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Shipwreck Island #1
Shipwreck Island
Sarah Robinson is deeply troubled in the wake of her dad's second marriage. She now has to deal with a new stepmom and two stepbrothers, Marco, who is her age, and Nacho, who's younger. Even though they've all moved from Texas to California to start life as a new, blended family, none of the kids seem remotely happy about it.
Sarah's dad and stepmom then decide to take the whole family on a special vacation in order to break the ice and have everyone get to know one another. They'll fly to Tahiti, charter a boat, and go sailing for a few days. It'll be an adventure, right?
Wrong. Dead wrong.
Shipwreck Island is the first installment in a series from S.A. Bodeen.
Sarah's dad and stepmom then decide to take the whole family on a special vacation in order to break the ice and have everyone get to know one another. They'll fly to Tahiti, charter a boat, and go sailing for a few days. It'll be an adventure, right?
Wrong. Dead wrong.
Shipwreck Island is the first installment in a series from S.A. Bodeen.
192 pages, Hardcover
First published July 29, 2014
53 people are currently reading
958 people want to read
About the author
S.A. Bodeen
17 books749 followersAlso writes as Stephanie Stuve-Bodeen.
Stephanie is the award-winning author of the Elizabeti's Doll series of picture books, as well as several others. Her young adult novels include the award-winning The Compound and The Raft, and her next YA The Detour releases October 2015. The first two volumes of her middle grade series, Shipwreck Island and Lost, are available now.
Stephanie is the award-winning author of the Elizabeti's Doll series of picture books, as well as several others. Her young adult novels include the award-winning The Compound and The Raft, and her next YA The Detour releases October 2015. The first two volumes of her middle grade series, Shipwreck Island and Lost, are available now.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 173 reviews
July 31, 2014
Well, this was a bizarre read. Shipwreck Island starts out promisingly, with the mostly authentic voices of Sarah and Marco alternating chapters. The built-in tension in their family structure helps move the pace along initially, even though there's no sign of a story arc.
But then it becomes clear that this is the book's major flaw. The action steadily rises, but Bodeen fails to introduce any other stakes, goals or personal engagement beyond life-or-death. All the characters want is to get back to the mainland alive, and dropping hint after fantastical hint regarding the truth of the island ups the tension but not necessarily the reader's engagement. Simply put, the draw of finding out what's going on is not enough when the characters are pratically passive in the actual discovering.
In fact, Nacho is perhaps the only character who is original enough to enliven the story. His interactions with Sarah and Marco not only go a long way toward rounding out our main characters (more than their actual points-of-view do!), they make him fascinating enough to warrant being a protagonist himself. The parents are bland at best, and with such a small cast of characters, it's no wonder this book is startlingly short.
The end is quite, quite abrupt (all the more so for the attempt at a Dramatic Plot Twist by adding a new character), and with the island's secret as yet unrevealed, Shipwreck Island is neither a very good standalone nor a solid first book in the series.
But then it becomes clear that this is the book's major flaw. The action steadily rises, but Bodeen fails to introduce any other stakes, goals or personal engagement beyond life-or-death. All the characters want is to get back to the mainland alive, and dropping hint after fantastical hint regarding the truth of the island ups the tension but not necessarily the reader's engagement. Simply put, the draw of finding out what's going on is not enough when the characters are pratically passive in the actual discovering.
In fact, Nacho is perhaps the only character who is original enough to enliven the story. His interactions with Sarah and Marco not only go a long way toward rounding out our main characters (more than their actual points-of-view do!), they make him fascinating enough to warrant being a protagonist himself. The parents are bland at best, and with such a small cast of characters, it's no wonder this book is startlingly short.
The end is quite, quite abrupt (all the more so for the attempt at a Dramatic Plot Twist by adding a new character), and with the island's secret as yet unrevealed, Shipwreck Island is neither a very good standalone nor a solid first book in the series.
April 20, 2017
I enjoy reading in this age group because my granddaughter and I like to share the books. This was a quick, fun read about a young girl who is shipwrecked on a mysterious island after the sailboat she was on with her new blended family encountered a terrible storm. The book is the first one in a series so all of the mysteries haven't been solved yet. The island has very "Island of Dr Moreau" feel to it. Nothing too scary for young readers. Recommended for young readers who like a bit of creepy suspense.
July 12, 2014
Crappy writing that spends the vast majority of the book on lame build up of an unbelievable situation (no parent is so bad as to not introduce their kid to the other kids before the marriage of a blended family - and the kids are upset? Who is surprised/ interested?), ending just as the creepy survival island content actually starts. Feels like a rip off when a series starter doesn't give you much and then tries to pull a cliff hanger. The saving grace is that it was a quick and easy read.
