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amotisse's review against another edition
5.0
Whenever I read or listen to junior fiction I usually tell myself that I need to read it more often. Junior fiction captures the essence of story telling in a unique way. What a kind and gentle gem of a story. Yes there is gossip and nasty characters, but the story is one of hopes, dreams, love and a magical island.
jenniferreads2's review against another edition
3.0
This was ok. I don’t see kids actually enjoying this. It’s more of a kids story for adults
kaitlynbrianna's review against another edition
2.0
2.5 ⭐️
Cute, but even for a middle grade novel it was relatively uninteresting
Cute, but even for a middle grade novel it was relatively uninteresting
fern17's review against another edition
hopeful
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.25
retiredlibrarylady's review against another edition
5.0
Loved it. don't know what child will pick it up but elements of fantasy, suspense, mystery.
lisakimmence3's review against another edition
4.0
Such a cozy, beautiful little story. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
biblioamyy's review against another edition
5.0
I read this book in just one sitting! It is so beautifully written and it is such a lovely story to read! It made my cheeks hurt from smiling so much! The illustrations in the book as well are beautiful!! I would recommend to anyone who wants a quick and a happy read! :)
pridiansky's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
While this book wasn't a new favorite, I like what it's trying to do. This book has a strong message of empathy, and presents the reality of death in a way that is not scary to kids. I believe the author would like to normalize the idea of death, instead of treating it as this horrible thing that society tends to loathe and dislikes talking about. This deals with the grief of losing family, of a child losing a parent, of a situation where the child doesn't want to be with their biological father due to abuse, etc. There are some pretty heavy themes, but the happy ending more than makes up for it. The second half of the book is stronger than the first half, in my opinion. I think the fantastical elements added to the story because it may have been a little duller without that. I enjoy that the friendship between the two main characters was exactly what each of them needed. A grieving father and husband having the boy as a new son, and a little boy having someone to be the kind father he always deserved. You can have broken parts, but still deserve and attain good things and relationships. Your brokenness doesn't have to define you, nor the trauma inflicted by others. *Spoiler* In the end, they row away to a new land, using a coffin as their boat to a new life. As a nonreligious person, I still thought that had a nice, poetic touch to it. *End Spoiler*