I remember books I read when I was growing up, and the 2 that currently come to mind are My Side of the Mountain & Hatchet. For me during Cub Scouts these were the books that made me think beyond what they showed/taught us during weekly meetings. Even though it is just a read and I have not tested the little things I read since then with inexperience (homemade salt from tree bark) at home, it was a lot of fun.

I looked them both up today and was most excited to see that there is a new How-To companion for MSotM titled Pocket Guide to the Outdoors: Based on My Side of the Mountain

It might be many years later, but I am looking forward to getting it and reliving the air of adventure I once read as a child.