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Island
Urban teenager Cameron arrives on an uninhabited arctic island. He is prepared for ice and storms and (stripped of his smart technology) possibly boredom. He is not prepared for 24 hour daylight and erupting graves. At first Cameron believes the explanations of his research scientist mother. But - as the island reveals itself to him - he begins to see (and hear) things which push him towards a very different reality. One of them is an Inuit girl. The other is a large white bear.
276 pages, Paperback
First published October 12, 2015
7 people are currently reading
411 people want to read
About the author
Nicky Singer
22 books46 followersNicky has written four novels for adults, two books of non-fiction but most of her recent work is for young people. Her first children’s novel Feather Boy won the Blue Peter ‘Book of the Year’ Award, was adapted for TV (winning a BAFTA for Best Children’s Drama) and then commissioned by the National Theatre as a musical with lyrics by Don Black and music by Debbie Wiseman. In 2010 Nicky was asked by Glyndebourne to adapt her novel Knight Crew (a re-telling of the King Arthur legend set in contemporary gangland) for an opera with music by Julian Philips. In 2012 her play Island (about ice-bears and the nature of reality) premiered at the National Theatre and toured 40 London schools. She also published The Flask that year. A story about songs and souls and things which live in bottles, The Guardian called The Flask ‘a nourishing and uplifting story, with big themes and a big heart’. Nicky has recently re-written Island as a novel with illustrations by Children’s Laureate, Chris Riddell.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
November 22, 2015
To think that I could have missed out on this story if it hadn't been for Chris Riddell posting drawings on Facebook and Twitter ...
To think that this novel would have never come into existance if it hadn't been for a kickstarter campaign and people online giving their money (I would have too, but as usual I was late to the party) ... Sometimes it's hard to believe in coincidences, even if you're an atheist.
As the publishers, who turned the author down, put it: this book is quiet. They meant "not profitable", I mean profound. I notice lately that most books with a profound story are "quiet".
In this case it's a story of a scientist going to Hershel island (real place in the Arctic) with her son. He's not very happy about that at first. And it's about Atka and her granddaughter Inuluk and how they try to make the Qallunaat (white people) see instead of just looking, listen instead of just hearing. But it's also about them learning about our ways ("Graves should be marked.").
The book is about the very urgent and important issue of global warming and its implications. About some things we aren't aware of even when thinking about this problem intensely.
In the acknowledgements, the author tells the reader how she came to write the play, which is how this story began in the first place. She also tells us how the idea of the novel was born and how several publishers turned her down. It's like Ursula LeGuin said in her speech, they see profits instead of the stories that need to be told (funny how that worked out for those eight idiots who turned down J.K. Rowling, eh?). Luckily, as mentioned above, this story still had a chance. Thanks to people who knew how important the message was.
But this novel was lucky AGAIN shortly before it was being printed: because none other than Chris Riddell happened to meet Nicky Singer at Waterstones when he doodled on their wall (he is allowed since he's the current Children Laureate) and they began chatting. He offered to illustrate the book and - as the saying goes - the rest is history.
So this book comes with gorgeous illustrations of snowy owls and polar bears, and Inuit words and so much more. It gives the already powerful story a wonderful touch.
By the way: the chapters in this book are rather short so they are perfect as a bedtime story. Ultimately, this story is for children so they learn to do better than those before them. But I, as an adult (at least according to the age on my passport) learned just as much, was delightedly submerged in Arctic cottongrass and thrilled at learning Innuit words (they have great words for things we can barely describe)!
It was obvious from the start that I would love this book - after all, how could I not, considering that it all began with an owl (Ukpik, that should be whiter in the illustration by the way since it's a male snowy owl and only the females have these many black spots - which they did wrong in the Harry Potter movies *end of knowitall mode*)!
To think that this novel would have never come into existance if it hadn't been for a kickstarter campaign and people online giving their money (I would have too, but as usual I was late to the party) ... Sometimes it's hard to believe in coincidences, even if you're an atheist.
