Two boys, Awasin and Jamie, are lost in the wilderness and must rely on their wits and each other to survive a perilous encounter with a bear. Jamie, weakened and desperate, clutches his rifle as he races to aid his friend Awasin, who is being pursued by a massive bear. The narrative focuses on their struggle against the elements and the immediate threat of the animal, with Jamie's dwindling strength posing a critical obstacle to their rescue.

This novel has been recognized for its compelling adventure narrative, earning it the CLA Book of the Year for Children Award in 1958 and the Governor General's Literary Awards for Juvenile in 1956. The story is celebrated for its depiction of survival against the odds and the developing friendship between its young protagonists. Readers often point to the intense bear encounter as a memorable and thrilling element of the plot. The book is considered a classic of Canadian children's literature, praised for its engaging storytelling and exploration of the wilderness.