What do you think?
Rate this book
The Island of Beyond
Eleven-year-old Martin can hardly imagine a worse summer. His dad is sending him to his great-aunt Lenore, who lives on a tiny island called Beyond. Martin's dad wants him to like "normal" boy things--playing sports and exploring the outdoors. Martin's afraid he'll never be the son his dad wants him to be. Being stuck in the middle of nowhere won't change that.
But nothing about Beyond is what Martin expects. Not peculiar Aunt Lenore, not mysterious Uncle Nedâ-and certainly not the strange, local boy who unexpectedly befriends Martin. Solo can canoe and climb trees and survive on his own in the wilderness, and Martin's drawn to him in a way he doesn't quite understand. But he's not sure he can trust Solo. In fact, can he trust anything about this strange island, where everyone seems to be keeping secrets?
But nothing about Beyond is what Martin expects. Not peculiar Aunt Lenore, not mysterious Uncle Nedâ-and certainly not the strange, local boy who unexpectedly befriends Martin. Solo can canoe and climb trees and survive on his own in the wilderness, and Martin's drawn to him in a way he doesn't quite understand. But he's not sure he can trust Solo. In fact, can he trust anything about this strange island, where everyone seems to be keeping secrets?
288 pages, Hardcover
First published April 1, 2016
5 people are currently reading
663 people want to read
About the author
Elizabeth Atkinson
6 books92 followersI'm the award-winning Middle Grade author of FROM ALICE TO ZEN, I EMMA FREKE, THE SUGAR MOUNTAIN SNOW BALL, THE ISLAND OF BEYOND, and FLY BACK, AGNES MOON coming in Spring 2020!
My favorite part of writing for tweens is connecting with young readers and aspiring writers. I've visited with thousands of students (schools, libraries, book clubs, Skype) across the USA and as far away as Canada, Ireland, and China!
So if you're interested, check out my website www.elizabethatkinson.com and contact me about my Author Visits and writing workshops!
My favorite part of writing for tweens is connecting with young readers and aspiring writers. I've visited with thousands of students (schools, libraries, book clubs, Skype) across the USA and as far away as Canada, Ireland, and China!
So if you're interested, check out my website www.elizabethatkinson.com and contact me about my Author Visits and writing workshops!
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
September 23, 2016
THE ISLAND OF BEYOND is a beautiful and action-packed story about a young boy named Martin who feels like he doesn't belong in his school culture of tough guys and machismo. His father, too, propels the culture that real-guys-act-tough-rugged, and Martin's sensitivity, curiosity, and wonder don't find their outlet. Enter a mysterious island in Western Maine where Martin goes to stay with his old Aunt Lenore. While on the island, he meets Solo, a young boy who wildness has more depth and complexity than any other he has met, and where Martin begins to learn the truth of his own heart and that he does belong.
I read this book in two bursts, finishing with tears in my eyes and hopes that all my 7th grade students would read it. It is a beautiful rumination on acceptance, complexity, and embracing who we really are. I highly recommend it!
I read this book in two bursts, finishing with tears in my eyes and hopes that all my 7th grade students would read it. It is a beautiful rumination on acceptance, complexity, and embracing who we really are. I highly recommend it!
June 1, 2016
The Island of Beyond by Elizabeth Atkinson is a coming-of-age story with adventure and a bit of mystery thrown in. I'm always intrigued by books about a character who is drawn out of his safe world against his will and thrown into a situation that he never would have chosen on his own. Thus is the premise for The Island of Beyond.
Martin expects to spend his summer locked in his room, playing video games, where he feels safe and comfortable, away from people who don't understand or like him. But Martin's dad has something else in mind for his son. He is sending him to the island named Beyond where his old aunt lives and where he spent many summers of his childhood. He wants his son to become "normal" and be like other boys, exploring the woods and creating adventures. With much trepidation, Martin slowly widens his circle, ventures away from his aunt's house and finds an unlikely friend in a boy who inhabits the island. Dangerous adventures and mysteries round out this coming-of-age story that readers ages 8-12 will find enjoyable.