As the publishers, who turned the author down, put it: this book is quiet. They meant "not profitable", I mean profound. I notice lately that most books with a profound story are "quiet".
In this case it's a story of a scientist going to Hershel island (real place in the Arctic) with her son. He's not very happy about that at first. And it's about Atka and her granddaughter Inuluk and how they try to make the Qallunaat (white people) see instead of just looking, listen instead of just hearing. But it's also about them learning about our ways ("Graves should be marked.").
The book is about the very urgent and important issue of global warming and its implications. About some things we aren't aware of even when thinking about this problem intensely.
In the acknowledgements, the author tells the reader how she came to write the play, which is how this story began in the first place. She also tells us how the idea of the novel was born and how several publishers turned her down. It's like Ursula LeGuin said in her speech, they see profits instead of the stories that need to be told (funny how that worked out for those eight idiots who turned down J.K. Rowling, eh?). Luckily, as mentioned above, this story still had a chance. Thanks to people who knew how important the message was.
But this novel was lucky AGAIN shortly before it was being printed: because none other than Chris Riddell happened to meet Nicky Singer at Waterstones when he doodled on their wall (he is allowed since he's the current Children Laureate) and they began chatting. He offered to illustrate the book and - as the saying goes - the rest is history.
So this book comes with gorgeous illustrations of snowy owls and polar bears, and Inuit words and so much more. It gives the already powerful story a wonderful touch.
By the way: the chapters in this book are rather short so they are perfect as a bedtime story. Ultimately, this story is for children so they learn to do better than those before them. But I, as an adult (at least according to the age on my passport) learned just as much, was delightedly submerged in Arctic cottongrass and thrilled at learning Innuit words (they have great words for things we can barely describe)!
It was obvious from the start that I would love this book - after all, how could I not, considering that it all began with an owl (Ukpik, that should be whiter in the illustration by the way since it's a male snowy owl and only the females have these many black spots - which they did wrong in the Harry Potter movies *end of knowitall mode*)!
September 23, 2020
4.5* Beautiful book, the writing and the illustrations. An important message and one that hasn't changed for decades lets hope more read it and connect to the message here. Recommended to me by a friend otherwise this may have passed me by.
June 8, 2017
I rate this book 4.5/5.
This review is featured on my blog: Writerly Bookish Stuff.
Cameron is a typical, twenty-first century teenager. His dependance on technology sees him reluctant to go with his Mum on one of her research trips to an artic Island: Herschel Island. He is definitely not prepared to meet Inuluk, an Inuit girl whose mission is to teach him the history of her people and open his eyes to the beauty of the island. What secret is Inuluk hiding, and why is Cameron the only one to have met her?
This book handles a strong message, but manages to put it across in a calm, mystical, intriguing way. The characters are subtle, but offer reality to what might be perceived as a fantastical story. Cameron's character was well developed, and his character arc developed naturally, alongside his 'teachings' from Inuluk.
This book is aimed at 12+, but transcends the children's literature/ YA genre. Anyone can enjoy this story and understand the importance of its messgae. As a reader, you are left with a new perspective, and perhaps, shame for having your eyes closed to everything this book preaches.
I won't say too much on the nature of the children's friendship or their journey because I don't want to spoil the reading experience of others. A worth while read that I shall ensure my daughter reads in a few years.
This review is featured on my blog: Writerly Bookish Stuff.
Cameron is a typical, twenty-first century teenager. His dependance on technology sees him reluctant to go with his Mum on one of her research trips to an artic Island: Herschel Island. He is definitely not prepared to meet Inuluk, an Inuit girl whose mission is to teach him the history of her people and open his eyes to the beauty of the island. What secret is Inuluk hiding, and why is Cameron the only one to have met her?
This book handles a strong message, but manages to put it across in a calm, mystical, intriguing way. The characters are subtle, but offer reality to what might be perceived as a fantastical story. Cameron's character was well developed, and his character arc developed naturally, alongside his 'teachings' from Inuluk.
