What do you think?
Rate this book
Mackinac Island Trilogy #1
[(Once on This Island )] [Author: Gloria Whelan] [Nov-2000]
When war erupts between England and America in 1812, it brings change and uncertainty—even to Michigan's remote Mackinac Island. For young Mary O'Shea, the hardest change is the departure of her father, who leaves Mackinac to join the American Army. With her sister and brother, Mary must tend the farm, deal with the hardships of British occupation, and hope for the safe return of their father.
Unknown Binding
First published September 30, 1995
4 people are currently reading
687 people want to read
About the author
Gloria Whelan
85 books342 followersGloria Whelan is the best-selling author of many novels for young readers, including Homeless Bird, winner of the National Book Award; Fruitlands: Louisa May Alcott Made Perfect; Angel on the Square and its companion, The Impossible Journey; Once on This Island, winner of the Great Lakes Book Award; Farewell to the Island; and Return to the Island. She lives with her husband, Joseph, in the woods of northern Michigan.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews
January 2, 2019
Truth be told, I somehow got it into my head that this book was the source for the musical Once on This Island, which I have never seen or heard - it is actually based on this book: My Love, My Love, Or, the Peasant Girl (the two stories have absolutely nothing in common). As the musical was first produced in 1990 and this book wasn't published until 1995, I should have known better. But my ignorance was at least somewhat rewarded.
I found this to be mostly a better-than-average juvenile historical fiction, telling about northern Michigan during the war of 1812. There are points, particularly in the last two or three chapters where we seem to get a modern-day viewpoint instead of one from the early 1800s, but most of the book does not have that problem.
The O'Shea family are Irish Catholic immigrants to America and there is some Catholic content in the book, but I'm not sure how well-researched it was. The mixed marriage of Angelique (I assume her British soldier is not Catholic) gets zero comment. There is also brief mention that "On Sunday, Pere Mercier preached the Sermon on the Mount." (p.121) - it is treated very much like a Protestant service, not the true Catholic Mass that would have been held. I note that elsewhere we are told that the local Protestants attended the Catholic church on Christmas as it was the only church on the island (p.88) but "closed their eyes to 'all the mysterious hocus-pocus'." I take that to mean that what Pere Mercier celebrated was not like a Protestant service.
As I do some very cursory research, I learn that the church named in the book, St. Anne's, is correct and still exists and has records dating back to 1695. However, during the time of the story, the church had been desecrated, and it wasn't restored until after the war. Pere Mercier seems to be a fictitious character, not one of the visiting priests (Fr. Gabriel Richard, notably, was one) who passed through. In all, my impression is now that the book's portrayal of an established parish with a resident priest offering regular Sunday Masses is extremely ahistorical and likely seemed convenient for the author. Catholicism is not a crucial aspect of the story, but it would have been much appreciated if the Catholic aspects were better researched and presented in an authentic and accurate fashion.
I'm not sure I'm going to hunt down the other books in this series, but I might read them if I happen to get the opportunity.
I found this to be mostly a better-than-average juvenile historical fiction, telling about northern Michigan during the war of 1812. There are points, particularly in the last two or three chapters where we seem to get a modern-day viewpoint instead of one from the early 1800s, but most of the book does not have that problem.
The O'Shea family are Irish Catholic immigrants to America and there is some Catholic content in the book, but I'm not sure how well-researched it was. The mixed marriage of Angelique (I assume her British soldier is not Catholic) gets zero comment. There is also brief mention that "On Sunday, Pere Mercier preached the Sermon on the Mount." (p.121) - it is treated very much like a Protestant service, not the true Catholic Mass that would have been held. I note that elsewhere we are told that the local Protestants attended the Catholic church on Christmas as it was the only church on the island (p.88) but "closed their eyes to 'all the mysterious hocus-pocus'." I take that to mean that what Pere Mercier celebrated was not like a Protestant service.
As I do some very cursory research, I learn that the church named in the book, St. Anne's, is correct and still exists and has records dating back to 1695. However, during the time of the story, the church had been desecrated, and it wasn't restored until after the war. Pere Mercier seems to be a fictitious character, not one of the visiting priests (Fr. Gabriel Richard, notably, was one) who passed through. In all, my impression is now that the book's portrayal of an established parish with a resident priest offering regular Sunday Masses is extremely ahistorical and likely seemed convenient for the author. Catholicism is not a crucial aspect of the story, but it would have been much appreciated if the Catholic aspects were better researched and presented in an authentic and accurate fashion.
