Crispin: The Cross of Lead

by Avi. I've read 2 books by Avi and loved both. This one is about a 13-yr old boy in 14th century Europe. A great selection for young boys (or old women, like me).
4. Island of the Blue Dolphins by Scott O'Dell.
I didn't see the movie by the same name, but I'm not sure it followed the book. Based on a true story of an Indian girl who survives 18 years alon on an island. In 1976 the Children's Literature Association named this riveting story one of the 10 best American children's books of the past 200 years.