Martin expects to spend his summer locked in his room, playing video games, where he feels safe and comfortable, away from people who don't understand or like him. But Martin's dad has something else in mind for his son. He is sending him to the island named Beyond where his old aunt lives and where he spent many summers of his childhood. He wants his son to become "normal" and be like other boys, exploring the woods and creating adventures. With much trepidation, Martin slowly widens his circle, ventures away from his aunt's house and finds an unlikely friend in a boy who inhabits the island. Dangerous adventures and mysteries round out this coming-of-age story that readers ages 8-12 will find enjoyable.
August 16, 2021
the book was interesting, It was labeled a horror book but I definitely don't see it. The theme would probably be "overcome your fears". I think that because, in the beginning, he is terrified to go to nevermore for a week. He thinks he won't be able to survive in that place, but by the end, he overcomes his fears and stays WAY longer than he thought he was due to the fact that he wanted to stay in nevermore for even longer. There are multiple climaxes and one of the climaxes did confuse me. In my eyes, he looked at the problem, and pretty much acted like a wuss. but overall, cool I guess.
February 17, 2024
It was kinda weird, about some kids who play in the woods. I felt like this story didn’t have much of a concept, so I’ll just rate it a 3 out of 5
February 1, 2016
The Island Of Beyond
Genre- Middle grade fiction
Author-Elizabeth Atkinson
-This is an advanced reader’s copy, I am reviewing this book for my reading class at school
Have you ever been one of those people who just sits inside all day during the summer and does not anything. That is just what eleven year old Martin did every summer. So one morning in the beginning of summer, Martin’s father decided to take a different approach to this year's summer. He thought that Martin needed to get out more and that he is just wasting his summer staying inside all day. Once Martin heard the news, he freaked out. His father was making him visit his Aunt Lenore on her little island called beyond. He hated the idea of going into the outdoors and doing things like fishing or canoeing. Eventually his father got him to go. While on the island, Martin had some terrible adventures and some really good ones. Overall, Martin had a way better summer this year.
My favorite character is Martin. This is because he was so mad that he had to go his aunt’s house but after all he realized that he had a great time and that he should try more things to excite his life. I would recommend this book because right off the bat it introduces a topic that kids today are affected by and that topic is wasting your summer indoors. The type of reader that would enjoy this book is someone who likes to read about how kids are faced with challenges in life that they have never faced. It can be adventurous, difficult, and even hilarious. Overall I think this book is great and will have you hooked on in no time and I enjoyed every bit of it.
Genre- Middle grade fiction
Author-Elizabeth Atkinson
-This is an advanced reader’s copy, I am reviewing this book for my reading class at school
Have you ever been one of those people who just sits inside all day during the summer and does not anything. That is just what eleven year old Martin did every summer. So one morning in the beginning of summer, Martin’s father decided to take a different approach to this year's summer. He thought that Martin needed to get out more and that he is just wasting his summer staying inside all day. Once Martin heard the news, he freaked out. His father was making him visit his Aunt Lenore on her little island called beyond. He hated the idea of going into the outdoors and doing things like fishing or canoeing. Eventually his father got him to go. While on the island, Martin had some terrible adventures and some really good ones. Overall, Martin had a way better summer this year.
My favorite character is Martin. This is because he was so mad that he had to go his aunt’s house but after all he realized that he had a great time and that he should try more things to excite his life. I would recommend this book because right off the bat it introduces a topic that kids today are affected by and that topic is wasting your summer indoors. The type of reader that would enjoy this book is someone who likes to read about how kids are faced with challenges in life that they have never faced. It can be adventurous, difficult, and even hilarious. Overall I think this book is great and will have you hooked on in no time and I enjoyed every bit of it.
December 8, 2015
The Island of Beyond is a good addition to school shelves. Martin is a lonely boy misunderstood and deemed unacceptable by his domineering father. In a plan to simultaneously toughen Martin up and influence the goodwill of his aging Aunt Lenore, Martin's father sends him to the island of Beyond in the woods of Maine. Martin is wholly unprepared for life with out electronics and his favorite foods, but is intrigued by the wild boy, Solo, that seems intent on befriending Martin. Martin learns to accept people as they are, including himself. I really felt the author did a great job of being subtle about GLBT acceptance and its unpleasant history.