I'm not sure I'm going to hunt down the other books in this series, but I might read them if I happen to get the opportunity.
August 2, 2020
The plot and content reminded me a little of Last of the Mohicans, just with the British, Americans, and Native Americans, which is always a nice comparison.
There were some good, touching moments in here, like the dad saying he wouldn't forgive the British for making him lose his temper with his own kids. And when Gavin said "I owe my life to the Sinclair's. I would gladly give it for their safety."
And when Mary gives her moms necklace to help them ransom the Sinclairs back.
The MC didn't have much of a presence or personality. I wasn't sure if I liked her until she gave the gold piece and her necklace to Gavin and Jacques. Actually, I was pretty sure I didn't like her. Cause she made a comment about her sister dancing with all the handsome soldiers so Emma and Elizabeth would be left with the ugly ones.
Then she doesn't care that the British are starving, only sells them milk and eggs when she knows they'll pay more for them, so she can beat them in some way. Then she ends up asking for three times as much.
Her sister gives her a note inviting a lieutenant over for dinner, which she rips up, then has someone tell him to come over an hour earlier then her sister said, so he can show up and see Angelique untidy with her hair in rags.
I know the British are the enemy, and that her dad and brother are out fighting the British, so I do understand her feelings against them, but still. It was annoying.
I liked their brother Jacques until he recklessly went searching for their dad, then joined in the battle, knowing he'd be arrested as a traitor after. He sets them up for winter by killing a deer but doesn't cut all the hay for the cow, so it doesn't have enough to last for winter. He shouldn't have left his two sisters to run the farm like that.
I liked that Mary said she'd rather the soldiers shot her than Belle, their cow.
The scene of them catching the criminals and having the captain come was a bit far fetched but still cute. I like that Mary was brave enough to do it.
At times, the book felt very lacking in dialogue and connection between people. People leave for war or Gavin to go with his family, and then to go to school, and there's no hugs or words of farewell. You may never see this person again, and you don't hug them?!
Seeing as how she had a crush on Gavin that he seemed to return, I wanted more moments between them. They barely spoke, never hugged or anything.& I hated how she didn't let more of her feelings show to him.
This actually covered three of four winters. It was confusing, because it would be spring or summer then all of a sudden we're back to winter.
Jacques was planning on marrying a chief's daughter. I felt bad for Emma who had a crush on him, to hear he's going to be a trader and marry someone who will travel with him.
I like that Jacques said she didn't have the manners other girls did or dress like them but she could find trees with hibernating bears, make animal calls, and find them in the wild.
This book shined best on the historical details:
Traders lived off others' land, while farmers lived on their own.
Napoleon was marching across Europe,& the English were boarding American sailing ships, taking American sailors and forcing them to fight in the British navy. President Madison threatened war because of it. I don't remember ever hearing that.
Traders often took Indian wives, because the traders lived among the Indians, sometimes for many months with the same tribe. Their Indian wives helped teach them Indian language and customs.
The Indians joined the British, who treated them better than the Americans. If Americans had treated them better they would have joined them. The British gave them thicker blankets than the Americans did.
I liked the info about the native Americans. They'd walk to the houses on the island, looking in windows, over fences, come right in and watch people work. And their clothing, how many wore scalplocks so if they're killed their enemies would have proper trophies. I hadn't heard that before.
The warriors were the most impressive,& there were few of them who wore grizzly bear claws, which are only found in the west, so it showed they traveled far and fought a really fierce battle for their trophies.
I liked the story of how Michilimackinac came to be. (It took me a while to be able to pronounce the name of the island. It's not pronounced how it's spelled) The story of the turtle who ate everything, so the great spirit put rocks and trees over him to make him stay in one place. It became their island.
The British took Detroit, and the Indians took prisoners who were then killed. The British had made Tecumseh a brigadier general, & he watched over the Americans in the fort all night and saved them. I had never heard any of that, either.
In England, you paid for a commission in the army, but in the US only the best soldier commanded others.
The heroine wasn't that likable. And I wish her POV had more personality. The historical details were the best part, and there was humor in here, but I wish this had been more lighthearted and funny. It had a serious, almost depressing tone to it.
I know the subject matter was difficult, during a war with them left alone to tend the farm. But I wanted a fun book to read.
