funny, and poignant. 96 Miles is a great read from the first sentence to the surprising and satisfying ending. I give Esplin’s debut novel 100%. Don't miss it!”—Roland Smith, New York Times bestselling author of Peak

“Readers who enjoy realistic survival stories will not be able to put down Esplin’s debut…. Filled with survival techniques, danger, and overcoming realistic obstacles, this story will have readers turning pages. A great choice for lovers of Gary Paulsen’s Hatchet or Roland Smith’s Peak.”—School Library Journal

J. L. ESPLIN grew up with a Secret Service agent father, who was intent on raising self-reliant kids, prepared for any emergency, especially natural disasters. She lives in Las Vegas, Nevada, on the edge of town with her husband and kids. 96 Miles is her first novel. When not writing, she enjoys teaching guitar the fun way, traveling to new places, and coming back home to the desert. - (McMillan Palgrave)

School Library Journal Reviews

Gr 6–9—Readers who enjoy realistic survival stories will not be able to put down Esplin's debut. An adventurous account of two brothers' 96 mile journey to find help in a post-blackout Nevada desert. A perfect storm of events leads John and Stew to be left home alone during the worst blackout the country has ever known. No one knows what caused it, but the Lockwood brothers thought they had everything they needed to survive. When strangers come and steal their supplies, the brothers are forced to trek to a ranch they know will help them. Filled with survival techniques, danger, and overcoming realistic obstacles, this story will have readers turning pages. A great choice for lovers of Gary Paulsen's Hatchet or Roland Smith's Peak. Survivalists, campers, and scouts will love the authentic techniques the boys use to survive alone in the desert. Esplin paints a comprehensive representation of what a trek like this would be like for middle school readers. VERDICT Rough and rugged, this story will have readers eagerly awaiting what's next for John and Stew. A great addition to any middle or high school collection where survival books circulate well.—Elizabeth Pelayo, St. Charles East High School, IL