Lost Trail Nine Days Alone in the Wilderness

More than seven decades after his incredible ordeal, Donn Fendler brings his legendary survival story to life in a stunning new way. Lost Trail transforms the perennial bestseller Lost on a Mountain in Maine into a masterfully illustrated graphic novel that will captivate young readers and adults alike.

This is the true story of a twelve-year-old Boy Scout from New York who climbed Maine’s mile-high Mt. Katahdin in 1939, only to become separated from his group when a sudden storm rolled in. What followed was an extraordinary nine-day journey of survival that would become one of Maine’s most famous wilderness tales.

Through powerful illustrations and Donn’s own perspective, readers experience every harrowing moment: the hunger, the fear, the encounters with bears, the relentless bugs, and the sheer determination of a young boy refusing to give up. With nothing but a few wild berries to sustain him, Donn navigated dense forests, treacherous terrain, and his own exhaustion in a test of courage that still resonates today.

Perfect for:

• Young readers who love adventure and survival stories
• Graphic novel enthusiasts seeking true-life drama
• Maine history buffs and outdoor adventurers
• Classroom discussions about resilience and wilderness safety

This gripping graphic novel format makes Donn’s unforgettable story accessible to a new generation of readers, proving that the human spirit—even at twelve years old—can overcome seemingly impossible odds.

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