The Trap by John Smelcergrabbed my attention because of it’s cover.  Drops of blood on the snow near an animal trap led me to want to learn more about the story.  Survival stories can be quite riveting, and I was in the mood for a fast-paced and gripping read.  The story, set in Alaska among a Native American community, is beautifully told.  The grandfather’s fight for survival is excrutiating to read about because as the reader you feel his pain and frustration.  The reader also experiences the grandson’s worry and fear as he grows increasingly concerned that his grandfather has not yet returned from his traplines.  During the time I spent with the grandson, Johnny Least-Weasel, he dined on Spam and Spam sandwiches, and I experienced a pecular side-effect from reading the book.  I began to crave a Spam sandwich.  Eventually, I had no choice but to fry a can of Spam and create myself one.  As for the book,  I enjoyed it, but I did not like the ending. Still, it’s a good book for upper-elementary or early middle school readers who like adventure and survival stories. Just make sure you have a can of Spam on hand for when that craving hits!