January 20, 2022
This story is something I would normally love. "A bunch of people get stranded on a remote island that has all sorts of otherworldly creatures, mysteries and secrets waiting to be uncovered"
I just think I would've liked it more if it were a lil bit more "adult" and if it didn't feel so juvenile. If this was a Disney Channel movie I probably would've loved this as a kid though.
I just think I would've liked it more if it were a lil bit more "adult" and if it didn't feel so juvenile. If this was a Disney Channel movie I probably would've loved this as a kid though.
February 3, 2021
Twelve-year-old Sarah Robinson is upset when her widowed father marries a woman he met online, moving her new stepmother and two stepbrothers into their house. She's even more upset when her dad and stepmom decide to change their honeymoon into a family trip for five. They set off from Fiji in a private "luxury charter" that's seen better days, and end up shipwrecked in a storm. Now Sarah, twelve-year-old Marco, ten-year-old Nacho, and their parents are stranded on an island where things are starting to get really weird.
The first book in the Shipwreck Island quadrilogy is a good start to the series. The characters have defined personalities, and their interpersonal issues are introduced. The author gives just a hint of the weirdness happening on the island. I can't wait to find out what happens next.
The first book in the Shipwreck Island quadrilogy is a good start to the series. The characters have defined personalities, and their interpersonal issues are introduced. The author gives just a hint of the weirdness happening on the island. I can't wait to find out what happens next.
October 16, 2023
Today we are interviewing a 12-year-old boy who had to undergo some serious events. This young man's name is Marco he was stuck on an island for days, with his brother, mom, step-dad, and step-sister. They had little supplies and limited resources. They got caught in a shipwreck that led to a series of unfortunate events. Let's see what he has to say.
NB: How would you describe yourself?
Marco: I'm a very cautious person. I take care of my mom and Nacho, so I'd say I'm caring. I am also a risk taker. I don't care what other people think about me so I do whatever. I sometimes make a fool out of myself.
NB: Who is your best friend and why?
Marco: I'd say Nacho, not just because he's my brother. He means a lot to me and we’ve been through a lot together. Sometimes he gets on my nerves but in the end, I still love him.
NB: Who do you consider your nemesis or rival and why?
Marco: I would have said Sarah if you had asked me a few days ago. She's my new step-sister. I wouldn't say that I like her, but I hate her less. She is still a pain but we have to work together in order to survive and escape the island.
NB: Do you think it is better to tell the truth even if it can hurt you?
Maroc: I think that depending on the situation you should tell people the truth. But if the truth does not help anyone. There is no point in making people aware of it. Like when I heard the voices at the cabin. I didn't want to tell anyone because they could have gotten scared and felt unsafe.
NB: What is the one thing you want more than anything and what's stopping you from getting it?
Marco: I just want it to be me, my mom, and Nacho. I wish she had never met John and Sarah. At the same time, I'm kinda happy for Mom, because she finally seems to be happy.
NB: What is one thing you walked away from these events learning?
Marco: I guess that after we got off the boat I realized that people can change through trauma. I realized this because before it happened Sarah was insanely obnoxious and yelled at me for every little thing I did. But afterward, she was kinda forgiving and felt bad. She realized that I too have feelings like a human.
NB: What's one thing you could change if you could?
Marco: I wish that Sarah trusted me and believed the things that I told her. She could be more open-minded and that would be very helpful to all of us in any situation.
NB: What do you consider your greatest achievement so far, and why?
Marco: I would consider the fact that me and Sarah went one day without fighting and complaining and achievement for the both of us. I know that it has been hard for both of us. So I hope that we can go longer with getting along.
NB: Who would you turn to if you were in desperate need of help and why?
Marco: I think that after the wreck and everything else that we have been through, I would turn to John. I think now I can trust him more and we are getting along really well.
NB: What or who do you value the most?
Marco: I value Nacho. He's my only brother and I love him. Even when we get into silly fights we always make up. I also value my mom. I love her more than she knows. I don't know what I would do without her and I don't want to think that way.
NB: How would you describe yourself?
Marco: I'm a very cautious person. I take care of my mom and Nacho, so I'd say I'm caring. I am also a risk taker. I don't care what other people think about me so I do whatever. I sometimes make a fool out of myself.
NB: Who is your best friend and why?
Marco: I'd say Nacho, not just because he's my brother. He means a lot to me and we’ve been through a lot together. Sometimes he gets on my nerves but in the end, I still love him.
NB: Who do you consider your nemesis or rival and why?
Marco: I would have said Sarah if you had asked me a few days ago. She's my new step-sister. I wouldn't say that I like her, but I hate her less. She is still a pain but we have to work together in order to survive and escape the island.
NB: Do you think it is better to tell the truth even if it can hurt you?
Maroc: I think that depending on the situation you should tell people the truth. But if the truth does not help anyone. There is no point in making people aware of it. Like when I heard the voices at the cabin. I didn't want to tell anyone because they could have gotten scared and felt unsafe.
