Ann and the Island Storm

by Elspeth Bragdon

Ann doesn’t know much about the world outside her island, and that’s just how she likes it. She is the lighthouse keeper’s daughter, and the cry of seagulls, the wild foaming sea, and the sturdy lighthouse tower are all she’s ever known. She resents the “summer people” who come to picnic on the island because they don’t know anything about the sea or her way of life. Ann’s world gets turned upside down when Betsy comes to the island to stay with her grandmother. Betsy is a timid city girl who knows much more about apartments and traffic than crabs and boats. Together, Ann and Betsy learn that the world is much bigger than they thought, and that friendship can be found in the most unlikely places.

137 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1955

Reviews

[Lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book is fine but wasn't memorable for me. We had a longer than anticipated gap before the last 3 chapters and my memory of the first 7 chapters was vague. The book starts in Sept as Betsy unexpectedly comes to live on the island with her grandmother. Ann, age 9, is pretty judgmental and a know it all, she thinks Betsy is scared of everything because she isn't used to island life. Ann eventually learns to think differently but I was more impressed with Betsy's growth in the story. The take home message is different isn't bad, it is just different and we need all kinds of people. I liked Mrs. Marsh and the homeschool parts.

[Lissie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sweet thoughtful book the kids and I enjoyed.