Shipwrecked

The Islanders #3

by Mary Alice Monroe, Angela May (Primary Contributor)

Jake, Macon, and Lovie fight to survive at sea in this third high-stakes adventure in the middle grade, New York Times bestselling The Islanders series by Mary Alice Monroe!

Jake Potter’s biggest dream finally comes he gets his very own boat! And it’s just in time for another summer of fun on Dewees Island with his best friends, Macon and Lovie.

But on their very first fishing trip, the engine dies, and the three friends find themselves adrift at sea. When a storm carries them to a small, uninhabited island far from Dewees, the kids must use every ounce of their strength, courage, and knowledge to survive as they wait for rescue. Will their friendship survive the ultimate test?

Genres: Middle Grade, Audiobook, Juvenile

272 pages, Hardcover

First published June 18, 2024

About the author

Mary Alice Monroe is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of 30 books, including her new novel, Where the Rivers Merge, the first book in a duology and her historical debut. The second book is titled The Rivers End. Release date has not been set yet.

Monroe has also published children’s books, which complement the environmental themes she is known for in her adult novels. Monroe’s middle grade series, written with Angela May, The Islanders, debuted #2 on the New York Times Best Sellers List in 2021. The second book in the series, Search for Treasure, debuted #3 on the New York Times Best Sellers List. And the third book in the series, Shipwrecked, is available everywhere books are sold.

Nearly eight million copies of her books have been published worldwide.

Mary Alice has earned numerous accolades and awards including induction into the South Carolina Academy of Authors’ Hall of Fame; South Carolina Center for the Book Award for Writing; the South Carolina Award for Literary Excellence; the SW Florida Author of Distinction Award; the RT Lifetime Achievement Award; the International Book Award for Green Fiction; the Henry Bergh Award for Children’s Fiction; and her novel A Lowcountry Christmas won the prestigious Southern Prize for Fiction.

Mary Alice is also the co-founder of the popular weekly web show and podcast Friends & Fiction.

The Beach House is a Hallmark Hall of Fame movie, starring Andie McDowell. Several of her novels are optioned for film.

Mary Alice has championed the fragility of the earth’s wild habitat. The coastal southern landscape in particular is a strong and important focus of many of her novels. For her writing, Monroe immerses herself in academic research, works with wildlife experts, and does hands-on volunteering with animals. She then uses the knowledge and experiences to craft captivating stories that identify important parallels between nature and human nature. Sea turtles, bottlenose dolphins, monarch butterflies, shorebirds are among the species she has worked with and woven into her novels.

Mary Alice is also an active conservationist and serves on several boards including the South Carolina Aquarium board emeritus, the Pat Conroy Literary Center Honorary Board, and the Leatherback Trust, which she received the Leatherback Trust Lifetime Achievement Award in 2022. She is especially proud to be a state-certified volunteer with the Island Turtle Team for more than twenty years.

Mary Alice splits her time between her home on the South Carolina coast and her home in the North Carolina mountains. When she’s not writing a novel, she is with her family or busy working with wildlife somewhere in the world.

Reviews

[Linden · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the third installment of the Islanders series. Macon, Lovie, and Jake became friends when they were all on the island for the summer. Now they are 12, and Jake desperately wants to buy a ramshackle boat. The kids had always seemed sensible and down to earth, so I found this surprising; I was especially surprised when his parents agreed, providing he earned some money. Dad is supposed to accompany them on their maiden voyage, but when he's held up at work they go anyway, because after all, two of them have boating safety certificates. They weren't counting on a storm, or the boat's motor dying. Despite these issues, this story showcases friendship and how working together made their survival possible. Thanks to Netgalley the publisher for the ARC.

[Lana · Rating 4 out of 5]

We finished our read-aloud just in time. Angela May was correct when she said that this book was intense. We loved the imagery depicted in the writing and my son loved learning all about survival. My favorite quote from the book is "Dear boy, we all make mistakes. It is a part of living. So throughout life we have to also forgive. Forgive others, and more importantly, forgive yourself." What wise words to remember.

[Adela · Rating 5 out of 5]

THIS WAS SO FUN I LOVED IT 😮😮😮💗💗✨️💕💕💗🥹🥹☹️💕❤️👍👍🥲🥲🤓🤓👋 too bad it's the last book :(

[Roxanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a gift MAM has!!! A really fun read to share with my grandson during our trip!

[Linda Zagon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! “SHIPWRECKED” “The Islanders” Book Three by Authors Mary Alice Monroe and Angela May is a beautifully, well-written and literary treasure for all ages. The Authors vividly describe the scenery, landscape, plot, and the colorful and dramatic characters. This is third in a series that continues with the same characters as in the first two books, but can be read independently. Although this is aimed towards middle graders, this is both timeless, and for children of “ALL AGES”.

Jake, Macon, and Lovie are back on Dewees Island for the summer, and meet with new adventures. Jake’s dream of having his own boat comes true. After working hard for the money, he buys an old boat that has weathered many years at sea. The three of them go on their first fishing expedition in Jake’s boat, and the engine dies. As the boat floats along, there is a terrible storm, and the three find themselves on a deserted island with the destroyed boat. Jake, Macon, and Lovie are forced to remember survival techniques, and all of the observations and writing in their diaries.

As a retired teacher, I can visualize so many valuable lessons that can be learned from this book. I appreciate how the authors stress the importance of survival, environment, family, friends, love and hope. I highly recommend this thought-provoking and memorable book.

[Booksandcoffeemx · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m in love with this series and I’m so lucky I can keep reading the Islanders wonderful adventures. A powerful story about friendship, family, love and growing up. These books are the perfect summer read for kids and adults!

Thank you Suzy Approved Book Tours for this tour invite.

𝗦𝗵𝗶𝗽𝘄𝗿𝗲𝗰𝗸𝗲𝗱 (Book 3, The Islanders series) by Mary Alice Monroe and Angela May Books released June 18, 2024.

[Joanna Olson · Rating 5 out of 5]

The next book in The Islanders series is here! I loved visiting the island with Jake, Macon and Lovie. These books just make me feel like summer is here and this one was definitely a bit deeper than the others! After being shipwrecked, the best friends must work together to survive. During their survival they learn a lot about themselves and each other. I loved how the book also taught the value of hard work and dedication. Another win from Monroe and May!

[Melissa (Nissa_the.bookworm) · Rating 4 out of 5]

𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐃 𝐓𝐇𝐈𝐒 𝐈𝐅 𝐘𝐎𝐔
🏝️ have ever stranded on a deserted island
🚤 know how to drive a boat
☀️ love the summer season the most
🎣 enjoy fishing

• 𝐖𝐇𝐀𝐓 𝐈𝐓’𝐒 𝐀𝐁𝐎𝐔𝐓

Jake Potter’s biggest dream finally comes true: he gets his very own boat! And it’s just in time for another summer of fun on Dewees Island with his best friends, Macon and Lovie.
 
But on their very first fishing trip, the engine dies, and the three friends find themselves adrift at sea. When a storm carries them to a small, uninhabited island far from Dewees, the kids must use every ounce of their strength, courage, and knowledge to survive as they wait for rescue. Will their friendship survive the ultimate test?

• 𝐌𝐘 𝐓𝐇𝐎𝐔𝐆𝐇𝐓𝐒

While I haven’t read the first two books in The Islanders series, I was easily able to learn about these characters and their friendship. I really felt for Jake’s character because his parents were always too busy for him. I loved his tenacity with saving to get his own boat, but I was disappointed that Jake and his friends took the boat out by themselves when his father ditched last minute due to work. As a parent, I would totally understand the possible dire consequences of this decision. I did enjoy their time on the deserted island though, because these kids are smart! Overall, I highly recommend this one to all middle school ages!

[Susan Ballard (subakkabookstuff) · Rating 4 out of 5]

In book three of THE ISLANDERS series, friends Jake, Macon, and Lovie are back together on Dewees Island for a sun-soaked summer.

This year, Jake’s dream of owning a boat comes true! As the friends prepare for their first boat and fishing trip, Jake’s dad cancels on them. Jake decides for them to set out alone.

Out on the open water, the engine dies, and the friends find themselves adrift with a storm moving in. As the waves crash and the wind blows, they are tossed into the sea. Luckily, they find refuge on a deserted island. But they are shipwrecked! With no phones, the kids must face the challenge of surviving until help arrives.

I’ve read all three books in this series and have loved following these characters on their adventures. The books always emphasize the importance of friendship, family, acceptance, and teamwork. I enjoyed how fun facts about the environment and animals, plus beautiful illustrations, are peppered throughout the story.

Perfect summer reading!


Thank you @suzyapprovedbooktours @maryalicemonroe and @angelamaybooks for a spot on tour and a gifted book.

[Lisa Clark · Rating 5 out of 5]

was so excited to see a third book was being released. Thanks so much for letting me preview, it did not disappoint. This book was a good as the 1st two. The friendships that the 3 main characters has is top notch. There are conflicts, like every story, and every friendship, but in the end they are all there for each other. I have used different information from the first books when working with my students. They find the turtle’s fascinating. I suggest they should check out these books; and some of my students do, but I do not make it reading that they have to do. I will purchase this book and use next year to talk about boating safety and what to do if you do get stranded. I live I. Wisconsin where the Mississippi River and the Wisconsin River converge. Boating and swim safety is important. This is the perfect book to use for kids who I work with that need comprehension skills.
Looking forward to hopefully a book 4.

[Cassie’s Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

Are you looking for a perfect summer read for your young reader? This series is perfect! My son has loved the previous two books and we were so excited to get the third!! I highly recommend grabbing this book and adding it to your summer reading list!!
Synopsis-

Jake, Macon, and Lovie fight to survive at sea in this third high-stakes adventure in the middle grade, New York Times bestselling The Islanders series by Mary Alice Monroe!
Jake Potter’s biggest dream finally comes he gets his very own boat! And it’s just in time for another summer of fun on Dewees Island with his best friends, Macon and Lovie.
But on their very first fishing trip, the engine dies, and the three friends find themselves adrift at sea. When a storm carries them to a small, uninhabited island far from Dewees, the kids must use every ounce of their strength, courage, and knowledge to survive as they wait for rescue. Will their friendship survive the ultimate test?

[Lisa Albright · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love how the books in this series offer plenty of action and adventure, but also life lessons and survival skills in an easy to read chapter format. This installment has Jake buying a boat, using his SURVIVAL training, dealing with his first crush and becoming more than friends. I enjoy the excitement over beginning another fantastic summer and the friendship shared between Jake, Lovie, and Macon despite the scrapes and unusual circumstances they get themselves into. The shipwreck itself is a scary experience, but portrayed in a way that conveys the seriousness of the situation and also the importance of being prepared for unexpected emergency situations. I love this series and I've enjoyed my time spent with these amazing kids on a beautiful island.

I received a gifted copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Natalie Chickey · Rating 3 out of 5]

I always enjoy Mary Alice Monroe's beach novels, particularly with the conservation theme and the protection of the sea turtles and dolphins. When I saw Monroe had a new book coming out, I instantly added it to my cart. I was surprised when the book arrived and I discovered it was a Young Adult novel. So, I read it in less than one day, and it was good YA stuff - but I am overall not a fan of YA novels - they lack the depth I usually demand when I pick up a book, even if that book is only a beach read. I would certain;y recommend this book to middle schoolers, though, as it is a delightful adventure story with practical survival tips and a strong bond of friendship among the three survivor teenagers.

[Kim Wilch · Rating 5 out of 5]

Let’s talk about that cover - I fell in love with it’s pearly sheen and wonderful artwork. I definitely judge a book by its cover and had no doubt this was going to be a great book. 

Starting on book 3 of the series, I will surely go back and read the first two. Thankfully, Shipwrecked can be read as a standalone and could follow along just fine. I enjoyed following the characters on their adventures - perfect for either girls or boys. The authors did a fantastic job of making me feel like I was in the story and taking part in the adventures. The themes of family, friendship, teamwork, and acceptance are wonderful. The environment and animal facts sprinkled throughout the story make a nice bonus. Recommended.

[Kathy (Bermudaonion) · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s summer and that means friends Jake, Lovie, and Macon are back on Dewees Island. When Jake sees Oysterman Ollie has his boat for sale, he’s determined to buy it for himself. He works hard and saves his money and gets the boat. He invites his friends to go on its maiden voyage with him and his dad. When Jake’s dad cancels, he talks his friends into going anyway and, when a storm comes up, they become lost at sea.

What an exciting middle grade book! I fell in love with the characters in the previous books and enjoyed visiting with them again. They’re used to boats and water so figure they can handle the boat on their own. When the storm comes up, they work together and use the resources and knowledge they have to make a bad situation better.

[Corrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book 3 in the Islanders series was so good, once again. Ms. Monroe never disappoints in her story telling.

The book follows 3 friends Jake, Macon and Lovie and is split into 2 parts.

Part one follows Jake trying to earn money to purchase a run down boat that no one thinks is worth the time or trouble. He talks his 2 friends into helping him earn the money as well as refurbish the boat.

Part 2 follows the friends as the venture out on the inaugural boat ride, by themselves. The boat engine dies, then they get caught in a storm and shipwrecked on a deserted island. They have some good and bad days together on the island and try to support each other as they all are worried they might not be found!

I've really enjoyed this series and highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys reading about family & friendships, the environment, beach living and the fun summer adventures 3 best friends can get into!

I received a free E-ARC from Simon and Schuster Children's Publishing, Aladdin & Netgalley for my honest review.

[Sherry · Rating 4 out of 5]

The third in the Islanders series- Jake, Macon, and Lovie are best friends who spend their summers on Dewees Island. This summer, Jake really wants to buy a boat and with a lot of work and help from his parents and friends, his dream comes true. The day the kids are supposed to go for the first boat ride with Jake's dad, his dad cancels and they decide to go without him. What could possibly go wrong? When the engine on the boat dies and a storm comes, the kids are shipwrecked. Luckily for them, their island knowledge as well as their nature knowledge and past lessons, prove to be the key to survival. Great story, definitely recommend.

[Amanda Thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

The narrator, Michael Crouch, continues to do a great job channeling Jake. He keeps the listener engaged and makes all of the emotions of the characters relatable and believable. Of the three books, this one was the hardest for me to get into. There was a part of me that was excited to accompany the characters through the trials and tribulations of trying to raise the money to purchase a boat. Then, all of a sudden, he got it. It did allow me to move on to the “shipwrecked” portion of the book, but it left me a little wanting. Don’t get me wrong - I still enjoyed the book but it wasn’t as smooth of a story as the first two.

[Janet Balliet]

Jake, Lovie, & Macon are back on Dewes Island for the summer. Jake wants a boat of his own. He works to earn the money to buy an old boat. He & his friends clean & paint it. His father promises to take them out in it for it's maiden trip. but keeps having to cancel. Jake decides to do it anyway. He & Macon leave their cell phones home & Lovie breaks hers trying to take a pic. They are battered in a storm after the motor fails. The end up on an island in NC for over a week before being rescued. Jake needs to use survival info taught by his Dad & Macon puts his Scount training to work during the week!

[Noelle Marshall · Rating 4 out of 5]

“The boat was like an oyster; rough, bumpy, muddy on the outside but it’s what’s on the inside that counts.”

Title: Shipwrecked
Author: Mary Alice Monroe

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 4.5

This is a middle grade fiction book.

This book follows Jake, Macon and Lovie. Three best friends who find themselves in a fight for survival. When the boat Jake worked so hard for stops working on its maiden voyage and they end up getting stranded and shipwrecked.

The whole time I read this I kept comparing it to the TV show Outer Banks. It is a book for younger kids but like the show. There is adventure, friendship, drama, schemes and treasure. I really enjoyed this book!

[Bookish Heidi · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you're looking for a book/series that just screams summer, this is it! These books are so fun! Jake, Macon, and Lovie are back on Dewees Island for the summer, and what a summer it will be! Jake finally got his dream boat, and they can't wait to go explore. Their first adventure out, the engine dies, and they're forced to remember survival techniques until they're rescued. They learned a lot about themselves, each other, and the value of hard work. This one was a bit deeper, but still a fun read!

[Debbie Rozier · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a middle grade series that is perfect summertime reading. I love the story of the three friends that get to spend their summers together on Dewes Island, SC. I also enjoy the environmental lessons added into this read.

There is a lot of adventure as the three friends: Jake, Macon, and Lovie find themselves stranded after Jake’s boat breaks down.

So many good themes in this book for not only the target age reader, but also for us adults as well.

Nature, adventure, and friendship..it doesn’t get better than that!

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shipwrecked is a tale of survival, friendship, and teamwork. When a group of kids heads out on a boat, everything goes wrong and they end up shipwrecked on an island. They will have to work together to survive and rely on their skills and wit to get by.

I listened to this with my 8 year old and we both really enjoyed it. As a parent, I loved the life lessons and navigating friendships. My son loved the action and adventure with relatable characters.

Thank you to Simon and Schuster for an ALC to enjoy.

[Sylvia "Chivy" · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVED it. It was a great story, just like book 1.
A must read for all ages.
Thank you Mary Alice Monroe and Angela May for writing a WONDERFUL series. I have truly enjoyed and have LOVED every word, every character especially "Honey."

Thank you Michael Crouch for narrating this wonderful series and bringing all these characters to life, especially "Honey. "

Happy Reading 📚
Happy Listening 🎧

[Christy Wv Tate · Rating 4 out of 5]

I bought these series for my youngest son. I picked up book 1 during our beach vacation( we always go to the outer banks- last 15 years at least once a year). I was immediately hooked. The islanders, the nature, the development of the characters are so relatable.

I devoured book 3 in basically a day. Can’t wait for more….

[Marilyn Goncalves · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was such a fun book to read. This time around we have Jake, Macon and Lovie who get shipwrecked and they discover that life isn’t all happy and fun, along with that there are obstacles and heartbreaks along the way. I loved their friendship and it’s a great middle grade read. I’m passing this one on to my nephews.

[Marcia · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an exciting end to The Islanders trilogy. Our three adventuring middle schoolers deal with the power of the ocean, the strength of friendship and learn that being stubborn and headstrong can lead to experiences that are terrifying and dangerous. Sticking together with friends in situations beyond your control can help you survive and get back home.

[Paige Whitworth · Rating 4 out of 5]

definitely worth it! fell out of reading for a couple of months and this was the book i picked up and finished it the same day! back into reading! recommend listening to slow music with no words once they find the island! made the book extra special! also love the relationship between Lovie and Jake towards the end! was waiting for that one moment for A LONG TIME but VERY worth it!

[Candice · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jake, Lovie, and Macon are out on another adventure. The last installment in this series is my favorite. There’s something for everyone: Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, adventurers, parents…everyone! Read to find out what The Islanders summer plans are and how they plan to accomplish it.

[cooper · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. I read this book in 4 days at the beach and it was a perfect read! I have read all of the books on the same beach every year for 3 years, overalll amazing middle grade series for summer! THE BANTER BETWEEN JAKE AND LOVIE OML ITS FREAKING GOOD! The sub plot of romance was a nice touch!