It does make me wanna travel to the island, how it hasn't changed much since the time the book was set in in 1812 and people use horse and wagon on the island.
As always with series, I'm scared to see where book two will go. I want her with Gavin.
I bought book two at a local shop,& years later found this one. I was very happy to have the first one, cause I didn't wanna start out with book two not knowing what the first one was about. Now I just need the third one to show up!
2.5 stars
There were some good, touching moments in here, like the dad saying he wouldn't forgive the British for making him lose his temper with his own kids. And when Gavin said "I owe my life to the Sinclair's. I would gladly give it for their safety."
And when Mary gives her moms necklace to help them ransom the Sinclairs back.
The MC didn't have much of a presence or personality. I wasn't sure if I liked her until she gave the gold piece and her necklace to Gavin and Jacques. Actually, I was pretty sure I didn't like her. Cause she made a comment about her sister dancing with all the handsome soldiers so Emma and Elizabeth would be left with the ugly ones.
Then she doesn't care that the British are starving, only sells them milk and eggs when she knows they'll pay more for them, so she can beat them in some way. Then she ends up asking for three times as much.
Her sister gives her a note inviting a lieutenant over for dinner, which she rips up, then has someone tell him to come over an hour earlier then her sister said, so he can show up and see Angelique untidy with her hair in rags.
I know the British are the enemy, and that her dad and brother are out fighting the British, so I do understand her feelings against them, but still. It was annoying.
I liked their brother Jacques until he recklessly went searching for their dad, then joined in the battle, knowing he'd be arrested as a traitor after. He sets them up for winter by killing a deer but doesn't cut all the hay for the cow, so it doesn't have enough to last for winter. He shouldn't have left his two sisters to run the farm like that.
I liked that Mary said she'd rather the soldiers shot her than Belle, their cow.
The scene of them catching the criminals and having the captain come was a bit far fetched but still cute. I like that Mary was brave enough to do it.
At times, the book felt very lacking in dialogue and connection between people. People leave for war or Gavin to go with his family, and then to go to school, and there's no hugs or words of farewell. You may never see this person again, and you don't hug them?!
Seeing as how she had a crush on Gavin that he seemed to return, I wanted more moments between them. They barely spoke, never hugged or anything.& I hated how she didn't let more of her feelings show to him.
This actually covered three of four winters. It was confusing, because it would be spring or summer then all of a sudden we're back to winter.
Jacques was planning on marrying a chief's daughter. I felt bad for Emma who had a crush on him, to hear he's going to be a trader and marry someone who will travel with him.
I like that Jacques said she didn't have the manners other girls did or dress like them but she could find trees with hibernating bears, make animal calls, and find them in the wild.
This book shined best on the historical details:
Traders lived off others' land, while farmers lived on their own.
Napoleon was marching across Europe,& the English were boarding American sailing ships, taking American sailors and forcing them to fight in the British navy. President Madison threatened war because of it. I don't remember ever hearing that.
Traders often took Indian wives, because the traders lived among the Indians, sometimes for many months with the same tribe. Their Indian wives helped teach them Indian language and customs.
The Indians joined the British, who treated them better than the Americans. If Americans had treated them better they would have joined them. The British gave them thicker blankets than the Americans did.
I liked the info about the native Americans. They'd walk to the houses on the island, looking in windows, over fences, come right in and watch people work. And their clothing, how many wore scalplocks so if they're killed their enemies would have proper trophies. I hadn't heard that before.
The warriors were the most impressive,& there were few of them who wore grizzly bear claws, which are only found in the west, so it showed they traveled far and fought a really fierce battle for their trophies.
I liked the story of how Michilimackinac came to be. (It took me a while to be able to pronounce the name of the island. It's not pronounced how it's spelled) The story of the turtle who ate everything, so the great spirit put rocks and trees over him to make him stay in one place. It became their island.
The British took Detroit, and the Indians took prisoners who were then killed. The British had made Tecumseh a brigadier general, & he watched over the Americans in the fort all night and saved them. I had never heard any of that, either.
In England, you paid for a commission in the army, but in the US only the best soldier commanded others.
The heroine wasn't that likable. And I wish her POV had more personality. The historical details were the best part, and there was humor in here, but I wish this had been more lighthearted and funny. It had a serious, almost depressing tone to it.
I know the subject matter was difficult, during a war with them left alone to tend the farm. But I wanted a fun book to read.