NB: What is the one thing you want more than anything and what's stopping you from getting it?
Marco: I just want it to be me, my mom, and Nacho. I wish she had never met John and Sarah. At the same time, I'm kinda happy for Mom, because she finally seems to be happy.
NB: What is one thing you walked away from these events learning?
Marco: I guess that after we got off the boat I realized that people can change through trauma. I realized this because before it happened Sarah was insanely obnoxious and yelled at me for every little thing I did. But afterward, she was kinda forgiving and felt bad. She realized that I too have feelings like a human.
NB: What's one thing you could change if you could?
Marco: I wish that Sarah trusted me and believed the things that I told her. She could be more open-minded and that would be very helpful to all of us in any situation.
NB: What do you consider your greatest achievement so far, and why?
Marco: I would consider the fact that me and Sarah went one day without fighting and complaining and achievement for the both of us. I know that it has been hard for both of us. So I hope that we can go longer with getting along.
NB: Who would you turn to if you were in desperate need of help and why?
Marco: I think that after the wreck and everything else that we have been through, I would turn to John. I think now I can trust him more and we are getting along really well.
NB: What or who do you value the most?
Marco: I value Nacho. He's my only brother and I love him. Even when we get into silly fights we always make up. I also value my mom. I love her more than she knows. I don't know what I would do without her and I don't want to think that way.
March 6, 2017
This book is called Shipwreck Island by S.A. Bodeen. The books main focus is a girl named Sarah Robinson and her new "family." Sarah is struggling with her Dad's second marriage. She is not happy with her new step mom Yvonna and her two new step brothers Marco and Nacho that she now has to live with. Her Dad and Yvonna decide that it would be a good family bonding experience if they took all the kids on a charted sail boat. The dates are set and the family heads out on their cruise vacation. The second night they hit a huge storm and Captian Norm looses control of the boat. After after the horrific storm they end up shipwrecked near island they think is uninhabited. The captain is dead and the boat about to sink. They gather most their belongings and take the rescue dinghy to the island. They are scared, exhausted and have no way to call for help. How will they survive on the island alone... ? This book is action packed and full of adventure. If you like mystery than this is the book for you. This book was amazing and it is only the first in the series!
April 17, 2014
I wanted to read this book because of that gorgeous cover. It looks awesome. And then the summary. Though I was a little bit worried that I wouldn't like it. But I did. I liked it a lot. It is also a middle grade book, which is all kinds of awesome. The main character, Sarah, is twelve years old. And the other main character, her new stepbrother, Marco, who is also twelve.
This book truly isn't that long. Which I wish it had been. It was a very fast read. And I enjoyed reading it. Loved that it was told from the point of view of Sarah and Marco. Though I do wish we had gotten to know them both a little bit more. But I liked them. The plot in this book is that Sarah's dad just married Marco's mom. And now they all live together. Nacho as well.
We don't get to read all that much about it, which I'm a little bit sad about, because agh. I really enjoyed this book and I wanted to know more. I wanted it to be even longer. But I also liked that it was short. But yeah. There better be a second book, hih. <3 And it better be out pretty soon, as I do not like waiting, lol. But anyway. I felt with Sarah, who was not happy with the new wife. Sure, I wish she could have tried to make the best of it, but then. I probably wouldn't have been all that happy about it either, at that age. Marco isn't very happy either, since they had to leave their home and friends. Though his younger brother, Nacho, seemed more okay with it. He's adorable. I pretty much liked all the characters.
I don't want to say too much about this book, as it isn't that long yet a lot of things happen. But you know most of it from the summary. The family is going on a sail trip, and then they shipwreck. Which is pretty obvious from the title. I found all of that to be pretty awesome to read about, and also a little scary. I liked it. They wreck near this island and that is where it gets even more interesting. I'm not going to say more, just that I liked reading about the island. So creepy. And all kinds of awesome.
I'm giving this book a four star. I enjoyed it, but I didn't fully love it, as I had a few issues with the writing. And the length of the book. I wished it had been so much longer, as I'm really curious about what will happen next. And, you know, it ends with a cliffhanger. But I also really liked this book. I'm a bit surprised that I did. But I'm happy. I enjoyed it. It is also a bit creepy, which I enjoyed a lot. Not going to say more. Just, Shipwreck Island was an exciting middle grade book. It was fun to read. And I'm glad that I did. Huge thank you to Ksenia and Macmillan Kids for the print ARC of this gorgeous book. <3
This book truly isn't that long. Which I wish it had been. It was a very fast read. And I enjoyed reading it. Loved that it was told from the point of view of Sarah and Marco. Though I do wish we had gotten to know them both a little bit more. But I liked them. The plot in this book is that Sarah's dad just married Marco's mom. And now they all live together. Nacho as well.