March 3, 2020
I so loved Martin’s character! I fell right into this book and couldn’t wait to pick it up again and again. I probably could have finished it in one sitting if I didn’t have a bunch of girls who are on and off being sick. The story was so sweet and tender. The writing would be great for a hesitant reader or for someone who wants to ease into a story. Martin’s growth from a shy, whiny, screen dependent boy into this boy who will take a chance, get to know someone, explore whats outside your window was so well done.
Read the rest of my review at https://beachwoodschoolhouse.wordpres...
Read the rest of my review at https://beachwoodschoolhouse.wordpres...
October 17, 2017
Excellent. The perfect summer adventure full of friendship, adventure, and self-revelation. This one will stay on my shelf for my boys to read!
July 13, 2018
Beautifully written coming of age story! Was absolutely enchanted by the writing, worldbuilding, and every one of the mysterious and endearing characters!
Reading this story took me back to when I was younger and made me remember the excitement of exploring the woods in summer. I read the whole thing in one day!
Reading this story took me back to when I was younger and made me remember the excitement of exploring the woods in summer. I read the whole thing in one day!
July 1, 2017
Elizabeth Atkinson tells the story of Martin, who is unceremoniously shipped to the remote island of Beyond by his self-centered, dishonest and domineering father. Martin is a lonely boy who depends heavily on his imaginary friend, video games and comics for his comfort and routine. Beyond takes him away from all of that.
What follows is a series of poorly developed conversations and experiences that are designed to show Martin gaining confidence and courage. Old, supposedly crazy, Aunt Lenore takes Martin into her confidence. Young, wild Solo shows up and becomes Martin's friend and guide, although Solo has no family, no home, doesn't attend school, and feeds himself from the garbage behind the grocery store.
Martin develops a strong emotional bond with Solo, and struggles with anger and jealousy concerning him. His barely acknowledged attachment becomes clearer when he meets a homosexual couple toward the end of the story and understands their feelings for one another.
Just as quickly as the story started, it ends with an ugly confrontation between Martin's father (a completely unsympathetic character) and everyone else. Martin asserts a newfound confidence, and the reader is left to assume that all will be well.
Atkinson does present Martin's feelings for Solo in a subtle way, but the storyline is underdeveloped and choppy.
I was provided an advanced electronic copy for review.
What follows is a series of poorly developed conversations and experiences that are designed to show Martin gaining confidence and courage. Old, supposedly crazy, Aunt Lenore takes Martin into her confidence. Young, wild Solo shows up and becomes Martin's friend and guide, although Solo has no family, no home, doesn't attend school, and feeds himself from the garbage behind the grocery store.
Martin develops a strong emotional bond with Solo, and struggles with anger and jealousy concerning him. His barely acknowledged attachment becomes clearer when he meets a homosexual couple toward the end of the story and understands their feelings for one another.
Just as quickly as the story started, it ends with an ugly confrontation between Martin's father (a completely unsympathetic character) and everyone else. Martin asserts a newfound confidence, and the reader is left to assume that all will be well.
Atkinson does present Martin's feelings for Solo in a subtle way, but the storyline is underdeveloped and choppy.
I was provided an advanced electronic copy for review.
Read
January 16, 2017A thoughtful middle grade book about finding friends and pushing one’s boundaries on a summer trip to a rural Maine island.
Recommended grade level: 4-6
Pages: 288 (for ISBN 9781467781169)
Genre(s) and keywords: realistic fiction
Tone/Style: mysterious
Pace: leisurely
Topics: islands, the outdoors, summer, trips
Themes: making friends, trying new things, becoming more active, becoming brave, discovering values
Who will like this book?: This is a thoughtful book best for mature readers who enjoy reading about internal change.
Who won’t like this book?: I feel it would take a special reader to “get” this book. Many readers will have a hard time with the leisurely pace and lack of action.
Other comments: Martin spends the first half of the book complaining and refusing to try things. The story really hits its stride after he comes around and develops a sense of purpose.