It does make me wanna travel to the island, how it hasn't changed much since the time the book was set in in 1812 and people use horse and wagon on the island.
As always with series, I'm scared to see where book two will go. I want her with Gavin.
I bought book two at a local shop,& years later found this one. I was very happy to have the first one, cause I didn't wanna start out with book two not knowing what the first one was about. Now I just need the third one to show up!
2.5 stars
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 11, 2015
A wholesome historical fiction story set on Mackinac Island during the War of 1812. Using concrete language accessible to elementary and dialectic readers, Whelan illuminates the beauties and struggles of life on a frontier island. Also featured are the conflicted loyalties of Americans, Britishers, Indians and traders as the relationship between England and the United States continues to be defined. Especially delightful for those familiar with Mackinac Island. Recommended.
July 24, 2012
I picked this up at the Island Bookstore on Mackinac Island while I was visiting there. I thought it would be fun to read a book set on the island while I was actually on the island. It is historical fiction so I did pick up a bit of Mackinac Island's history and was able to have a good picture in my mind of what the author was describing while reading this slim novel.
The actual story fell flat for me though. The writing lacked good character development. There was too much telling me how a character felt instead of good character development.
The actual story fell flat for me though. The writing lacked good character development. There was too much telling me how a character felt instead of good character development.
April 21, 2009
This book is much better if you've actually visited its setting. Mackinac Island is one of the most beautiful places in the world. Getting a piece of its history, which is also displayed all over the island (including the Fort atop an enormous hill), just adds to being there even if it's only in your mind. I read this a long time ago, but I remember loving it because of the main character's strength and the fact that I've actually been there.
September 30, 2020
"Once on This Island" is the first in a trilogy of stories set on Mackinac Island, but it stands well all on its own. I bought it from Island Bookstore while actually VISITING Mackinac Island, and there are real-life places mentioned in this story that are still standing today and that I've seen (namely, the fort and St. Anne's).
Which is pretty darn cool!
Aside from that, this is set during the War of 1812, a war I know very little about. So some of the period details were pretty fascinating. I'd compare it (favorably) to the style of the Little House books. Start with a farm and a strong young woman who learns to fend for herself under harsh conditions (her dad leaves to fight against the British, and since the mom died years ago, the kids are left to run things largely on their own). Add a major splash of romance and adventure, and this makes a great read for older children OR adults (including 35-year-old men *cough*).
Also, the language can be beautiful. Here are three of my favorite quotes to serve as examples:
"We live on an island and the world comes to us over the water." This is actually the very first sentence of the book; it's deceptively simple, with a ring and a rhythm to it that not too many authors can match.
"There are islands in our hearts that no one can reach" (p.48). I dare say this one speaks for itself.
"I have a round face and hair that Papa calls 'ginger,' but which is really just red. Because of the red hair I got cheated out of an elegant French name. I was called Mary after Papa's mother, who, unfortunate woman, had red hair, too" (p. 10). *Snort*
Highly recommended for nearly any age group (the length and reading level is comparable to the Narnia books).
Which is pretty darn cool!
Aside from that, this is set during the War of 1812, a war I know very little about. So some of the period details were pretty fascinating. I'd compare it (favorably) to the style of the Little House books. Start with a farm and a strong young woman who learns to fend for herself under harsh conditions (her dad leaves to fight against the British, and since the mom died years ago, the kids are left to run things largely on their own). Add a major splash of romance and adventure, and this makes a great read for older children OR adults (including 35-year-old men *cough*).
Also, the language can be beautiful. Here are three of my favorite quotes to serve as examples:
"We live on an island and the world comes to us over the water." This is actually the very first sentence of the book; it's deceptively simple, with a ring and a rhythm to it that not too many authors can match.
"There are islands in our hearts that no one can reach" (p.48). I dare say this one speaks for itself.
"I have a round face and hair that Papa calls 'ginger,' but which is really just red. Because of the red hair I got cheated out of an elegant French name. I was called Mary after Papa's mother, who, unfortunate woman, had red hair, too" (p. 10). *Snort*
Highly recommended for nearly any age group (the length and reading level is comparable to the Narnia books).
December 6, 2024
Review posted on behalf of student, Steve Jobs.
Once On This Island is a novel written by Gloria Whelan about the O’ Shea family and their experiences living on Mackinac Island during the War of 1812.
