Rod Walker is one of the many students that wants to see and explore outlands - wild and untamed planets not yet colonized by Terran Federation. But in order to achieve his goal [and become officially certified explorer] he must take and pass survival test, test taking place in unknown surroundings crawling with unexpected dangers.

All starts fine (well, let us say there are gradations of fine, ok :)) but soon all test takers find themselves cut off from civilization and forced to group themselves in order to survive.

Like all Heinlein's books this one also explores human nature and society, what works and what does not work, role of true leadership etc (readers may not agree with every point author makes but again that is not the goal - goal is to make readers think about "what-if" scenarios). Test-takers are not your average kids, they know a lot and they are ready to use that knowledge to survive but is that all that is required to survive in the unknown surroundings?

Very interesting book.

Recommended. ( )

In the future, as predicted, Earth is overpopulated. A new invention created gateways to be opened to planets across the galaxy. By stepping through a gateway, you are almost instantaneously transported light years space - this ability leads to the colonization of the galaxy by the immigrants eager to leave the crowded confines of Earth.

A result of this colonization boom is that high school students are being trained in survival and pioneering techniques to prepare them for being colonists. in order to pass the course the students must travel to an unknown planet fraught with peril and must survive for up to ten days with only belongings they have carried with them through the gate.

TUNNEL IN THE SKY supposes that something went wrong and the students are unable to be recalled. The group have to organise themselves in order to survive, but it is never easy to survive when you have no idea of what the dangers are. ( )

This is a great book. I read this when I was young and have read it many times since then. The testing of the abilities of young folks are something which our society has somewhat lost in this day, and for this book to deal with it as a requirement for a job as leading settlers to other worlds is pretty cool. Perhaps someday our own tunnel in the sky will give us the ability to do the same before we blow ourselves off this rock. LOL..... well one can wish! ( )

It's OK. Heinlein has written much better. ( )

A great survival novel of Rod and his classmates who get stranded on a jungle planet. Heinlein brings great insight and action to the table for an entertaining yet thought provoking tale. I especially liked thinking about how much of society we take for granted, which would take generations to rebuild. The ending falls flat, but overall a fun way to see Heinlein in a less sci-fi setting. I would definitely recommend other Heinlein books first, though, like The Moon is a Harsh Mistress or Double Star. ( )