We don't get to read all that much about it, which I'm a little bit sad about, because agh. I really enjoyed this book and I wanted to know more. I wanted it to be even longer. But I also liked that it was short. But yeah. There better be a second book, hih. <3 And it better be out pretty soon, as I do not like waiting, lol. But anyway. I felt with Sarah, who was not happy with the new wife. Sure, I wish she could have tried to make the best of it, but then. I probably wouldn't have been all that happy about it either, at that age. Marco isn't very happy either, since they had to leave their home and friends. Though his younger brother, Nacho, seemed more okay with it. He's adorable. I pretty much liked all the characters.
I don't want to say too much about this book, as it isn't that long yet a lot of things happen. But you know most of it from the summary. The family is going on a sail trip, and then they shipwreck. Which is pretty obvious from the title. I found all of that to be pretty awesome to read about, and also a little scary. I liked it. They wreck near this island and that is where it gets even more interesting. I'm not going to say more, just that I liked reading about the island. So creepy. And all kinds of awesome.
I'm giving this book a four star. I enjoyed it, but I didn't fully love it, as I had a few issues with the writing. And the length of the book. I wished it had been so much longer, as I'm really curious about what will happen next. And, you know, it ends with a cliffhanger. But I also really liked this book. I'm a bit surprised that I did. But I'm happy. I enjoyed it. It is also a bit creepy, which I enjoyed a lot. Not going to say more. Just, Shipwreck Island was an exciting middle grade book. It was fun to read. And I'm glad that I did. Huge thank you to Ksenia and Macmillan Kids for the print ARC of this gorgeous book. <3
July 16, 2014
I probably wasn't the best reader for this book in the first place. I loathe The Swiss Family Robinson. Loathe. It. But this looked so short I figured it might be a better, more fun update of the same concept. It's only short because it is the first in a series. (If I had known that, I wouldn't have read it.) That in itself is not enough to make me dislike a book as much I disliked this one. So what are my reasons? It begins like one of the WORST made for Disney Channel movies. The parents are ridiculously clueless. The kids, newly brought together by their parents' marriage, are self-absorbed and obnoxious. It even has the famous two boy and one girl formula that Disney uses for everything and each of them fit into some caricature-the smart snotty one, the super geeky quirky one, and the stoic brave level headed one. There is little to no character development done beyond that. The plot trips along in an absurd manner until halfway through the family is stranded on an island after the boat begins to sink in a storm and the Captain dies. The island is all kinds of mysterious, but we can't tell exactly what kinds yet. It is hinted in just a few short pages that there are possible ghosts, weird people-chasing-weather-phenomena, and animals the likes of which one would find residing with Dr. Moreau. Then the book ends. Just. Like. That. Like this is a TV pilot and they want you to be sure to tune in again next week to see what happens next. I know that works great for TV shows, when you only have to wait A WEEK. But nothing makes me angrier than when books do it, because the next book isn't coming out next week. It's an even dirtier trick to pull when you do it with a book. The parents, being the type of people they are, haven't clued in to the strangeness of the island yet. So what is the sensible thing for the kid who has experienced the strangest aspects to do? Lie about it, of course! Even when it means contradicting his step-sister and making her look like an idiot. Needless to say, despite the best efforts to get me to read the next book with that cliffhanger ending, it will not be happening.
I read an ARC received from the publisher at ALA Midwinter.
I read an ARC received from the publisher at ALA Midwinter.
June 30, 2015
3.5 stars
A newly blended family takes a vacation to bring the family closer together but nothing goes as planned. When their privately chartered sailboat meets up with a sudden storm, disaster strikes. The captain is killed and washed overboard. The family hunkers in the cabin to ride out the storm. When at last the storm subsides, the family finds themselves beached on a deserted island. They salvage all they can and head ashore to await rescue. The island is beautiful but quite possibly sinister. Here the novel becomes a hybrid of Swiss Family Robinson (also the family's surname) and The Island of Dr. Moreau.
The story is short and will likely appeal to tween readers. It's the first book of the series but I feel like the book ended rather abruptly without any finesse as if Bodeen has the entire novel written and the editors just picked where to cut it off to make it into a series. As for the survival elements, Bodeen saw to it that there would be creature comforts built in so while wholly plausible, it seems a bit too convenient and takes away some of the thrill of true survival stories. There's just something missing from the writing that would make it truly great but I can't quite put my finger on it. Dramatic tension? Well developed, complex characters? Good dialogue? The characters are all pretty flat and there's no real plot arc in the first book. There's no real tension between the characters. Sarah, Marco, and Nacho should be squaring off for an epic step-sibling show down, but Bodeen backs off that notion pretty soon after the family ends up on the island. There's no time to be squalling when you have hybrid kangaroo-lions to distract you. All in all, a very very short, read with reluctant reader appeal.