In the book, the British army invades the island, taking control of fort Michilimackinac, ordering the citizens of the island to swear allegiance to the Crown. Papa refuses, deciding to leave for Detroit the next day. The rest of the O’ Shea family stays on the island to take care of their livestock.
In my opinion, the book was a little boring, as well as having a poorly written character in the form of Angelique. Angelique was a very egotistical character, and although the majority of novels have a similar character, she made too many appearances. On the other hand, Jacques’ character was well written, especially when he joined the American army. Overall, I am rating this novel 2 stars, although I will most likely be reading the sequels.
Once On This Island is a novel written by Gloria Whelan about the O’ Shea family and their experiences living on Mackinac Island during the War of 1812.
In the book, the British army invades the island, taking control of fort Michilimackinac, ordering the citizens of the island to swear allegiance to the Crown. Papa refuses, deciding to leave for Detroit the next day. The rest of the O’ Shea family stays on the island to take care of their livestock.
In my opinion, the book was a little boring, as well as having a poorly written character in the form of Angelique. Angelique was a very egotistical character, and although the majority of novels have a similar character, she made too many appearances. On the other hand, Jacques’ character was well written, especially when he joined the American army. Overall, I am rating this novel 2 stars, although I will most likely be reading the sequels.
April 11, 2023
My youngest daughter bought this juvenile fiction book from a library sale for me years ago because she knew I liked books. 🥰
This was a quick read about the war of 1812 and the years after until it ended. It’s set on the island of Michilimackinac, now known as Mackinac Island in the UP. It felt like a Little House on the Prairie adventure, where the FMC was left with her sister and brother to tend to their family farm when their dad joins the American forces to fight. I enjoyed it.
This was a quick read about the war of 1812 and the years after until it ended. It’s set on the island of Michilimackinac, now known as Mackinac Island in the UP. It felt like a Little House on the Prairie adventure, where the FMC was left with her sister and brother to tend to their family farm when their dad joins the American forces to fight. I enjoyed it.
November 6, 2022
My opinion is biased, I re-read this book for the first time since I was 10. Once on this Island ignited my interest in history as a child and introduced me to historical fiction. Gloria Whelan is a well researched and well paced writer. If you enjoyed the Little House on the Prairie, and other historical portraits on ways of life, you will enjoy this book. It’s an excellent read aloud for your children and homeschooling history lessons on the British American War of 1812.
March 13, 2013
gr 4-7 184pgs
1812 Mackinac Island. When the British invade the island, the greatly outnumbered American forces surrender. Mary's father refuses to take an oath of allegiance to England, so he leaves to join the American forces in Detroit. 12 year old Mary, her brother Jacques (15 year old)and sister Angelique (16 year old) are left to run the farm while they are away. Unlike Mary who loves the farm, Angelique wishes to be a lady and flirts with the British soldiers. Jacques is eager to leave the farm too working as a fur trapper or fighting for the Americans. It is up to Mary to keep the farm running and her family together until her father returns.
I haven't read a lot of books set in during the war of 1812, so I found it very interesting especially the interactions between the British and the islanders. I would recommend the story to someone who was interested in the time period.
1812 Mackinac Island. When the British invade the island, the greatly outnumbered American forces surrender. Mary's father refuses to take an oath of allegiance to England, so he leaves to join the American forces in Detroit. 12 year old Mary, her brother Jacques (15 year old)and sister Angelique (16 year old) are left to run the farm while they are away. Unlike Mary who loves the farm, Angelique wishes to be a lady and flirts with the British soldiers. Jacques is eager to leave the farm too working as a fur trapper or fighting for the Americans. It is up to Mary to keep the farm running and her family together until her father returns.
I haven't read a lot of books set in during the war of 1812, so I found it very interesting especially the interactions between the British and the islanders. I would recommend the story to someone who was interested in the time period.
May 22, 2019
I'm not quite sure how this series has escaped being added to my books before now, but this is a favorite from childhood. Probably at least the fourth time I'm reading the series. Maybe more :)
Is it possible that the last time I read this I had not yet been to Mackinac??? Or did I just not recognize that I have been to St. Anne’s!! I’ve walked on the places this book describes. Obviously things changed but it was so cool to picture the fort and the church and I’d imagine that our Main St. today is the same one from 1812. Ahhh I love being connected to history. I also love Mackinac Island.
Is it possible that the last time I read this I had not yet been to Mackinac??? Or did I just not recognize that I have been to St. Anne’s!! I’ve walked on the places this book describes. Obviously things changed but it was so cool to picture the fort and the church and I’d imagine that our Main St. today is the same one from 1812. Ahhh I love being connected to history. I also love Mackinac Island.
December 30, 2017
Especially for Michiganders, this is another great historical-fiction novel for young adults. My copy is so well-loved that it is falling apart, and although the subsequent installments of the trilogy don't quite live up to the first book, they are all fun and informative reads.
September 4, 2017
Some of the best books ever!
November 22, 2020
I read this book to my three children as a part of their homeschool curriculum for this particular time period in American history. I had never heard of the author, Gloria Whelan, before reading this book. I found myself looking forward to reading it to them each night, as the main characters are relatable and very interesting. As a reader I found myself caring about them and hoping things would turn out for the best for them. The story is told from the first person of a young teenage girl, living on Mackinac Island during the time of the War of 1812. The inhabitants of the island have split loyalties for the British and the United States. When the British army and their allies the Native Americans come to recapture the island, the Americans cede the fort and leave without firing a shot. The father of the household of two girls and one boy, with the narrator being the youngest, ends up leaving for Detroit to join the American forces, leaving his three children to manage the farm and tend to the household by themselves.
The plot of having teenagers fending for themselves, and being the protagonists in the story, reminds me a bit of other middle grade novels that I enjoyed: for example, Where the Red Fern Grows, Across Five Aprils, My Side of the Mountain. I cannot evaluate the historical accuracy of this novel, but I can attest that it is an enjoyable read. I would say it is PG or PG-13, as there are elements of war and of a romantic interest that the older sister has, but no profanity or sex at all.
I would recommend this book to parents of children looking to learn more about this time period in early America, or kids who enjoy reading adventure novels where young adults are the main characters.
The plot of having teenagers fending for themselves, and being the protagonists in the story, reminds me a bit of other middle grade novels that I enjoyed: for example, Where the Red Fern Grows, Across Five Aprils, My Side of the Mountain. I cannot evaluate the historical accuracy of this novel, but I can attest that it is an enjoyable read. I would say it is PG or PG-13, as there are elements of war and of a romantic interest that the older sister has, but no profanity or sex at all.
I would recommend this book to parents of children looking to learn more about this time period in early America, or kids who enjoy reading adventure novels where young adults are the main characters.
December 9, 2024
Once on This Island by Gloria Whelan is a great book about a girl’s life during the War of 1812. Living in northern Michigan, Gloria based this historical fiction story off of what life might have been like on an island between Lakes Huron and Michigan during the war. The book is a casual read at 184 pages, and is excellent for middle to high school students.
Mary lives on Mackinac Island (pronounced Mackinaw), where traders fill the shores of the little island with their camps. Set between two of the great lakes and between America and Canada, it is the perfect spot for trade. Mary lives with her father, brother, and sister on a small farm. Mary thinks that Mackinac Island will stay her little paradise forever, but forever has ended; a war has begun.
The War of 1812 has started, and many of the Indians are on the side of the British. This is not good for the American island. The Redcoats quickly take the island with the help of the Indians. Mary’s Papa will not pledge allegiance to England just to stay on his farm. Since his children are too young to have to take the oath, he leaves them on the island and goes off to Detroit to join the army and help take back their island. Now twelve-year-old Mary, fifteen-year-old Jacques, and sixteen-year-old Angelique have to take care of the family farm until the war is over.
The book excellently describes what it would have been like for Mary’s small family. There were many hardships that they went through which many people would not have expected. From the harsh winters to the complications of love, the author verbalized it excellently. The book shows how much can be observed from the point of view of a young, hard-working farm girl. I enjoyed reading it very much.
Mary lives on Mackinac Island (pronounced Mackinaw), where traders fill the shores of the little island with their camps. Set between two of the great lakes and between America and Canada, it is the perfect spot for trade. Mary lives with her father, brother, and sister on a small farm. Mary thinks that Mackinac Island will stay her little paradise forever, but forever has ended; a war has begun.
The War of 1812 has started, and many of the Indians are on the side of the British. This is not good for the American island. The Redcoats quickly take the island with the help of the Indians. Mary’s Papa will not pledge allegiance to England just to stay on his farm. Since his children are too young to have to take the oath, he leaves them on the island and goes off to Detroit to join the army and help take back their island. Now twelve-year-old Mary, fifteen-year-old Jacques, and sixteen-year-old Angelique have to take care of the family farm until the war is over.