This book is aimed at 12+, but transcends the children's literature/ YA genre. Anyone can enjoy this story and understand the importance of its messgae. As a reader, you are left with a new perspective, and perhaps, shame for having your eyes closed to everything this book preaches.
I won't say too much on the nature of the children's friendship or their journey because I don't want to spoil the reading experience of others. A worth while read that I shall ensure my daughter reads in a few years.
January 5, 2019
Such a powerful and beautiful book, I think everyone should read it. The characters are wonderful, the scenery, the message..such a silent, but powerful book, like the snow itself...And the afterword that informs you how the book came about..a great addition. And, of course, the illustrations by Chris Riddell with Inuvialuit words are spot on. A magical book.
November 15, 2015
Some years ago, I judged a book awards, and saw enough badly written/illustrated/edited self-published books to put me off self-published books for life. Mostly, they seemed to consist of authors who had been rejected by traditional publishing. However, I’ve also read enough extraordinary self-published books (e.g. Hugh Howey and Christopher Paolini) to know I shouldn’t tar them all with the same brush.
So I was rather intrigued to stumble across a post some months ago by the established and award-winning author, Nicky Singer, in which she talked about her latest novel, Island, being rejected by her long-term publisher because it was too ‘quiet’, and too ‘literary’. How devastating this must have been for her, knowing that her new novel contained some of her best ever writing.
But Nicky didn’t take the rejection lying down. So strongly did she believe in Ursula Le Guin’s call for freedom in publishing that Nicky decided to crowdfund the project, which is where I got my hands on it.
The striking cover and illustrations from Chris Riddell make a strong first impression and as soon as I started reading, I knew I was dealing with something special. The book tells the tale of city boy, Cameron, and his reluctant journey to an uninhabited Arctic island with his scientist mother. There he meets Inuit girl, Inuluk, who teaches him about the island and her people’s traditions, myths and beliefs.
The characters are particularly well drawn, each having a very definite backstory and motivation. Their development and arcs are crafted with the expertise of a truly talented and experienced author. The sparse and confined setting of Herschel Island is so vivid and beautiful, I was convinced the author spent some time there but I think this was not the case. It’s a true feat of literature to transport a reader so successfully that we can feel the bite of that Arctic wind, and hear the moan of calving icebergs.
Island still retains the theatrical qualities of where it began – on the stage. It’s evident in the strong dialogue, the small cast, the confined setting, but also in its aspirations to be something bigger than it is. Because, like Cameron’s island dreams, the book reaches far beyond the shores of the Herschel. It reaches into our hearts, asking us to consider our roles and actions and responsibilities towards our fragile planet. ‘When you tread heavily in your world you also tread in ours.’
As well as the strong environmental theme, the reader gets a real sense of the Inuit way of living, their myths and their beliefs. There is also a wonderful twist in the story which is skilfully constructed. The writing is sublime and layered with complexity and emotion. And considering that the book deals with the destruction of the planet and white man’s annihilation of minority tribes like the Inuit, it ends on a surprisingly hopeful note.
Yes, the book is ‘slow’, but in the best possible way. And yes, the book is ‘literary’, but wonderfully so. This is a beautifully written and skilfully crafted book, full of important themes and emotions that young people should be reading about. I applaud Singer for what she has created, but also for the brave publishing route she has chosen.
If you ask me how I feel, having read Island, I’ll answer with two Inuit words, taken from the novel. ILIRA – the fear that accompanies awe, and NUANNAPOQ – the extravagant pleasure of being alive.
Review first appeared on
http://www.middlegradestrikesback.blo...
So I was rather intrigued to stumble across a post some months ago by the established and award-winning author, Nicky Singer, in which she talked about her latest novel, Island, being rejected by her long-term publisher because it was too ‘quiet’, and too ‘literary’. How devastating this must have been for her, knowing that her new novel contained some of her best ever writing.
But Nicky didn’t take the rejection lying down. So strongly did she believe in Ursula Le Guin’s call for freedom in publishing that Nicky decided to crowdfund the project, which is where I got my hands on it.