Sequel(s): none
What to read next: This One Summer by Mariko Tamaki and Jillian Tamaki is a graphic novel that also follows young people who undergo great change on a summer getaway.
https://flashlightchronicles.com/2016...
Find more middle school book summaries at Flashlight Chronicles: www.flashlightchronicles.com
Recommended grade level: 4-6
Pages: 288 (for ISBN 9781467781169)
Genre(s) and keywords: realistic fiction
Tone/Style: mysterious
Pace: leisurely
Topics: islands, the outdoors, summer, trips
Themes: making friends, trying new things, becoming more active, becoming brave, discovering values
Who will like this book?: This is a thoughtful book best for mature readers who enjoy reading about internal change.
Who won’t like this book?: I feel it would take a special reader to “get” this book. Many readers will have a hard time with the leisurely pace and lack of action.
Other comments: Martin spends the first half of the book complaining and refusing to try things. The story really hits its stride after he comes around and develops a sense of purpose.
Sequel(s): none
What to read next: This One Summer by Mariko Tamaki and Jillian Tamaki is a graphic novel that also follows young people who undergo great change on a summer getaway.
https://flashlightchronicles.com/2016...
Find more middle school book summaries at Flashlight Chronicles: www.flashlightchronicles.com
July 6, 2022
I thoroughly enjoyed this book! As a former children's librarian, I've read hundreds and hundreds of kids book from picture books, middle school fiction, to young adult novels, and enjoyed almost all of them. I'd forgotten that kids books don't waste any time on preamble or setting the scene -- they jump right into the middle of the action because if an author doesn't do that, s/he will lose the reader in just a few pages. As a result, the plot moved along quickly, made some unexpected turns, and never flagged from beginning to end. The only bit I found a bit incongruous was the reference right at the end to two man who appeared to have a gay relationship. It didn't offend or surprise me but it did seem to come out of the blue without much [any?] preamble and in my mind, it didn't really seem to add much to the novel. It would, unfortunately, have kept the book out of many school libraries in this country. Which is a shame because it is a book I would have had no trouble recommending to my students.
February 29, 2016
Atkinson has written another splendid story of children seeking to understand themselves and the world they live in. This is her first book with boys as the main characters, and she did a great job with their voices. It's an intriguing tale of a quirky, sensitive tween boy sent by his parents entirely against his will to have an out-of-doors month without benefit of the internet. You'll love how she develops his character as the story goes on. The strange boy he meets is also well drawn, as is the possibly senile aunt our hero stays with. I have read all of Atkinson's middle grade novels and can't recommend them highly enough!
November 12, 2016
Love it.
"It seemed the only place I belonged was in my imaginary world, one that would never exist."
Martin might be too smart for an eleven year old, making some dialogue a little unbelievable, but I just relate to him too much.
This is added to the very few books that I would reread from start to finish.
"It seemed the only place I belonged was in my imaginary world, one that would never exist."
Martin might be too smart for an eleven year old, making some dialogue a little unbelievable, but I just relate to him too much.
This is added to the very few books that I would reread from start to finish.
June 15, 2017
Atkinson, Elizabeth The Island of Beyond, 278 pages. Lerner Publishing Group, 2016. $17.99. Language:G (0 swears, 0 ‘F’); Mature content: PG-13( wine, beer, short same sex scene). Violence:G
Eleven-year-old Martin wants to stay inside and play video games the whole summer. But when his dad wants him to go to his Great-Aunt Lenore’s house on the Island of Beyond in Maine, his summer plans change. Martin doesn’t like it in Maine, but when he meets a boy named Solo on the Island, Martin wants to explore with him, though Martin doesn’t know if he can trust him. Solo is always being wild and taking risks, Martin doesn’t want to take those risks, Solo also is sneaking around and hiding things.
I really liked this book. It did take some time to finally get somewhere and get good. But towards the middle and the ending it got really interesting. I loved how he really shows bravery and adventure, and that really relates to me because I love being adventurous and outside!