The book excellently describes what it would have been like for Mary’s small family. There were many hardships that they went through which many people would not have expected. From the harsh winters to the complications of love, the author verbalized it excellently. The book shows how much can be observed from the point of view of a young, hard-working farm girl. I enjoyed reading it very much.
December 8, 2024
Once on this island by Gloria Whelan is a great historical fiction based in 1812 just before war breaks out between Great Britain and America. The book follows the O’Shea family, but mainly on the youngest sibling of the troop, Mary.
At the beginning, the story discloses that the O’Sheas own a farm and they grow crops and the eldest sibling tends a herb garden. There is a fort looking over their small island of Michelmachinach which was taken over by the british. Nobody there really likes the British and those who own farms don't sell their crops to them. A special friend of Mary’s leaves to join his tribe and to find who he is, after all, his parents died when he was young and he was raised by white people. Their father, only known as “Papa” leaves to go fight the British. The only boy in the family, Jauques, leaves to become a trader and the eldest girl, begins to like a British officer. Mary finds this betraying because their father is off fighting the British and her sister is loving one. In the end, The sister marries the British officer, Jacques becomes a successful trader, and their father comes back uninjured.
I found this to be a great read and really enjoyed it! I really liked how it closed up most of the story at the end, leaving a satisfied feeling of contentment in me. The one thing that I didn’t like was how at the end of the book, it only briefly mentions how the sister got married and left a lot of questions unanswered. Otherwise it was a great read!
At the beginning, the story discloses that the O’Sheas own a farm and they grow crops and the eldest sibling tends a herb garden. There is a fort looking over their small island of Michelmachinach which was taken over by the british. Nobody there really likes the British and those who own farms don't sell their crops to them. A special friend of Mary’s leaves to join his tribe and to find who he is, after all, his parents died when he was young and he was raised by white people. Their father, only known as “Papa” leaves to go fight the British. The only boy in the family, Jauques, leaves to become a trader and the eldest girl, begins to like a British officer. Mary finds this betraying because their father is off fighting the British and her sister is loving one. In the end, The sister marries the British officer, Jacques becomes a successful trader, and their father comes back uninjured.
I found this to be a great read and really enjoyed it! I really liked how it closed up most of the story at the end, leaving a satisfied feeling of contentment in me. The one thing that I didn’t like was how at the end of the book, it only briefly mentions how the sister got married and left a lot of questions unanswered. Otherwise it was a great read!
May 18, 2017
As with many historical fiction novels, the events and time period written about spur a reader on to research the event more closely. This is as it was for me when I read Once On This Island, a story written about a family living through the hardships, battles, and worries during the War of 1812.
In this novel, we are introduced to the O'Shea family who lives on Mackinac Island in Michigan. Mr. O'Shea feels the need to leave the family, his three children, and join the war. Angelique, Jacques, and Mary must somehow, someway manage the farm, crops, animals, and daily chores, and somehow they manage, though brutal winters, exhausting summer, and living with uncertainty. What becomes interesting is how some townspeople fraternize with the enemy, while others are true and loyal to the Americans fighting in the war. Native Americans are hoping to retain the land and dignity that was lost long ago when settlers first came to this nation. Clearly, there are many competing forces and factions.
Sometimes called "America's Second Independence", the War of 1812 is a fascinating look at this time period, although Once On This Island surely does not adequately depict all the struggles that came. A good introduction for young readers into the time period though.
In this novel, we are introduced to the O'Shea family who lives on Mackinac Island in Michigan. Mr. O'Shea feels the need to leave the family, his three children, and join the war. Angelique, Jacques, and Mary must somehow, someway manage the farm, crops, animals, and daily chores, and somehow they manage, though brutal winters, exhausting summer, and living with uncertainty. What becomes interesting is how some townspeople fraternize with the enemy, while others are true and loyal to the Americans fighting in the war. Native Americans are hoping to retain the land and dignity that was lost long ago when settlers first came to this nation. Clearly, there are many competing forces and factions.
Sometimes called "America's Second Independence", the War of 1812 is a fascinating look at this time period, although Once On This Island surely does not adequately depict all the struggles that came. A good introduction for young readers into the time period though.
May 9, 2025
Great historical fiction book for kids. Interesting and educational. Set on Mackinaw Island.
It kept my interest as an adult and I am currently reading the next book in the series.