A newly blended family takes a vacation to bring the family closer together but nothing goes as planned. When their privately chartered sailboat meets up with a sudden storm, disaster strikes. The captain is killed and washed overboard. The family hunkers in the cabin to ride out the storm. When at last the storm subsides, the family finds themselves beached on a deserted island. They salvage all they can and head ashore to await rescue. The island is beautiful but quite possibly sinister. Here the novel becomes a hybrid of Swiss Family Robinson (also the family's surname) and The Island of Dr. Moreau.
The story is short and will likely appeal to tween readers. It's the first book of the series but I feel like the book ended rather abruptly without any finesse as if Bodeen has the entire novel written and the editors just picked where to cut it off to make it into a series. As for the survival elements, Bodeen saw to it that there would be creature comforts built in so while wholly plausible, it seems a bit too convenient and takes away some of the thrill of true survival stories. There's just something missing from the writing that would make it truly great but I can't quite put my finger on it. Dramatic tension? Well developed, complex characters? Good dialogue? The characters are all pretty flat and there's no real plot arc in the first book. There's no real tension between the characters. Sarah, Marco, and Nacho should be squaring off for an epic step-sibling show down, but Bodeen backs off that notion pretty soon after the family ends up on the island. There's no time to be squalling when you have hybrid kangaroo-lions to distract you. All in all, a very very short, read with reluctant reader appeal.
April 1, 2017
Sarah isn't happy about her Dad remarrying and then bringing his new wife Yvonna and her two boys Marco (12) and Nacho (11) to live with them. Things are even worse when her Dad decides to take all of them on their honeymoon to a tropical island near Fiji.
The plane trip is long, the 'luxury' yacht he's hired far from luxurious, and her seasickness tops off the worst 'holiday' ever. But things are about to get a whole lot worse. A storm is coming - fast. They hunker down below deck as the skipper tries to take the boat through it. But when the seas calm and the sun comes out, the truth is there for all to see. They are shipwrecked on an island, their skipper gone and the yacht wrecked beyond repair. Can it get any worse? Yes! Strange creatures, screams in the night and a weird red orb in the sky. Will they survive?
What a fantastic start to a series! I thought this would be another shipwreck, get to know each other story, but it goes far beyond that and more. This series continues with Lost, Trapped, and Found.
The plane trip is long, the 'luxury' yacht he's hired far from luxurious, and her seasickness tops off the worst 'holiday' ever. But things are about to get a whole lot worse. A storm is coming - fast. They hunker down below deck as the skipper tries to take the boat through it. But when the seas calm and the sun comes out, the truth is there for all to see. They are shipwrecked on an island, their skipper gone and the yacht wrecked beyond repair. Can it get any worse? Yes! Strange creatures, screams in the night and a weird red orb in the sky. Will they survive?
What a fantastic start to a series! I thought this would be another shipwreck, get to know each other story, but it goes far beyond that and more. This series continues with Lost, Trapped, and Found.
August 7, 2014
Loved it! Shipwreck Island by S.A. Bodeen is an exciting, slightly scary adventure story that is fun for kids and adults alike. The pace is good, and the storytelling is top notch. Shipwreck Island is a definite winner, and should be an excellent series (trilogy? Not sure how many the author is planning for, but it would be fun as a long series!)
The basic premise is that Sarah’s Dad, John, has remarried 6 years after the death of Sarah’s mother to Yvonna a beautiful flight attendant with 2 boys named Marco and Nacho (Ignacio). To help create some family bonds, John and Yvonna decide to bring the kids along and turn their honeymoon into a family trip. The plan is to charter a boat in the south pacific area and spend a few days on a tropical island enjoying each other’s company. Like real life, their perfect plans go awry, and the real adventure begins.
Overall, this is an excellent mystery adventure novel and I can't wait for the next one!
The basic premise is that Sarah’s Dad, John, has remarried 6 years after the death of Sarah’s mother to Yvonna a beautiful flight attendant with 2 boys named Marco and Nacho (Ignacio). To help create some family bonds, John and Yvonna decide to bring the kids along and turn their honeymoon into a family trip. The plan is to charter a boat in the south pacific area and spend a few days on a tropical island enjoying each other’s company. Like real life, their perfect plans go awry, and the real adventure begins.
Overall, this is an excellent mystery adventure novel and I can't wait for the next one!