The striking cover and illustrations from Chris Riddell make a strong first impression and as soon as I started reading, I knew I was dealing with something special. The book tells the tale of city boy, Cameron, and his reluctant journey to an uninhabited Arctic island with his scientist mother. There he meets Inuit girl, Inuluk, who teaches him about the island and her people’s traditions, myths and beliefs.
The characters are particularly well drawn, each having a very definite backstory and motivation. Their development and arcs are crafted with the expertise of a truly talented and experienced author. The sparse and confined setting of Herschel Island is so vivid and beautiful, I was convinced the author spent some time there but I think this was not the case. It’s a true feat of literature to transport a reader so successfully that we can feel the bite of that Arctic wind, and hear the moan of calving icebergs.
Island still retains the theatrical qualities of where it began – on the stage. It’s evident in the strong dialogue, the small cast, the confined setting, but also in its aspirations to be something bigger than it is. Because, like Cameron’s island dreams, the book reaches far beyond the shores of the Herschel. It reaches into our hearts, asking us to consider our roles and actions and responsibilities towards our fragile planet. ‘When you tread heavily in your world you also tread in ours.’
As well as the strong environmental theme, the reader gets a real sense of the Inuit way of living, their myths and their beliefs. There is also a wonderful twist in the story which is skilfully constructed. The writing is sublime and layered with complexity and emotion. And considering that the book deals with the destruction of the planet and white man’s annihilation of minority tribes like the Inuit, it ends on a surprisingly hopeful note.
Yes, the book is ‘slow’, but in the best possible way. And yes, the book is ‘literary’, but wonderfully so. This is a beautifully written and skilfully crafted book, full of important themes and emotions that young people should be reading about. I applaud Singer for what she has created, but also for the brave publishing route she has chosen.
If you ask me how I feel, having read Island, I’ll answer with two Inuit words, taken from the novel. ILIRA – the fear that accompanies awe, and NUANNAPOQ – the extravagant pleasure of being alive.
Review first appeared on
http://www.middlegradestrikesback.blo...
May 1, 2023
Good book with a great message. A bit too long, I think. Loved the illustrations; though, I would have liked having even more of them, loved learning about their language. I liked when the story was told through Atka and her granddaughter, but I couldn't find the same enjoyment in Cameron's POV. I think I would have connected with the story even more if it was only told from their point of view.
January 6, 2019
Despite this book's slow beginning, it gives an amazingly important message about climate change global warming, and the selfishness of humans.
At first, I didn't like this book. I thought it was boring but once I read further, it started getting really interesting and I felt like I was living it. At the end of this book I felt emotional in every aspect.
At first, I didn't like this book. I thought it was boring but once I read further, it started getting really interesting and I felt like I was living it. At the end of this book I felt emotional in every aspect.
March 16, 2018
I think that it is a very heartfelt story about a boy who meets a girl and goes on a special
inuit journey with here.
I find it very intellectual because its is all about global warming and how us, people, are killing this island, herschel island.
It was pretty melancholic to the end but otherwise pretty adventurous and spiritual.
I loved the book because it reminded me of a certain movie, brother bear, with all this polar…
Can’t spoil it for you, can I?
I also believe that they should make another book continuing on from this one.
Toby, year 7, Prague British School
inuit journey with here.
I find it very intellectual because its is all about global warming and how us, people, are killing this island, herschel island.
It was pretty melancholic to the end but otherwise pretty adventurous and spiritual.
I loved the book because it reminded me of a certain movie, brother bear, with all this polar…
Can’t spoil it for you, can I?
I also believe that they should make another book continuing on from this one.
Toby, year 7, Prague British School
January 11, 2017
This very good and thoroughly original book started out life as a play, performed at the National Theatre and in schools in 2012. Singer includes a postscript to the book describing the journey she took to get it into print, including even going down the self-publishing route, remarkable for a well-established children's author. Another great feature of the story are the fabulous illustrations by the Children Laureate, Chris Riddell.
