Gone to the Woods by Gary Paulsen

As a young child, Gary Paulsen was often placed in situations that were not safe or healthy. At one point, he was sent off on a two day trail ride to live with people he really didn't know well. But that was where he learned his appreciation of the woods and all it could offer. In the years to come, that was the place he would often retreat to, to feel safe and comfort and often, just for food to survive. This is his story of surviving his own childhood. 

Recommended for grades 6 and up.