May 12, 2015
Book #64 Read in 2015
Shipwreck Island by S.A. Bodeen (YA)
This book is a modernized version of the Swiss Family Robinson...with some Island of Dr. Moreau thrown in for good measure. Sarah's father remarries and Sarah isn't happy about her new stepmother, or her new stepbrothers. The parental units decide to take the whole family on a boat trip. A storm hits and they become stranded on an island. But that isn't their only problem; the island seems to have some interesting creatures on it. This was a good, quick read that upper elementary and middle school girls and boys would enjoy. The sequel is in my TBR pile.
http://melissasbookpicks.blogspot.com
Shipwreck Island by S.A. Bodeen (YA)
This book is a modernized version of the Swiss Family Robinson...with some Island of Dr. Moreau thrown in for good measure. Sarah's father remarries and Sarah isn't happy about her new stepmother, or her new stepbrothers. The parental units decide to take the whole family on a boat trip. A storm hits and they become stranded on an island. But that isn't their only problem; the island seems to have some interesting creatures on it. This was a good, quick read that upper elementary and middle school girls and boys would enjoy. The sequel is in my TBR pile.
http://melissasbookpicks.blogspot.com
November 19, 2014
Sarah, 12, is furious that her father has remarried six years after her mother’s death. Her stepmom, Yvonna, brings two boys to the new family, Marco (12) and Nacho (10). They are now embarking on a family honeymoon on a private sailboat for five days. After a terrible storm the skipper has died, the boat has hit rocks just off an island and the family prepares to live on it until rescue. But this island is…different and strange. They will need to work together to survive. Great start to a new series.
February 11, 2020
Shipwreck island is a great book. It always made me wonder about what was going to happen next. I really liked it and I think that the people who are into mystical and magical books would like this . I could sit there and read it in one sitting because I wanted to know what was going to happen . I really enjoyed this book !!
September 5, 2020
Sarah is a twelve-year-old girl that wants a simple childhood with her dad. Her mom passed away when she was younger and her dad has decided to remarry, something she is vehemently against. Her new stepmom, Yvonna, and her two sons, Marco (12) and Nacho (10) move in to her quiet house. She protests every step of the way, determined to make her dad see reason and get a divorce. However, her father has other ideas. He and Yvonna decide the best way to make the new family work is to bring them along on their honeymoon - an expensive private cruise. Unfortunately, the cruise isn't what they expected and when a storm hits, they find themselves in a series of unfortunate events. The vacation seems to be turning around when they find a beautiful tropical island, with blue skies, a waterfall, and enough land to explore for hours. Sarah and her family might finally get a chance to overcome their differences and forge friendships. What can bring a family together better, a lovely vacation or a mysterious island where everything isn't as it seems?
I usually don't read books at this level, but I did enjoy it. The characters are a little simpler and dramatic than I'm used to, but it is meant for younger readers. The language is a good fit for kids aged around 10-13. The characters are relatable for the age demographic and there's enough mystery and intrigue for me to want to keep reading. I finished this book between homework and am considering buying the next one. I wouldn't overall recommend it for young adults or older teenagers, but I would recommend it to younger kids, maybe from about fourth to eight grade, depending on reading level and interest. This is a good book for people that enjoy books about natural disasters, difficult families, or mysteries.
I usually don't read books at this level, but I did enjoy it. The characters are a little simpler and dramatic than I'm used to, but it is meant for younger readers. The language is a good fit for kids aged around 10-13. The characters are relatable for the age demographic and there's enough mystery and intrigue for me to want to keep reading. I finished this book between homework and am considering buying the next one. I wouldn't overall recommend it for young adults or older teenagers, but I would recommend it to younger kids, maybe from about fourth to eight grade, depending on reading level and interest. This is a good book for people that enjoy books about natural disasters, difficult families, or mysteries.
September 5, 2017
This book just wasn't for me.
NOTE to the discerning reader & to parents: (1) Twelve-year-old Sarah Robinson needs a definite attitude adjustment; she's grouchy through most of the book, sorely angry at her dad for remarrying, and just plain mad at her new stepmom and stepbrothers that she has to live with. Not to mention, her new stepbrothers have some snarky remarks themselves too.
(2) One time in the book, a certain word appears that I was surprised to see in there. It's not that bad though, but it was weird when it appeared out the blue, I guess.
(3) Sarah is obsessed with Harry Potter, coaxing her stepbrother to read the books. Some parents may not appreciate this enticement, I know my parents wouldn't have liked me reading about that scene when I was young.
(4) The story gets kind of mystical... there are mutated animals on the island, strange noises and whispers, and a crazy orb that follows/attacks the family. The more I read, the crazier it got.
(5) And finally, the book leaves you with a major cliffhanger... I never even found out what was causing all the craziness. Granted, yes, there's more books that follow Shipwreck Island, but I don't see myself reading them.
The only thing I liked about the plot was that it seemed like a cool adventure for a while, with the Robinson family going out on a boat, off to have a fun island adventure... until the really weird stuff kicked in. Oh well, I guess I'll just never know why all that insanity was happening on the island...
P.S. I liked Ahab, the captain's huge, black dog. He was fun character and sailor. :)
NOTE to the discerning reader & to parents: (1) Twelve-year-old Sarah Robinson needs a definite attitude adjustment; she's grouchy through most of the book, sorely angry at her dad for remarrying, and just plain mad at her new stepmom and stepbrothers that she has to live with. Not to mention, her new stepbrothers have some snarky remarks themselves too.