It is a lyrical and clever book that appears simple, but explores big themes that one rarely finds in children's books. Island tells the story of teenager Cameron, living with his mother following her divorce from his father. Cameron conceals his emotional damage beneath a carapace of bravado, but he is angry with both his parents. Against his wishes, he travels with his mother, a research scientist, to the remote Herschel Island in the Canadian Arctic to study permafrost, a prospect he views with extreme displeasure, much to do with the absence of his electronic devices.
This is the bare bones of the story, but Singer introduces the mysterious characters of Atka and Inuluk, native Inuits who inhabit the island and who are concerned about the future of the island and the future of the world. A connection builds between Cameron and Inuluk, a teenage girl and Cameron begins to appreciate the wider world she shows him and he gains an insight into the unique Inuit culture and beliefs.
The author weaves in stories of the spirit world and the damage caused to the fragile Arctic environment by humans. It is undoubtedly an ambitious story and just occasionally that ambition intrudes in the way of the story and perhaps younger readers might find their attention drifting. But most certainly a book to be relished and highly recommended for keen readers 11 and up.
It is a lyrical and clever book that appears simple, but explores big themes that one rarely finds in children's books. Island tells the story of teenager Cameron, living with his mother following her divorce from his father. Cameron conceals his emotional damage beneath a carapace of bravado, but he is angry with both his parents. Against his wishes, he travels with his mother, a research scientist, to the remote Herschel Island in the Canadian Arctic to study permafrost, a prospect he views with extreme displeasure, much to do with the absence of his electronic devices.
This is the bare bones of the story, but Singer introduces the mysterious characters of Atka and Inuluk, native Inuits who inhabit the island and who are concerned about the future of the island and the future of the world. A connection builds between Cameron and Inuluk, a teenage girl and Cameron begins to appreciate the wider world she shows him and he gains an insight into the unique Inuit culture and beliefs.
The author weaves in stories of the spirit world and the damage caused to the fragile Arctic environment by humans. It is undoubtedly an ambitious story and just occasionally that ambition intrudes in the way of the story and perhaps younger readers might find their attention drifting. But most certainly a book to be relished and highly recommended for keen readers 11 and up.
January 31, 2016
If it was possible to give this a million stars I would. This is the most beautiful book I have read in a long time, possibly ever. It is incredible, seems calm and magical but so full of wisdom. If every human being on the planet read this book, and truly, honestly kept this book in their hearts, the world would be a different place. "No one's an island, Cameron. You, your parents, London, Qikiqtaruk, the whales, guillemots, the living, the dead. We're all connected. If one moves, we all move". These words, and many others, have stayed with me. So simply and wonderfully written, heartbreaking and lovely. I would recommend it to everyone: children, young adults, adults of any age. Just amazing. Thankyou Nicky and Chris.
October 28, 2015
I really don't want to give anything away about this book. So I'm just going to say that it's effortlessly beautifully written, magical (in an etherial, shamanistic, mythological way - don't expect wands), and very very important.
This is firstly because it nearly didn't get published (Google it, you'll see why).
And secondly because we absolutely need the next generation to understand what global warming is doing. Despite this Island is never worthy or dull. In fact it's intoxicating. Actually that's what I should have said in the first place. Intoxicating.
Suitable for young people from 9 to 100+
This is firstly because it nearly didn't get published (Google it, you'll see why).
And secondly because we absolutely need the next generation to understand what global warming is doing. Despite this Island is never worthy or dull. In fact it's intoxicating. Actually that's what I should have said in the first place. Intoxicating.
Suitable for young people from 9 to 100+
July 3, 2016
Couldn't put down this wonderful book.
This is a great book to introduce children to global warming with out all the confusing statistics. I love the characters especially Inuluk and Atka. Also the illustrator did an amazing job on the picture. I loved learning about the words and find unique how there are single words for feeling a way. This book has left me wanting to find out more about what is currently happening in the Arctic and how i can help in any way possible.