MS - ADVISABLE. 8th Grade Student Reviewer KL
http://kissthebook.blogspot.com/2017/...
Eleven-year-old Martin wants to stay inside and play video games the whole summer. But when his dad wants him to go to his Great-Aunt Lenore’s house on the Island of Beyond in Maine, his summer plans change. Martin doesn’t like it in Maine, but when he meets a boy named Solo on the Island, Martin wants to explore with him, though Martin doesn’t know if he can trust him. Solo is always being wild and taking risks, Martin doesn’t want to take those risks, Solo also is sneaking around and hiding things.
I really liked this book. It did take some time to finally get somewhere and get good. But towards the middle and the ending it got really interesting. I loved how he really shows bravery and adventure, and that really relates to me because I love being adventurous and outside!
MS - ADVISABLE. 8th Grade Student Reviewer KL
http://kissthebook.blogspot.com/2017/...
August 8, 2025
Homophobic dad sends son to a relative's island home w/ limited technology so he can learn to love the outdoors and act like a REAL boy instead of a coddled pansy, accidentally sends him straight to the heart of Being Gay Is A-Okay Land. (and I'm here for it)
This was a quick, enjoyable read that really reminds you to savor July and the ability to be outdoors, even if it seems hot and boring (a great book to inspire an Unplug Day, for children and adults alike). I personally loved the idea of a modern kids' book, set in the present day, that nevertheless manages to eliminate the internet, cell phones (fried by wonky electrical socket), and even TV, so that it evokes the setting of kids' books written decades earlier. Dad may have a lot of poor qualities, but reminiscing about how great it was being outside and by the lake all day is not one of them.
Aunt Lenore? Fabulous. Amazing. Totally faking her dementia to make sure the people around her aren't lousy money-grubbing liars, WHAT! I did not see that coming and I loved it. I can't even talk about her having a tame semi-wild raven for a pet.
I am also currently very grateful that I do not have to live off nigh-flavorless oatmeal and milk for breakfast every morning; the meals are about the only thing that would not thrill me about spending a month here in his place.
But while I did like the many activities that Martin & Solo get up to -- treehouse sleepovers! building a miniature city out of nature items! read-alouds (of old books with difficult language no less, including Huck Finn), canoeing, attempting to swim, bonfires that maybe should have been under adult supervision but at least turn out all right -- I never actually warmed up to Solo as an individual and kept waiting for someone to call social services on him already.
Also kind of have to side with Angry Dad on the "I'm sorry, you left my 12-year-old son alone overnight without even a reliably working phone, AND there are random homeless kids running around the island with no adult supervision, who clearly have access to the house without your knowledge?" thing.
This was a quick, enjoyable read that really reminds you to savor July and the ability to be outdoors, even if it seems hot and boring (a great book to inspire an Unplug Day, for children and adults alike). I personally loved the idea of a modern kids' book, set in the present day, that nevertheless manages to eliminate the internet, cell phones (fried by wonky electrical socket), and even TV, so that it evokes the setting of kids' books written decades earlier. Dad may have a lot of poor qualities, but reminiscing about how great it was being outside and by the lake all day is not one of them.
Aunt Lenore? Fabulous. Amazing. Totally faking her dementia to make sure the people around her aren't lousy money-grubbing liars, WHAT! I did not see that coming and I loved it. I can't even talk about her having a tame semi-wild raven for a pet.
I am also currently very grateful that I do not have to live off nigh-flavorless oatmeal and milk for breakfast every morning; the meals are about the only thing that would not thrill me about spending a month here in his place.
But while I did like the many activities that Martin & Solo get up to -- treehouse sleepovers! building a miniature city out of nature items! read-alouds (of old books with difficult language no less, including Huck Finn), canoeing, attempting to swim, bonfires that maybe should have been under adult supervision but at least turn out all right -- I never actually warmed up to Solo as an individual and kept waiting for someone to call social services on him already.