(2) One time in the book, a certain word appears that I was surprised to see in there. It's not that bad though, but it was weird when it appeared out the blue, I guess.
(3) Sarah is obsessed with Harry Potter, coaxing her stepbrother to read the books. Some parents may not appreciate this enticement, I know my parents wouldn't have liked me reading about that scene when I was young.
(4) The story gets kind of mystical... there are mutated animals on the island, strange noises and whispers, and a crazy orb that follows/attacks the family. The more I read, the crazier it got.
(5) And finally, the book leaves you with a major cliffhanger... I never even found out what was causing all the craziness. Granted, yes, there's more books that follow Shipwreck Island, but I don't see myself reading them.
The only thing I liked about the plot was that it seemed like a cool adventure for a while, with the Robinson family going out on a boat, off to have a fun island adventure... until the really weird stuff kicked in. Oh well, I guess I'll just never know why all that insanity was happening on the island...
P.S. I liked Ahab, the captain's huge, black dog. He was fun character and sailor. :)
December 28, 2023
WOW
This book was pretty short but kept me hooked. I read it back in July, so I can't analyze the characters, but the plot was chef's kiss. Danger lurked every corner and it was so fun and interesting reading more about the secrets of Shipwreck Island and the creatures living on it. This story really came to life and I enjoyed it very much.
Here's the premise: A bunch of people get stranded on a remote island that has all sorts of otherworldly creatures, mysteries and secrets waiting to be uncovered. Cool, right?
I would recommend this to anyone. It left me on a big cliffhanger and I remember feeling like
GOOD NEWS THOUGH
As I am writing this review I just found out IT'S A SERIES YALL
MY PRAYERS HAVE BEEN ANSWERED!!!! WOOHOOOOOOOOO
*cough cough* ahem 5 stars
This book was pretty short but kept me hooked. I read it back in July, so I can't analyze the characters, but the plot was chef's kiss. Danger lurked every corner and it was so fun and interesting reading more about the secrets of Shipwreck Island and the creatures living on it. This story really came to life and I enjoyed it very much.
Here's the premise: A bunch of people get stranded on a remote island that has all sorts of otherworldly creatures, mysteries and secrets waiting to be uncovered. Cool, right?
I would recommend this to anyone. It left me on a big cliffhanger and I remember feeling like
GOOD NEWS THOUGH
As I am writing this review I just found out IT'S A SERIES YALL
MY PRAYERS HAVE BEEN ANSWERED!!!! WOOHOOOOOOOOO
*cough cough* ahem 5 stars
June 26, 2018
Is it bad that while I started book talking this book with a co-worker I came up with Swiss Family Robinson meets Island of Dr. Moreau? I then had to pause because I thought, "Hmmm. How many kids know the Island of Dr. Moreau?". It isn't as gruesome as Island but has the quality of creepiness with mutated animals and the whole feeling of something being very wrong with the island.
The Robinson family is on a boating trip to help newly blended family bond. Unfortunately, the trip is cut short when an unexpected storm strikes and they are marooned on an island. Between to new siblings fighting, a germ phobic kid and a awesome watch dog, the Robinson family might just be okay but then weird stuff starts. Maybe this island paradise isn't as nice as it appears.
Suspense is good for the younger middle grade reader but nothing that should cause nightmares. Good for 4th grade and up.
The Robinson family is on a boating trip to help newly blended family bond. Unfortunately, the trip is cut short when an unexpected storm strikes and they are marooned on an island. Between to new siblings fighting, a germ phobic kid and a awesome watch dog, the Robinson family might just be okay but then weird stuff starts. Maybe this island paradise isn't as nice as it appears.
Suspense is good for the younger middle grade reader but nothing that should cause nightmares. Good for 4th grade and up.
October 26, 2021
I picked this book to read with my son. (He still likes to read books with me. And I enjoy it too!) Books he typically enjoys are events in which traumatic things happen, hurricanes, wildfires, extreme weather, etc., in which the kids survive and prevail. So I thought we would try this one. It starts out strong, a tale of 2 families becoming one through marriage from the viewpoint of two of the children and how they are adjusting/not adjusting to the idea and they all go on a vacation that leads to disaster. What we were not prepared for was the fantasy element on the island. I usually enjoy a good fantasy, whereas my son does not, but he was invested enough at that point to continue. Unfortunately I felt a big letdown at the end. The story just stops. There wasn't any kind of resolution. All in all, I wasn't pleased with the ending and we probably won't continue on with this series.
December 3, 2017
This is a fast-paced, engaging read. It would make a great read-aloud in a classroom. The ending is a horrible cliff hanger, though. There is absolutely NO resolution. I literally flipped through the remaining pages of the book to see if it was printed wrong. The story juts cuts off at the end of a chapter with pretty much every possible question in the book left unanswered. I understand trying to get kids to read on, but this was a bit much for me.