This is a great book to introduce children to global warming with out all the confusing statistics. I love the characters especially Inuluk and Atka. Also the illustrator did an amazing job on the picture. I loved learning about the words and find unique how there are single words for feeling a way. This book has left me wanting to find out more about what is currently happening in the Arctic and how i can help in any way possible.
June 5, 2019
I thought that this book was fairly captivating and I love it when the story is told from Atka and Inuluk's perspective, I thought that this was a good read and I would recommend it to others. Even though it will not become one of my favorites it is a good book.
May 18, 2016
This book is stunningly beautiful - i haven't made time for reading lately and this book has reinspired me about the beauty of standing still for 5 minutes!
April 20, 2020
This book was so deep and heart-warming. The illustrations look so lovely. Loved how the cover is a polar bear!!
March 18, 2025
Mlle Alice, pouvez-vous nous raconter votre rencontre avec Island ?
"J'avais envie de neige, de partir à la découverte du peuple Inuit et de rencontrer des ours blancs quand je suis tombée sur ce livre et il m'a semblé tout simplement parfait."
Dites-nous en un peu plus sur son histoire...
"Tous les ans, la mère de Cameron part sur une île de l'Arctique pour ses recherches. Cette année, le jeune garçon se joint à elle à contrecoeur mais ce qu'il va y découvrir pourrait dépasser son imagination..."
Mais que s'est-il exactement passé entre vous ?
"J'ai failli abandonner ma lecture. J'ai failli l'abandonner parce que Cameron est tout simplement insupportable et vraiment difficile à apprécier. D'accord c'est un ado, d'accord il en veut à ses parents pour le divorce, à son père pour ses nouvelles copines, à sa mère qui travaille trop. Je peux donc lui pardonner son comportement jusqu'à un certain point mais quand il commence à manquer de respect à la jeune fille qui se tient face à lui, à son peuple, à ses ancêtres et à ses croyances, mes limites sont atteintes. Alors bien sûr, le but est de montrer l'évolution du jeune garçon mais ça non plus je n'y crois pas. Il s'insurge tout à coup, après tout ce qu'il a dit lui-même, des hommes blancs qui ont tué des baleines et dans le même temps ne rêve que d'utiliser l'arme que sa mère a amené pour tirer sur n'importe quel animal, de préférence un ours. Et sa mère n'est pas mieux (en même temps vu l'ouverture d'esprit du fils, ce serait étonnant) quand elle lui explique que 'oui, bon, les Inuits sont morts par centaines après l'arrivée des hommes blancs mais aussi ça n'a pas aidé qu'ils aillent se rouler dans la neige quand ils avaient de la fièvre'. C'était leur faute donc. Et est-ce que je suis étonnée que dans les remerciements de l'auteur et la liste des livres qu'il a consulté ne figure aucun nom Inuit ? Pas tellement... Alors j'ai continué parce que je voulais entendre ce qu'elle avait à dire, moi, Inuluk mais honnêtement toute sa sagesse n'a pas suffi à me faire apprécier cette lecture."
Et comment cela s'est-il fini ?
"Je soutiens le message de l'auteur, j'aime l'histoire qu'il a voulu raconter et je suis convaincue de sa sincérité et pour autant le roman n'a pas su me toucher et sa fin est un petit peu facile. J'aurais aimé savoir ce qu'il allait en faire de ce message, ce petit garçon de 13 ans, pour faire bouger les choses et que l'on donne des pistes au jeune lecteur pour en faire autant."
http://booksaremywonderland.hautetfor...
"J'avais envie de neige, de partir à la découverte du peuple Inuit et de rencontrer des ours blancs quand je suis tombée sur ce livre et il m'a semblé tout simplement parfait."
Dites-nous en un peu plus sur son histoire...
"Tous les ans, la mère de Cameron part sur une île de l'Arctique pour ses recherches. Cette année, le jeune garçon se joint à elle à contrecoeur mais ce qu'il va y découvrir pourrait dépasser son imagination..."
Mais que s'est-il exactement passé entre vous ?
