An American Robinson Crusoe for American Boys and Girls

An American Robinson Crusoe is a story about an indolent rebellious teen that goes on a marine voyage against his parents’ wishes. He soon finds himself in a fearful storm at sea and the ship and crew are lost. Robinson makes it to a deserted island and having no tools or weapons he is forced to develop his survival skills. He lives on the island for over 28 years; for the first 20 years he lives alone on the island with the exception of the many animals he befriends. Then after 20 years living solo he is joined by a young “savage� who becomes his constant companion. The transformation from a young lazy teen to a self-sustaining knowledgeable skilled adult who becomes proficient in social and survival skills is one of the major themes in the story written by Samuel Allison a school principle to teach these skills to children and young adults.