On a positive note, the story jumps back and forth between two main characters- Sarah and Marco- making this equally appealing to boys and girls.
I sure hope the rest of the series is out, otherwise I'll have some very grumpy kids on my hands.
Recommended for grades 3-6
On a positive note, the story jumps back and forth between two main characters- Sarah and Marco- making this equally appealing to boys and girls.
I sure hope the rest of the series is out, otherwise I'll have some very grumpy kids on my hands.
Recommended for grades 3-6
December 12, 2018
I fell in love with the idea of the story, but the actual story I kinda fell short. and the story was short too. Which I hate. I couldn't tell if this was going to be a kid book, teen book, or an adult type book? I was hoping for more drama dynamics, survival stuff, I got weird kangaroos and birds that a kid lies about, and ghosts. I'll continue the series because I'm curious to see if they get rescued or if they die horrible deaths by crabs, and it branches off into the blue lagoon where the stepsiblings bump uglies and have babies (yeah, I know..not going to happen) or what. and they are short enough that I could probably reach my goodreads challenge, and have more books than I need for it in plenty of time to relax on the reading for the year!
February 28, 2019
I wish I could give this ZERO stars!
Sarah's father has just gotten married. John has re-married, after his wife, and Sarah's mother died. Sarah has two new step-brothers, Marco and Nacho. The children's parents decide to take all five of them on a cruise. When they see the ship, a sailboat, they seem skeptical. Within a couple of hours, a storm has struck the boat, and the boat runs aground some rocks. Seeing an island, the family of five jumps into the dinghy and rows to the island. They start to see weird things, like a bird with teeth. What is happening on the island? Find out, if you dare, in Shipwreck Island, a very poor excuse for a book. Highly do not reccommend!
Sarah's father has just gotten married. John has re-married, after his wife, and Sarah's mother died. Sarah has two new step-brothers, Marco and Nacho. The children's parents decide to take all five of them on a cruise. When they see the ship, a sailboat, they seem skeptical. Within a couple of hours, a storm has struck the boat, and the boat runs aground some rocks. Seeing an island, the family of five jumps into the dinghy and rows to the island. They start to see weird things, like a bird with teeth. What is happening on the island? Find out, if you dare, in Shipwreck Island, a very poor excuse for a book. Highly do not reccommend!
May 12, 2025
This book combines family drama with adventure and survival. I envision middle school
Kids who enjoy reading as well as those who might be hesitant readers getting drawn in quickly and kept attentive throughout. There is a death, some almost paranormal situations, keeps you on your toes. I would encourage parents of children under 12 to read before their child to ensure they can talk their child through the “creepy” feelings. Unusual animals etc…
Format has spacing between lines that increases the readability. Chapter divisions aren’t short, but very readable in length.
This is a series and I’m headed to the library soon for book #2
Kids who enjoy reading as well as those who might be hesitant readers getting drawn in quickly and kept attentive throughout. There is a death, some almost paranormal situations, keeps you on your toes. I would encourage parents of children under 12 to read before their child to ensure they can talk their child through the “creepy” feelings. Unusual animals etc…
Format has spacing between lines that increases the readability. Chapter divisions aren’t short, but very readable in length.
This is a series and I’m headed to the library soon for book #2
October 28, 2020
Shipwreck Island from S.A. Bodeen in my opinion is a 4 star book. The author makes it really easy to connect with the characters from the start of the book. The Author has really put your time and effort into creating this scary advertiser story. This story really grabbed my attention because of its spooky scary, advertised vibe the story gave off. The only downside I had with the story was how the author added a cliffhanger at the end of the story. It left so many unanswered questions that the story brought up.
August 17, 2017
Great start to the series with good character development and new stepkids who are appropriately snarky about the fact that their parents have married each other. As they head off on a honeymoon adventure together, the book's title foreshadows the adventures that are to come. Strange animals abound. Straight on to the sequel! Great audiobook!
January 17, 2018
The story is like a modern day Swiss family Robinson. It begins with a blended marriage, two adults marry who have kids of their own. The father decides to take his newly formed family on their honeymoon to Fuji Island. However, after a hurricane blows them into a strange island, the strangeness already begins. Creatures on this island are not quite normal almost sinister.
March 6, 2018
This book was incredibly descriptive. I absolutely love every little detail that S.A. Bodeen wrote. This was one of the most interesting books i gave ever read. Yet have have to admitt i was extreamly dissapointed the way the book ended because i wanted to know more about what was going to happen.
March 11, 2018
So I was enjoying this YA book, which said it had 140 pages and it ended abruptly at a little over 100 pages. Rather than a series it seems as though it was one book that was broken up into 4 parts simply for financial reasons. Far too short to even get into the otherwise intriguing story.
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