Also kind of have to side with Angry Dad on the "I'm sorry, you left my 12-year-old son alone overnight without even a reliably working phone, AND there are random homeless kids running around the island with no adult supervision, who clearly have access to the house without your knowledge?" thing.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 12, 2024
Enjoyed the story telling, nicely paced story about a boy discovering himself and his strengths. Was a good example of friendship and accepting people for who they are. There is a slight romance element at the end, which I don't think was needed but I can see why the author chose to add among the theme of acceptance of others. Personally I would have preferred the book to stay non romantic and to have focused on the other parts of self discovery.
December 19, 2018
A great, little book! A fairly quick read, and a likable and believable main character. A thoughtful journey of self discovery for for a preteen boy over a summer.
Luke's review does the book justice:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Luke's review does the book justice:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
August 1, 2019
I work at an elementary school, and picked this gem up during library time. It is a story of family, friendship, adventure and growing. I believe it will resonate well with youth, and it truly is a fantastic story. With twists and turns, that make this book so special.
March 29, 2021
I've read this book a bunch of times, and I love the chemistry between martin and solo. like why is nobody talking about this, they really got something there. I SHIPPP them so much.
That's all i have to say thank you. ^_^
That's all i have to say thank you. ^_^
December 21, 2017
This is a clever coming of age story with adventure and humor. The characters have a certain grace about them, very nuanced.
February 6, 2018
Love the portrayal of the wilds and the simple mystery of the island.
June 9, 2018
I was hoping for a bit of a supernatural twist. Still, a cute coming of age story...Mark Twain meets Judy Blume???
Borrowed from Anne
Borrowed from Anne
July 23, 2018
What a great book for kids! It is a story about friendship, adventure and getting out of your comfort zone and trying new things! I would have liked for it to continue and not end so soon!
June 28, 2019
it was ok
November 2, 2019
Beautiful, captivating, and intentional. One of my new favorite YA selections.
March 26, 2024
I would love to visit the island of Beyond. Hang out in a treehouse, swim and canoe in the lake, and explore the outdoors.
July 26, 2016
Elizabeth Atkinson’s wide and varied background as a children’s librarian, English teacher and fiction writer, among other worthwhile pursuits, has placed her in an ideal position to be the outstanding author of children’s fiction that she is today. Her latest offering in this genre is The Island of Beyond, which tells of an IT savvy, but otherwise socially inept, eleven-year-old boy, Martin, who is sent to live with his great-aunt in Maine for a month during the school vacation.
As with her many other works for children of this age, including The Sugar Mountain Snow Ball and I, Emma Freke, Atkinson’s intimate knowledge of the middle schooler and their needs enables her to empathize with them to such an extent that the reader immediately becomes drawn into both the emotional and the physical surroundings of her protagonist of the moment. It is certain that many a child growing up in the suburbs will be able to relate to Martin’s feelings of social isolation and dysfunctionality that lead him, in an effort to win his parents’ approval, to play with his father’s toy soldiers on which the latter doted in his youth. However, the way in which Martin transforms them into an urban landscape is an indication not only of his seeking to reassure himself with the familiar, but also the narrowness of his own perspective in the opening pages of The Island of Beyond.
Atkinson’s lack of prescriptive gendering and stereotyping is commendable, in that she sees the older generation (in the form of Martin’s parents) as to a certain extent having expectations of Martin as a boy, while, from her authorial perspective, allowing him the freedom to develop in his own way. The marked change in his way of looking at life comes about when he encounters another boy of the same age, appropriately nicknamed Solo, on the island that forms the rustic setting for most of this novel. Solo, growing up in a rural setting, has had the opportunity to become very much more in tune with his environment, in which he is instinctively at ease, than is Martin (whom Solo fittingly and wittily addresses as “Martian”).
Only when Martin encounters the unknown in the backwoods of Maine can he truly come into his own―it comes as little surprise to learn that Atkinson’s familiarity with such a landscape is based, at least in part, on her currently splitting her time between the North Shore of Massachusetts and the western mountains of Maine. The power of questioning, both of self and others, plays a pivotal role in Martin’s increasing self-awareness. He has first to be challenged by Solo and by his great-aunt’s housekeeper/companion to participate in physical activities with which, up to this point, he has not been required to deal, before he can start to explore and understand his place within the wider society and environment. Martin’s relationship with Solo is reminiscent of Mark Twain’s Tom Sawyer’s interactions with Huckleberry Finn, with the circumscribed conventional being counterpoised to the unconventional and anarchic.