St. Anne's Church and Fr. Gabriel Richard (in Detroit) referenced! There was also a reference to not eating meat on Friday! Definitely Catholic friendly. :-)
Different characters have different opinions about races and issues - as is historically appropriate. A conversation starter like Little House on the Prairie, but more Indian-friendly.
Gloria Whelan is one of my new favorite authors, I want to read more! YA, children in different locations/times, interesting and educational. I understand why a librarian at our public library practically drooled over her and was outraged that our library had no copies of this book on the shelves!
It kept my interest as an adult and I am currently reading the next book in the series.
St. Anne's Church and Fr. Gabriel Richard (in Detroit) referenced! There was also a reference to not eating meat on Friday! Definitely Catholic friendly. :-)
Different characters have different opinions about races and issues - as is historically appropriate. A conversation starter like Little House on the Prairie, but more Indian-friendly.
Gloria Whelan is one of my new favorite authors, I want to read more! YA, children in different locations/times, interesting and educational. I understand why a librarian at our public library practically drooled over her and was outraged that our library had no copies of this book on the shelves!
April 27, 2018
My 3rd grader read this in relation to her history on the War of 1812 and her narrations were so interesting I had to read it too. My read was not quite as satisfying as I hoped. I think she told me all the good parts so I should have quit there. But it was a good story of resiliency of a young girl during the war. Neat setting in the Great Lakes. One grievous and incredibly minor note at the end in terms of animal husbandry was that the cow had a bull calf and they were going to keep it to breed back with the mother. Uh, no! I think they would have known that in the early 1800s.
March 22, 2020
I recently read Andrew Jackson and the Battle for New Orleans so I was pleased to see this book was set during the War of 1812 (which I didn't know when I picked up the book). Being familiar with the war on the East Coast, and having just read particularly about how New Orleans fit into the war, it was nice to read how the war affected settlers in America's frontier. While aspects seem unlikely, they are unprobable. The story reads easily and is engaging - it covers not just those on the island, but also traders and Indians and how all these moving pieces for together at the time. There is nothing inappropriate in the book, and I am happy to add to it to our personal library.
February 1, 2024
A pleasantly enjoyable book for middle-grade readers. Although it was a bit simplistic, the characters lacking depth and the exciting events rushed along to get the book under 200 pages, it was still a fun read. It is 1812 and Mary and her siblings are left alone on their small farm on Michilimackinac Island while their father goes off to war. Three years pass by in this short book, full of the trials you expect under harsh northern Michigan winters, British soldiers in the island's fort, and friends and family both saying goodbye. I own books 1 and 3 but not 2, and was very pleased to discover my library has it available.
February 21, 2018
Gloria Whelan is an author not to miss. Her books are riveting, full of action, history and things to think about. This book did not disappoint. It is set on an Island in Lake Michigan during the war of 1812. There are lovable characters, beautiful descriptions and a great story. All of Gloria Whelan's books make you think. Questions that come to mind are : is this fair? Is this right? What would I do? What should I do? What is the difference between acting out of courage and acting out of impulse/stupidity? I loved this book and I love this author.
August 24, 2024
Excellent book for young people learning about the War of 1812. Even as an adult reader, I found this book fascinating and engaging. As a teacher, it led to many great discussions about the hardships of living on the island in the early 1800s. Mackinac island is one of my favorite places to visit and I have many fond memories of the island. This book brought its history to life for me and my students.
Read
December 22, 2023This series should really be on my “childhood reads” shelf, but I love these books so much that I’ve reread them often so they ended up on “just for fun.” Anyway, some of my favorite books of all time, such good characters, sweet and simple island life, and (as far as I can tell) a great retelling of the world of the early 1800s.
December 1, 2020
The kids gave this 3 and 4 stars. It was a very slow start for us and our reading aloud. But we persevered and the book picked up a bit. It wasn’t the most exciting book but interesting to read more about the War of 1812.
January 31, 2018
THIS IS AN AMAZING BOOK!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I really love this type of book.
Read
October 18, 2019My Michigan book for my State Challenge
January 15, 2020
Very good record of American History, as well as being entertaining.
November 23, 2020
Read this with the kids for a history read aloud. Having both vacationed in Michigan and previously visited Mackinaw island, this book was easy to envision geographically.
April 4, 2021
Very interesting story. I am sure that my son will enjoy reading it soon.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews