Island of Stars

by Carrie Brownell, Joe Hox (illustrator)

Island of Stars is a middle grade, old-fashioned adventure story involving curious kids, a mysterious island, and grownups who may be hiding something nearly impossible to believe.

This historical fantasy novel takes readers along on an expedition with twins Bert and Betty and their friend, Cecily. Exploring an uninhabited island where their parents, marine biologists and mineralogists, are working for the summer, they discover much more than they bargained for. Weaving together history, mythology, and the magic that is childhood, Island of Stars explores classic themes of trust, courage, truth, and morality in this rollicking adventure. This book is one which parents can confidently place into their children's hands, knowing that it’s a timeless story that avoids any adult themes or controversial subjects.will take you on an old-fashioned adventure, building like an ocean wave as nautical mysteries and historical intrigue are blended together in a fairy tale that resolves itself in a fantastical climax. This story was written primarily for ages 9-12, but is a perfect family read-aloud and one that will keep adult readers entertained and engaged as well.

Genres: Middle Grade, Fiction, Fantasy, Childrens, Audiobook

411 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 30, 2024

About the author

Carrie lives in N. Idaho with her husband and five children. She loves books and travel most of all and is more than unusually obsessed with the royal family. She loves dabbling in words, but writes very bad biographical sketches of herself.

Her favorite genre is Middle Grade fiction and she is the author of two pieces of the same: Island of Stars & A Light at the End of the Woods. She has also written a short, fully-illustrated Christmas story, The Golden Hour.

Reviews

[Sharon Weinschreider · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this book! It’s written in the tradition of classic children’s fiction. (Complete with motherless children.) The characters are well-written, it’s a wonderful story, and there’s plenty of action. I especially enjoyed the myth-building and imaginative fantasy elements.

One minor quibble: Bert and Betty, who are our main protagonists, are supposed to be twins but Bert seems much older and more mature.

A not-so-minor quibble: for a middle grade fiction, it’s 400 pages and that seems significantly too long and the first half moved very slowly. But the action really picks up at the end and it had a very satisfying conclusion!

Definitely worth reading!

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

I always worry slightly when I read books by people I consider “friends” - what if I hate it? I haven’t met Carrie in real life but our online paths have crossed for long enough that I would consider her a friend - so take this review with that in mind.

I needn’t have worried. This book was excellent and a fabulous debut. This is a relatively long read for being middle grade fiction, but the chapters are short. It was slow-paced without being a slog and allowed time to feel immersed in the world and families that Brownell has created. The plot took directions I wasn’t expecting and I would be curious if I would have picked up on them during a reread. I appreciated the family dynamic of the novel and the relationships between children and adults. The question of when is it okay to lie is handled well too.

The basic premise of the book is a scientific adventure to an island that occasionally disappears… the island itself is a magical place for the three children spending the summer there - mysterious doors and caverns lead to some of the island’s secrets revealing themselves to the children.

The storytelling is well done and the author’s love for all things British shines through - both in the history and in little details like biscuits and tin soldiers. Plus, there is a character named Cordelia, which I feel is a nod to one of our shared favorite stories (IYKYK)…

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

In a vivid modern setting, Carrie Brownell draws you into a tale where history and fairytales collide and come to life. Sit back and allow the clipper ship known as the Rainbow to sweep you away on a tale of tides with so many hues of warmth and shades of mystery in its sweet depths.

Island of Stars is a historically inspired, action-adventure, mystery suited for all ages. With strong family values and just the right amount of suspense to keep you on your toes. Pick up Island of Star to be swept away on this mysterious adventure with a brilliant dash of fairytales…are real

Reading this, I realized I was once again old enough for fairy tales.

I was delighted to read an ARC copy and highly recommend this story.

[Samantha · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the old fashioned feel of this story! The writing style was lovely and imaginative and the story itself had all kinds of charming folklore and plot twists that were both engaging and intriguing! There was a brief lag in the story at one point, but it quickly passed.

I audiobooked this read and the narrator pleasantly surprised me as I don’t normally like female narrators. However, Denise Hoey’s voice illustrated the different personalities of the characters and feel of the story perfectly!

In short, I am going to miss escaping into this novel now that it is over and I know I will return to it in book form. I’ll need to mark some of the lovely passages. There is one line in particular about sea foam and pearls that I found especially beautiful.

[Jeremiah Lorrig · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pirates, magic artifacts, and a summer vacation come together in this surprisingly fresh story.

Three kids find themselves on a scientific expedition that sounds like a summer getaway, but as they explore, the world of storybooks comes rushing into their experience.

The book is written in a classic style that feels old even when it is set in modern England. I was/am still surprised by the way the story was not predictable.

This book is the first book written by a friend, and I’m excited to see where her next book goes.

[Gina Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was incredibly skeptical of this book. Why? I don’t know…maybe because it was new, maybe because I liked the author’s artwork and literary shop? Despite the fact that I had read many glowing reviews I was still not expecting much. I got it on Audible during a big sale or I probably wouldn’t have tried it. Now, maybe I gave it 5 stars because my expectations were so low, but I did really really enjoy it! I liked the characters, I liked the myths, and the fantasy, I liked that the parents were respected and involved, it was just a fun read with fun history woven in.

[Breann Moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

A myriad of emotions occurred whilst reading Island of Stars by Carrie Brownell and my husband can attest that my face displayed every single one of them!

This review is intentionally vague because I refuse to give any sort of inkling of spoilers.

When I got this ARC, I instantly had to make sure that the *final* copy was also to include the amazingly thick pages. There’s nothing I hate more than having to be gentle with a book because the pages are fragile. 📖

Anyway, on to the story! I greatly appreciated the obvious research on clipper ships and history that went in to this. Carrie gives no reason to distrust any information that could potentially be factual and I respect that. Going in I knew little of the story aside from that it involved 3 children on an island that have an adventure and I feel that is likely the best approach to this novel as too much plot will result in knowing too much!

The chapters are short, which is fantastic to me as I much prefer being able to not have to stop in the middle of a chapter if the need arises.

I cried, I guessed future plot points incorrectly, I thought MAYBE I had found plot holes but nooooo, I was much endeared by certain characters and utterly despised others…sometimes both in one, and I left the story feeling like I had just emerged from an adventure of my own but also in a very contemplative mood. 🧐

One thing that I will say is that there are quite a few themes in here that caused me to think to myself if there’s any good reason to lie and how absolutely true it is that we as humans attempt to extend our lives as much as possible that we tend to forget to live our lives and live them well with the short time we’ve been given. (Along with many other thoughts)

I give this a hearty 5 stars and I am so happy to do so. 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

[Stephanie P (Because My Mother Read) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book for review.

This new middle grade release has the feel of a classic! It follows two siblings who accompany their dad on an academic exploration of a mysterious island along with their new friend and her scientist parents.

With its contemporary setting and elements of history and mythology, unplugged childhood adventures, and mystery threads, it has a very timeless feel to it. It was also nice to see a middle grade where all the adults didn’t have to be eliminated for the children to have a chance to shine and that they still had positive interactions with the adults in their lives while leaning into childhood magic.

It is available in hardcover (which includes a few illustrations!) and audiobook (available on all major audiobook platforms). My daughter is listening to it on hoopla now and the narrator is very good!

[Abby Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s always a bit difficult to read the books of people you know, or even know sorta second or thirdhand. There’s always the fear that you might not enjoy their book and that uncomfortableness might ensue. I don’t know Carrie Brownell, but I do know the Sarah Gabriel mentioned in the Acknowledgements. As Sarah edited this book, she told me again and again that I needed to read it and that I would like it. I trust Sarah. If she tells me to read something or watch something, I know I’m going to like it, but there is still that little bit of discomfort because what if I don’t like this one? Silly fears. Silly, silly fears.

As I snuggled in to read this middle-grade historical fairy tale, I wondered to myself at what point I would get hooked, what line would be the moment I thought, “Yes, this is it, this is a good book.”

Well, it was the first line.

As soon as I sat down and read “The Rainbow was an extraordinary clipper ship.” I was hooked and happy. Few things fill me with absolutely sheer delight and all the childhood feels like ships from the Golden Age of Sail. They always bring the right cocktail of romance, elegance, imagination, and terror. Ships like the Rainbow so often end up being characters in their own right, which is why this still happens today in Star Trek, Firefly, and Stargate. “And all I ask is a tall ship and a star to steer her by.” (Sea-Fever by John Masefield)

I’ve been reading books about ships my whole life and I always want to read more. This book weaves the high seas adventures of the Golden Age of Sail with Irish folklore, and then brings it all into a modern setting. I could not have been happier with this combination because it is what I desired in childhood. I read folktales and I read history and I read fairy tales and longed for my own adventures. I don’t know about other kids, but I feared the time of adventure, real adventure, was long past, that I had missed it by being born in a more modern era. This book allows a kid like I was to find the adventure I longed for.

The book is beautifully written. I underlined many wonderful descriptions that captured my imagination. Description of trees, the sea, the sand, and stars were all painted into the imagination without becoming heavy-handed. Not only was my inner child being fed, but so was my inner writer. Nothing pleases me more than a wonderful description, even one line, about the beauty of trees. (I am not channeling Tolkien…right?)

What I found most refreshing about this book was the children. They were respectful and obedient. Not perfect by any means, and certainly not dull or lacking in imagination and adventure, but they reminded me of how I and my siblings would have behaved, of how we were raised. They felt real. They did not need disrespect and disregard for the adults to have an adventure and save the day. I loved that. I think if I had read this book as a 12-year-old tomboy, I would have disliked Betty and loved Bert. (I still loved Bert.) I would have felt that Betty was too soft and frightened and cried too much. But looking at her through the eyes of an adult, I feel like she is true to form. My nieces, who aren’t growing up with a bunch of boys like I did, are very much like Betty, and that is a good thing. I would have found her a kindred spirit when it came to imagination and fairy tales. Her feeling when she sees the stars is exactly how I felt. I loved that. I adored Bert. What a boy. What a real boy. I loved how the book unapologetically had Bert look out for the girls, lead the way, and join his father up front. I love how none of the girls felt insulted by this. The men in this book are protective and leading, and the girls let them be. No girl bosses to be found. What a drink of cool water in a parched land. The sibling aspects were so well done. I laughed so hard at some points and nodded at how familiar others felt. This is how siblings behave. It felt so very real. I loved that. The scene where they are at Oak Lair collecting acorns and preparing to be stormed by pirates felt like it had been pulled from my own childhood. That was magic.

I appreciated the parental insight this book included. We got little snippets of how the children’s parents were dealing with things and a realistic reaction from the parents at the end. I also appreciated Cordy’s understanding of the parents even as a woman without children. I loved Cordy so much because she was such a mother to the children, especially the twins. I think it is great for children to read that their parents aren’t always sure of what they’re doing and that they have to wrestle with their decisions. This is a good age to give kids the opportunity to see their parents in a new light as people, not just mom and dad. I love the choice the twins' father made to be a father first always. This made me love him immediately.

There is a wholesome air in this book that is like visiting the sea on vacation after you’ve been in the city far too long.

As for the plot twist… I’m going to try not to give spoilers, but I will say I was so pleased with the plot twist. I was getting nervous as I went along because if there wasn’t a plot twist, I was going to be very disappointed. Then it came! Huzzah!

I think this book gives parents and children lots to talk about. It not only can be used to introduce your kids to certain points in history but also to different folklore and fairy tales. It gives you a chance to develop the idea of the Perilous Realms. That fey and faerie are beautiful but not safe. It provides good platforms for discussing choices. This book won’t teach your kids bad behavior or to cut the grownups out of their lives, but it will let you talk to them about how not everything is what it seems and to be discerning and careful. It will also provide parents an opportunity to talk about life and life ending. All in all, a safe book, but not a stale, boring, or bland book.

“It is said to be a reminder that women have the power to change the world through seemingly small acts of heroism when they stand on the side of truth.” This line literally gave me chills .

[Ashley Bigley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! It takes all the things that I like about E Nesbit and Enid Blyton and tells a story that leaves out the small things that I had problems with reading these authors. It is full of childhood adventure and safe to give to my 10 year old to read.

[Patricia Meredith · Rating 4 out of 5]

A beautiful book to read aloud with my kids! We enjoyed the adventure and the mystery, which brought to mind Enid Blyton, Edith Nesbit, and Edward Eager in their style and voice. The narrator did an excellent job capturing the classic beauty of a book that harkens back to the adventure stories of our youth. A truly wonderful read-aloud!

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this story so much! I reminds me of Swallows and Amazons, and Narnia, and the Famous Five… all books I grew up on & loved. There is adventure, mystery, friendships, teamwork, fantasy, and fun. I can’t wait for my kids to read it (ages 6-14 and they will all love it).

[Rachel {bibliopals}]

Finally finished this one! It's hard to get through when everyone in the family of seven wants to be present to hear. 🥰

[Debs Daniels · Rating 4 out of 5]

Island of Stars is a mysterious island that two families and a few other people visit for the alleged purpose of scientific research. It's quite early on in that the author lets us know that the island has the ability to disappear. This is a mystery that is explained, it's one small piece of a much larger mystery.
The characters are likable, especially the 3 kids (aged 12) and a female photographer that helps them. They are well developed and have character growth, all the things you want in a good story. There are many moments that the adult in me wants the to have a parent with them. These are kids learning to make decisions, some right, some wrong. They are learning to face life with courage and make hard choices. It's a good coming of age story. They are all good kids. They are respectful and responsible.
I really don't feel like I can say much about the plot without giving things away. I read 400 pages in 7 days, so it clearly held my attention. That being said, this is a middle-grade novel & that's quite large for middle-graders. The kids are all twelve, and there is a young lady, early twenties. The kids also play with tin soldiers. Not a lot, but if you want this for your older teen they may or may not relate to the kids, but possibly the twenty-something that is a key part of the story.
If you like pirates and/or Elizabeth 1 era than you should read this book. I believe the author is American, but the families are all from the United Kingdom. Having lived in England I can say that this feels more British than American, but without being overly British. You don't have to worry about there being lots of British verbiage your kids won't know.
There's no question that I'm glad I read it. It's a fantastic adventure with a plot twist that I really loved.
There are a few fabulous illustrations within.

[Shirelibrary · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book a lot! A great middle-grade fiction with some fantasy/fairytale elements to it. (Okay, a lot of fantasy/fairytale elements).
The kid in me thoroughly enjoyed reading the book, and the adult in me really wanted to shake some sense into the kids (well, into Bert in particular), which makes me feel that it is a book that kids will love.

My one slight issue, is that the end-of-story plot twist seemed … I don’t know… out of character with the rest of the book? I have been thinking about the ending for nearly the last 24 hours, and trying to decide what bothered me about it. I mean, plot twists are supposed to be unpredictable, and I know that, but… I was really thrown off by it and spent so much time trying to reconcile it with what had already been told, that I feel like I need to go back and reread the whole book again to see what I missed.

So yeah, overall, 4 stars! Loved it, I think kids will love it, but the plot twist bothered me. I do want reread it again soonish, and see if that changes anything for me.

I should add that I listened to this via audiobook and the narrator was fabulous!

[O.R. Sykora · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good, old-fashioned adventure involving curious kids, a mysterious island, and grownups who may be hiding something almost impossible to believe? Sounds like a great summer read to me!
Island of Stars is Carrie Brownell's debut MG historical fantasy novel. Twins Bert and Betty along with friend Cecily may have discovered more than they bargained for while exploring the island where their parents are working for the summer. What should the children do when telling the truth could cost so much? And how are they to accomplish the task entrusted to them?
Trust, courage, truth, & mortality are a few of the themes explored in this rollicking adventure. It's a clean read—no steam, shocks, or swearing, so parents can confidently plop Island of Stars into the hands of their MG readers! Carrie Brownell weaves together history, mythology, and the magic that is childhood and summer and stars into her tale. Pick up your own copy and sail off to an island that may—or may not—allow you entry.

[Luminous Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Join the twins, Bert and Betty, on a summer holiday to a mysterious, uncharted island. Their father has been recruited as the marine biologist for this expedition and as the family sets sail ship from times past, it soon becomes evident that there is more to this trip beyond scientific exploration...

The island itself is full of secrets, and the enigmatic Dr. Tate and Dr. Ballard both seem to be hiding something.
Together, the twins and their new friend, Cecily, find themselves in a world where history and fairytales intertwine with the present.

Island of Stars was such a delight!
This tale beautifully combines the nostalgic summertime adventure of Enid Blyton with the magic and whimsy of Edith Nesbit—the perfect combination! I loved how Carrie wove together strands of history, fairytales, and wholesome adventures together to create a story that is truly unforgettable and rich with imagination.

[Kristin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I actually started this book on audio back in October and got seven chapters in. Then the audiobook on Hoopla glitched so I had to put it on pause until I got my own physical copy!

I really enjoyed this middle grade novel. I liked how the characters and family dynamics felt realistic. My favorite part was how myth and fairy tale and history were all intertwined in the story! That feels unusual in books for children today.

My only criticism would be that sometimes it felt a bit wordy or redundant. In that the kids were so often mentioned gathering their lunch supplies or making a plan or grabbing their packs. I did appreciate the realism at first, but after a point it could have just been assumed I think.

Anyway, a wholesome, timeless adventure that I will look forward to handing over to my boys when they're older. (They're currently a little young at 5 and 2, ha.)

[Olivia Basha · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was delightful! I listened on audio, and I can’t wait to get the hard copy to keep for when my toddler daughter is old enough to read it. Though written as a middle grade novel, Island of Stars fulfills its author’s hope of being enjoyable for adults as well. There were so many thought-provoking lines; the story was thoroughly engaging; the characters were relatable; and the ties to history made this history-grad happy! Bravo, Carrie Brownell!

(Also, as a side note, the audiobook reader was fantastic. I’ve listened to so many audiobooks where the reader distracted from the story, either by not making the characters’ voices distinct enough or not speaking with accurate accents, but Denise Hoey hit it out of the park and made me fully immersed in the story.)

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fun adventure! I liked the setting and tone. A possibly magical island inhabited only/temporarily by scientists and their kids? Beaches and forests and caves to explore? Yes, please!

I got a bit tired of how afraid the girls were to engage in adventure. Sure, caution is warranted (and the boy could learn something about that), but COME ON! At least some curiosity and careful experiments, please? How can you see something like a [redacted] and seriously be ready to just stop playing and walk away? 

Also the way that one adult treated them... Grr... I wasn't ready for how well he got treated in the ending. Also I really don't think their solution is going to help long-term? Won't more fall?

Complaints aside, I did enjoy the listen.

[Myersandburnsie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really great debut story from this author.

The good: lovely characters and setting, very British. Believable plot and just enough fantasy and mythology to be thrilled, kind of like being let in on the secret that some fairytales are real. And I did not see the plot twist coming. Love that!

The bad: it was a tad long, though the chapters were short. Some lines were delivered with too much of a modern sentiment, felt a little forced. (“Don’t freak out” for example).

In Sum: I recommend!

Side note: I started this on audio, but I did not love the reader. Reading the book was way better for me. Handing it off to the 4th grader.

[Ashlea Marshall · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book started out cozy and then developed a mystery and adventure. While I did enjoy it, I can't quite give it 5 stars. While there are some fantasy elements, this book still supposedly takes place in our world. Most places on earth have 2 high tides and two low tides, and these change time of day as it takes a little more than 6 hours to go from high tide to low tide and vice versa. The timing of several events depended upon one high tide and one low tide each day at the same time. I don't even live near the shore, and I knew about the two low tides each day without looking it up. I just wish a bit more research was done to make it more believable.

[David Lapp · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wanted to like this middle-grade story, and for a while, I did. Sure, it read like a debut novel at times, but it was still a good debut novel. A solid 4 stars.

And then, I hit the unexpected twist. And it just didn’t work. I was asked to rethink everything in the story so far and then I had to be satisfied with a payoff that was far smaller than what it was promising before everything changed. If you need to know what I’m referring to, read the book. Or don’t. It’s up to you.

I still appreciate a lot of things about this story and there’s much potential. For those reasons, I’lI give it three stars and give her other novel a try. I’m hopeful I’ll be less disappointed.

[Kelsey Jones · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 rounded up to a 4.

I truly can't believe this is this author's debut novel! There were some good themes and messages in this book that I think would open some excellent conversations with your kids. I could tell this was written by a homeschool mom by the way this author taught history in such a fun and magical way!

If you are wary of magic - you may want to know that this book has mermaids and addresses topics such as immortality.

There is one word that we would not say in our home included in this book. I read it on my kindle, so I am not sure of the page number.

[Gretchen Louise · Rating 4 out of 5]

We listened to Island of Stars on a family road trip and now I'm debating the merits of plot points and twists with my children. We've mostly agreed we have to go back and read it again from the beginning to look at the characters in a new light. Full review coming soon... But in short, buy this book. It's a simply lovely debut in the style of Arthur Ransome and Edith Nesbitt.

[Brooke Cooney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonder and adventure-filled, this debut book has an old-world feel. Charming character names, family dynamics, and oozing with that which is true, good and beautiful this story will entertain and inspire children and adults. I loved the narrator and everything about this story. Highly recommend! Now to go and read more about a certain character from Elizabethan history…

[Shannon Skaer · Rating 5 out of 5]

My 13yo daughter who listened to the Island of Stars and she loved it!
She enjoyed the adventure and characters (especially Cecilly), and said the storyline was “awesome”.
There was one plot twist that annoyed her because it upset her hopes for certain side characters, but even so, Island of Stars was one of her favorite reads this summer.

[ValeReads Kyriosity · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love it when people who love what they do do what they love. Carrie Brownell loves nice, fat, engaging middle-grade stories, so she went and wrote her own. I hope it will be the first of many. Island of Stars was just right for a vacation read — the perfect balance of adventuresome and cozy.

Denise Hoey was spot-on as the narrator for the book.

[Sherry · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good debut novel. Island of Stars combines historical fiction and fantasy to make a lovely story with engaging characters. Some of the pacing is a little slow, with details that don't really add to the story, but overall it's a good beginning to what I hope are many more similar stories from a talented author.

[Jenn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute and mysterious with an unexpected twist. I had a bit of a hard time with the kids' attitudes, and of how quickly everyone decided the creepy Tate was more trustworthy than Adam. Tate shifted from being the obvious bad guy to being someone who could be admired and followed in a way that was unbelievable for me.... especially once the confrontation with Adam occured.