In short, the deeper meaning of this novel is profound, and it deserves a place in modern children’s literature. The major characters are an interesting blend of old and young, so that even an older person should enjoy reading The Island of Beyond, and perhaps recalling their own childhood experiences along the way.
As with her many other works for children of this age, including The Sugar Mountain Snow Ball and I, Emma Freke, Atkinson’s intimate knowledge of the middle schooler and their needs enables her to empathize with them to such an extent that the reader immediately becomes drawn into both the emotional and the physical surroundings of her protagonist of the moment. It is certain that many a child growing up in the suburbs will be able to relate to Martin’s feelings of social isolation and dysfunctionality that lead him, in an effort to win his parents’ approval, to play with his father’s toy soldiers on which the latter doted in his youth. However, the way in which Martin transforms them into an urban landscape is an indication not only of his seeking to reassure himself with the familiar, but also the narrowness of his own perspective in the opening pages of The Island of Beyond.
Atkinson’s lack of prescriptive gendering and stereotyping is commendable, in that she sees the older generation (in the form of Martin’s parents) as to a certain extent having expectations of Martin as a boy, while, from her authorial perspective, allowing him the freedom to develop in his own way. The marked change in his way of looking at life comes about when he encounters another boy of the same age, appropriately nicknamed Solo, on the island that forms the rustic setting for most of this novel. Solo, growing up in a rural setting, has had the opportunity to become very much more in tune with his environment, in which he is instinctively at ease, than is Martin (whom Solo fittingly and wittily addresses as “Martian”).
Only when Martin encounters the unknown in the backwoods of Maine can he truly come into his own―it comes as little surprise to learn that Atkinson’s familiarity with such a landscape is based, at least in part, on her currently splitting her time between the North Shore of Massachusetts and the western mountains of Maine. The power of questioning, both of self and others, plays a pivotal role in Martin’s increasing self-awareness. He has first to be challenged by Solo and by his great-aunt’s housekeeper/companion to participate in physical activities with which, up to this point, he has not been required to deal, before he can start to explore and understand his place within the wider society and environment. Martin’s relationship with Solo is reminiscent of Mark Twain’s Tom Sawyer’s interactions with Huckleberry Finn, with the circumscribed conventional being counterpoised to the unconventional and anarchic.
In short, the deeper meaning of this novel is profound, and it deserves a place in modern children’s literature. The major characters are an interesting blend of old and young, so that even an older person should enjoy reading The Island of Beyond, and perhaps recalling their own childhood experiences along the way.
April 16, 2016
I had the opportunity to read a NetGalley digital ARC of this novel in exchange for this review. This book is the perfect way to kick off anyone's season of summertime reading. Thankfully, I was able to take advantage of the first weekend of truly gorgeous, warm springtime weather to sit on my deck and transport myself to a remote island in the middle of a lake in Maine during the month of July.
Martin Hart is an eleven-year-old boy who is just starting his summer vacation. Like many boys his age, he spends an awful lot of time sitting around the house playing video games. His father decides that it would be good for Martin to spend his summer visiting his great-aunt, Lenore, who lives on the Island of Beyond. He wants Martin to enjoy the things that he had enjoyed as a boy such as sports, swimming, and exploring the outdoors. This is the last thing in the world that Martin wants to do, as he leads a very sheltered life, doesn't have many friends, and is frightened of so many different things.
When his father leaves him at Lenore's house, Martin feels completely abandoned. The house is very old, without the modern conveniences such as TV, Wi-Fi, or cellphone service. He barely knows his great-aunt or her caretaker, Tess and he's uncertain how he's going to last the summer in this creepy place.
Everything changes when he meets Solo. Solo pretty much takes care of himself and is described by Tess as a "wild boy" that Martin should avoid. But as the days go along, Solo changes Martin's life. He teaches him how to canoe, climb trees, and make slingshots. Solo is so cool and makes Martin feel more confident and self-assured than he has ever felt in his entire life.