"J'ai failli abandonner ma lecture. J'ai failli l'abandonner parce que Cameron est tout simplement insupportable et vraiment difficile à apprécier. D'accord c'est un ado, d'accord il en veut à ses parents pour le divorce, à son père pour ses nouvelles copines, à sa mère qui travaille trop. Je peux donc lui pardonner son comportement jusqu'à un certain point mais quand il commence à manquer de respect à la jeune fille qui se tient face à lui, à son peuple, à ses ancêtres et à ses croyances, mes limites sont atteintes. Alors bien sûr, le but est de montrer l'évolution du jeune garçon mais ça non plus je n'y crois pas. Il s'insurge tout à coup, après tout ce qu'il a dit lui-même, des hommes blancs qui ont tué des baleines et dans le même temps ne rêve que d'utiliser l'arme que sa mère a amené pour tirer sur n'importe quel animal, de préférence un ours. Et sa mère n'est pas mieux (en même temps vu l'ouverture d'esprit du fils, ce serait étonnant) quand elle lui explique que 'oui, bon, les Inuits sont morts par centaines après l'arrivée des hommes blancs mais aussi ça n'a pas aidé qu'ils aillent se rouler dans la neige quand ils avaient de la fièvre'. C'était leur faute donc. Et est-ce que je suis étonnée que dans les remerciements de l'auteur et la liste des livres qu'il a consulté ne figure aucun nom Inuit ? Pas tellement... Alors j'ai continué parce que je voulais entendre ce qu'elle avait à dire, moi, Inuluk mais honnêtement toute sa sagesse n'a pas suffi à me faire apprécier cette lecture."
Et comment cela s'est-il fini ?
"Je soutiens le message de l'auteur, j'aime l'histoire qu'il a voulu raconter et je suis convaincue de sa sincérité et pour autant le roman n'a pas su me toucher et sa fin est un petit peu facile. J'aurais aimé savoir ce qu'il allait en faire de ce message, ce petit garçon de 13 ans, pour faire bouger les choses et que l'on donne des pistes au jeune lecteur pour en faire autant."
http://booksaremywonderland.hautetfor...
April 20, 2018
Wreathed in Inuit legends, this is a story of man's arrogance as an explorer, of how he assumes the land and its treasures he "discovers" are his and how he plunders it without thought of consequences.
Cameron, aged 15, is taken by his research scientist mother on her annual trip to measure the land slip on Herschel Island, an uninhabited small piece of land created by glacial sediments in the Beaufort Sea. It is a harsh Arctic environment and Cameron, away from his usual technology and ignored by his mother, finds himself being drawn to Inuluk, an Inuit girl he meets out walking one day. Inuluk tells him the stories of her people and Cameron finds himself drawn into another world, where whales are destroyed by drilling and snow storms chill him to the bone. But are these dreams or reality - and why doesn't his mother ever see Inuluk?
Mesmerising, evocative and filled with wonderful Inuit words (which no doubt I am pronouncing completely wrong in my head) as well as superb drawings by Chris Riddell which bring the characters to life, Island is a book that will linger with you and cause you to question man's relationship with the natural world.
Cameron, aged 15, is taken by his research scientist mother on her annual trip to measure the land slip on Herschel Island, an uninhabited small piece of land created by glacial sediments in the Beaufort Sea. It is a harsh Arctic environment and Cameron, away from his usual technology and ignored by his mother, finds himself being drawn to Inuluk, an Inuit girl he meets out walking one day. Inuluk tells him the stories of her people and Cameron finds himself drawn into another world, where whales are destroyed by drilling and snow storms chill him to the bone. But are these dreams or reality - and why doesn't his mother ever see Inuluk?
Mesmerising, evocative and filled with wonderful Inuit words (which no doubt I am pronouncing completely wrong in my head) as well as superb drawings by Chris Riddell which bring the characters to life, Island is a book that will linger with you and cause you to question man's relationship with the natural world.
May 27, 2018
I have to be honest and say I wasn't especially looking forward to reading this book as it was something I had to read for work, however once I got going I was so impressed. It deals with global warming amazingly well and it is really interesting to learn how it was written, being adapted from an earlier play version of the same story. The illustrations by Chris Riddell, with the proceeds being donated to Greenpeace, are such a bonus too and a real treat in a fiction novel intended for middle schoolers and above. Cameron and his mother Pascal are portrayed as being modern, believable and realistic and demonstrate family disharmony effectively. Prior to reading this book I hadn't really every considered the Inuit people in a magical, mystical or folklore kind of way. It is quite disturbing how the story is almost presented as legend when the topics are so important and topical. This would be a great classroom text for any middle schooler age students.
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January 4, 2022Island by Nicky Singer follows the story of a teenage boy (Cameron) who, with his mother, travels to an uninhabited arctic island. His mother is a scientist and journeys to the island every year to measure the impact of global warming on the ice caps. Cameron, stripped of technology, believes this trip will be very dull. However, to his surprise, he finds that it is anything but dull. He starts to hear noises and meets an Inuit girl who tells him stories of the island and the animals that live there. He learns much of the island's history and of the power of protecting the environment and treating animals with respect and kindness. Although, he discovers that his mother cannot see the Inuit girl and to the best of his knowledge, he is the only one who has ever met her. The book is slow but has a wonderful message running throughout it which is the importance of considering our impact on the destruction on the environment and man's annihilation of minority tribes.
May 6, 2020
Nuannapoq- The extravagant pleasure of being alive.
This book is very relevant for today's younger and older readers alike, it reminds of the all-encompassing impact of global warming as well as technology's gripping impact on our society. Cameron meets a girl Inuluk whilst on a trip to Herschel Island (much to his displeasure) with his scientist mother. Whilst exploring he meets Inuluk and he quickly becomes almost dependent on her to get through this trip though with the development of his character arc, Cameron no longer longs for his devices and begins to truly understand the story of Inuluk's ancestors and the history of the island. Beautiful illustrations and the cover is wonderful too.
This book is very relevant for today's younger and older readers alike, it reminds of the all-encompassing impact of global warming as well as technology's gripping impact on our society. Cameron meets a girl Inuluk whilst on a trip to Herschel Island (much to his displeasure) with his scientist mother. Whilst exploring he meets Inuluk and he quickly becomes almost dependent on her to get through this trip though with the development of his character arc, Cameron no longer longs for his devices and begins to truly understand the story of Inuluk's ancestors and the history of the island. Beautiful illustrations and the cover is wonderful too.
June 4, 2021
A very thoughtful book with a good story. You get a feel for the boy, Cameron, but the girl, Inuluk, is quite ethereal and "misty" while still being a fully fleshed character. I think I most enjoyed the fact that I kept thinking about the book when I wasn't reading it - I have a feeling this will stick with me for a while.
February 7, 2018
This was a good book. It is about a boy named Cameron. He is like a normal boy, uses his technology and features every day. He is stripped of from technology for one week in an island called Herschel Island, only with his I-Pod and his camera. He sees what no other "white" people can see.
February 18, 2018
A hauntingly powerful tale set on a deserted artic island where Cameron, bereft of the props of modern living, comes to understand the beauty of the strange Inuit girl that he meets as she unravels her mysterious tales.
February 26, 2018
Great book, a very worthwhile read with an important (but not forced) message. A very enjoyable story with a good, albeit small, cast of characters. So full of atmosphere you can imagine being on the island.
March 11, 2017
a brilliant, spacey book.
October 28, 2017
So glad I have finally got round to reading this book after seeing the display the story museum in Oxford. Touching story and makes you think about your responsibility to help save the planet.
March 17, 2018
Nicky Singer came to our school and we had a workshop with her. This is how I got onto this book.
February 11, 2019
Actually 3 1/2 stars
July 28, 2019
A wonderful book. Poignant and beautifully descriptive with important messages about out environment.
January 29, 2020
Mystical. This will stay with me long after I closed the pages.
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