But as time goes by, Martin starts to learn more about his family, Solo, and the island and he's not certain who he can trust. The reader is pulled into this story that is funny in some places and dramatically suspenseful in other places. There's plenty of action to engage readers from the moment Martin finds out that he's going to this island all the way to the very end.
For my complete review, please visit my blog: http://www.janatheteacher.blogspot.co...
Martin Hart is an eleven-year-old boy who is just starting his summer vacation. Like many boys his age, he spends an awful lot of time sitting around the house playing video games. His father decides that it would be good for Martin to spend his summer visiting his great-aunt, Lenore, who lives on the Island of Beyond. He wants Martin to enjoy the things that he had enjoyed as a boy such as sports, swimming, and exploring the outdoors. This is the last thing in the world that Martin wants to do, as he leads a very sheltered life, doesn't have many friends, and is frightened of so many different things.
When his father leaves him at Lenore's house, Martin feels completely abandoned. The house is very old, without the modern conveniences such as TV, Wi-Fi, or cellphone service. He barely knows his great-aunt or her caretaker, Tess and he's uncertain how he's going to last the summer in this creepy place.
Everything changes when he meets Solo. Solo pretty much takes care of himself and is described by Tess as a "wild boy" that Martin should avoid. But as the days go along, Solo changes Martin's life. He teaches him how to canoe, climb trees, and make slingshots. Solo is so cool and makes Martin feel more confident and self-assured than he has ever felt in his entire life.
But as time goes by, Martin starts to learn more about his family, Solo, and the island and he's not certain who he can trust. The reader is pulled into this story that is funny in some places and dramatically suspenseful in other places. There's plenty of action to engage readers from the moment Martin finds out that he's going to this island all the way to the very end.
For my complete review, please visit my blog: http://www.janatheteacher.blogspot.co...
September 26, 2016
My name is Martin, and my parents are ruining my life! My dad insists I spend the month of July with my Aunt Lenore on some remote island in Maine. I've just met the old woman, and she's forgetful and nutty. There's no television up here, no internet, and my cellphone burned up when I tried to charge it. What am I going to do all month? Then, I met a boy named Solo roaming around the woods and property, and we've become good friends. My dad has made me feel like I can never do anything right, but Solo has helped me change. I've learned to fish, row a canoe, climb trees, but I still can't swim. The strange thing is, it looks like everyone up here has secrets; Solo, Uncle Ned, and even my dad are hiding something. And, it seems as though my aunt may not be as crazy as I thought.
I don't normally read books like this one, but it was still pretty good. (I read more fantasy and adventure books). Martin is learning to find himself, as he needs to gain confidence and escape from his father's put-downs. He is characterized as a kid who is almost helpless without technology and familiar surroundings. His life was a routine of video games and hanging around the house, so the wilderness presents a fearsome obstacle. Solo represents freedom, as he comes and goes as he pleases and is able to take care of himself. However, Solo is putting on an act, and Martin offers something his life is missing. I was happy to see how Martin changed in the end, and it would be interesting to see what his life would look like in another year or two. The secrets in the plot aren't super compelling, but they keep the story interesting. Uncle Ned's secret was probably the biggest one, although I might have missed clues along the way that foreshadow it. This book presents a nice coming-of-age story.
I don't normally read books like this one, but it was still pretty good. (I read more fantasy and adventure books). Martin is learning to find himself, as he needs to gain confidence and escape from his father's put-downs. He is characterized as a kid who is almost helpless without technology and familiar surroundings. His life was a routine of video games and hanging around the house, so the wilderness presents a fearsome obstacle. Solo represents freedom, as he comes and goes as he pleases and is able to take care of himself. However, Solo is putting on an act, and Martin offers something his life is missing. I was happy to see how Martin changed in the end, and it would be interesting to see what his life would look like in another year or two. The secrets in the plot aren't super compelling, but they keep the story interesting. Uncle Ned's secret was probably the biggest one, although I might have missed clues along the way that foreshadow it. This book presents a nice coming-of-age story.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews