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Breda's Island
The first middle grade novel from award-winning author Jessie Ann Foley is a story of broken family ties and the journey one girl must take to find herself. Perfect for fans of When You Trap a Tiger and Shouting at the Rain.
After Breda Moriarity gets caught stealing one too many times, Breda's mom sends her to Ireland—a place she has never been—to live with the grandfather she has never met.
While Breda doesn’t want to be in this strangely beautiful land, she finally gets to meet her granda, her mom’s father. He’s a grumpy farmer who is also a seanchaí, a traditional Gaelic storyteller. But the most important story to Breda is the one nobody will talk about: what happened to her absent father. If nothing else this summer, Breda is determined to figure out the truth about her family’s history—and herself.
This powerfully poignant middle grade novel asks important questions about immigration, estranged relationships, and family secrets.
After Breda Moriarity gets caught stealing one too many times, Breda's mom sends her to Ireland—a place she has never been—to live with the grandfather she has never met.
While Breda doesn’t want to be in this strangely beautiful land, she finally gets to meet her granda, her mom’s father. He’s a grumpy farmer who is also a seanchaí, a traditional Gaelic storyteller. But the most important story to Breda is the one nobody will talk about: what happened to her absent father. If nothing else this summer, Breda is determined to figure out the truth about her family’s history—and herself.
This powerfully poignant middle grade novel asks important questions about immigration, estranged relationships, and family secrets.
256 pages, Hardcover
Published July 12, 2022
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2476 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
October 18, 2021
The great Irish author Colum McCann says writers should not necessarily write about what we know, but what we wish we knew more about. For me, that wish is connected to my grandparents, whose lives remain mostly a mystery to me. And so, in early 2020, with McCann’s advice in mind, I started to write a story about a girl and her grandfather who, kept apart by the obstacles of immigration and long-buried pain, begin as strangers to each other, but finally, over the course of one eventful summer, find their way into each other’s hearts.
Writing Breda’s Island was my escape hatch in the wreck of a year that was 2020. In picking up Breda’s Island, I hope my readers will find their own escape into the magic of the
Dingle Peninsula and be reminded of what draws us back again and again to stories about the complex, often painful, bonds of family—because, as Noeleen tells Breda, “Ar scáth a chéile a mhaireann an daoine”—We live in each other’s shadows—no matter how far the distance of time and geography that separate us.
Writing Breda’s Island was my escape hatch in the wreck of a year that was 2020. In picking up Breda’s Island, I hope my readers will find their own escape into the magic of the
Dingle Peninsula and be reminded of what draws us back again and again to stories about the complex, often painful, bonds of family—because, as Noeleen tells Breda, “Ar scáth a chéile a mhaireann an daoine”—We live in each other’s shadows—no matter how far the distance of time and geography that separate us.
April 15, 2022
Family is one of the greatest blessings in the world, but it is also full of challenges. Breda’s Island is a story about a young girl trying to work through some of those challenges. She has to deal with broken family ties and struggle to understand herself as well. While I’m not sure if I love all of the characters in this book and I certainly do not agree with all the decisions, it’s a touching story about the importance of forgiveness and family.
When Breda is caught stealing one too many times, her mother sends her to her estranged grandfather in Ireland. Breda deals with many family secrets as she tries to live with her cranky Granda. She also wants to figure out the mystery of who her father is. Will Breda be able to reconcile her family together or are some mistakes too big to be patched up?
Breda is such a relatable character. She feels invisible and lost, so she acted out in stealing things. While she made mistakes, I enjoyed seeing her fresh perspective on her family's hurts. She was brave enough and mature enough to choose to move forward.
Her relationship with her Granda was super sweet. His backstory was so sad, and I loved the depth of his character. Content warning for parents: Granda was born out of wedlock, and due to the time period, he was sent to an orphanage. In the orphanage, the nuns physically and emotionally abused him because his parents weren't married. He wasn’t made into a villain despite his failures in his relationship with his daughter and granddaughter. I’m honestly not sure how to feel about Breda’s mom. Let’s just say she’s a very complicated woman. Content warning for parents: Breda was born out of wedlock when her parents were 17. The book mentions how other parents judge her mom because she dresses and wears makeup like a teenager and because she curses.
I truly enjoyed this story! I think it was made for an older audience, but it is a heartbreaking yet hopeful book. I would recommend it to middle schoolers and older. However, I think parents might want to read it themselves before giving it to their kids.
Content Warning: Undocumented immigration, babies being born out of wedlock, mild cursing, emotional and physical abuse
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the publisher through Netgalley. All views expressed are only my honest opinion, a positive review was not required.
When Breda is caught stealing one too many times, her mother sends her to her estranged grandfather in Ireland. Breda deals with many family secrets as she tries to live with her cranky Granda. She also wants to figure out the mystery of who her father is. Will Breda be able to reconcile her family together or are some mistakes too big to be patched up?
Breda is such a relatable character. She feels invisible and lost, so she acted out in stealing things. While she made mistakes, I enjoyed seeing her fresh perspective on her family's hurts. She was brave enough and mature enough to choose to move forward.
Her relationship with her Granda was super sweet. His backstory was so sad, and I loved the depth of his character. Content warning for parents: Granda was born out of wedlock, and due to the time period, he was sent to an orphanage. In the orphanage, the nuns physically and emotionally abused him because his parents weren't married. He wasn’t made into a villain despite his failures in his relationship with his daughter and granddaughter. I’m honestly not sure how to feel about Breda’s mom. Let’s just say she’s a very complicated woman. Content warning for parents: Breda was born out of wedlock when her parents were 17. The book mentions how other parents judge her mom because she dresses and wears makeup like a teenager and because she curses.
I truly enjoyed this story! I think it was made for an older audience, but it is a heartbreaking yet hopeful book. I would recommend it to middle schoolers and older. However, I think parents might want to read it themselves before giving it to their kids.
Content Warning: Undocumented immigration, babies being born out of wedlock, mild cursing, emotional and physical abuse
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the publisher through Netgalley. All views expressed are only my honest opinion, a positive review was not required.
June 14, 2022
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early copy in return for an honest review.
I absolutely adored the setting of the book, Ireland, and truly felt transported to Ireland. In that sense, the book reminded me of McCullough's Across the Pond. I also have a soft spot for stories with intergenerational relationships, perhaps because of my close relationship with my grandma when I was growing up. While there were a number of elements I really liked about the book I'm just not sure I have a wide audience of readers who will get into and appreciate the story. This is one I'll be mulling over for a little bit as I consider whether to add it to my classroom library.
I absolutely adored the setting of the book, Ireland, and truly felt transported to Ireland. In that sense, the book reminded me of McCullough's Across the Pond. I also have a soft spot for stories with intergenerational relationships, perhaps because of my close relationship with my grandma when I was growing up. While there were a number of elements I really liked about the book I'm just not sure I have a wide audience of readers who will get into and appreciate the story. This is one I'll be mulling over for a little bit as I consider whether to add it to my classroom library.
February 28, 2026
This was a very touching book!
Breda’s summer spent in Ireland is a coming of age story that weaves in Irish folklore and Ireland’s dark history to highlight themes of family regrets, immigration, and no longer living in our parents’ shadows. Our characters from stubborn but loving granda to even Bo the baby cow, feel like characters in our own lives.
This book now has a permanent place on my shelf, but may even be a contender for a novel study in my classroom!
Breda’s summer spent in Ireland is a coming of age story that weaves in Irish folklore and Ireland’s dark history to highlight themes of family regrets, immigration, and no longer living in our parents’ shadows. Our characters from stubborn but loving granda to even Bo the baby cow, feel like characters in our own lives.
This book now has a permanent place on my shelf, but may even be a contender for a novel study in my classroom!
December 1, 2024
What a beautiful story. Some books might be written for children but really they’re written for everyone. A story of family and all that entails … hurt and grief, love and longing. Of growing emotionally and finding acceptance. All set within the beauty and magic that is Ireland
April 20, 2022
Breda isn't necessarily looking forward to spending an entire summer in the Ireland countryside with the grandfather she's never met-- after all, he's one of the reasons her mother left for America thirteen years ago, now living as an undocumented immigrant. It's not all bad, though-- there's lots to see and learn about the land her family has lived on for generations. Breda's Island is a beautiful middle-grade novel of Irish history, preteen growing pains, and the unveiling of family secrets.
January 16, 2022
This is a very moving novel. Breda and her mom have been on her own since Brenda’s mom left Ireland. She has built a life in Chicago but as an illegal cannot ever go back. When Breda is caught stealing, her mom sends her to Ireland to stay with her granda. Many secrets are kept. Some are released, but does Breda find what she is looking for? Releasing in July 22, this is a book that should be preordered.
January 1, 2023
gave it five stars because this plotline is like candy to me and I read the book in a single sitting without being aware of anything around me or even that I was a reading the book in a single sitting.
June 23, 2023
Breda's Island is two books for two audiences, most importantly, or a middle grade reader, a relatable and very realistic portrait of a 12 year old getting her period and navigating the treacherous waters of social circles at school when your socio-economic status is different than most classmates and your parent stands out as very different than most other parents.
The first third of the book felt like something that my upper elementary readers would gobble up. I'm not so certain about the second 2/3, which certainly appealed to me as the adult Irish-American daughter of an Irish immigrant who vividly remembers going home to Ireland for the first time around Breda's age and trying to form a connection with a grandparent who was essentially a complete stranger. Foley beautifully captures the sense of displacement and longing of a second generation immigrant, yearning for a connection to a parent's home country and to relations who have been long separated by time and miles.
Foley also effectively intersperses traditional Irish stories in the narrative in the voice of Breda's father, known as a seanachie or revered storyteller in the community. In the vast majority of middle grade books that I read which try to integrate cultural stories in this way, it feels forced and disconnected from the narrative, and I usually skip over the tales and myths, seeing them as an interruption. Perhaps in large part due to my own Irish heritage, but also due to Foley's effective connection of the traditional tales to the plot, I found them enjoyable.
I am not certain that the final 2/3 of the book will be as compelling to younger readers as it was to me, as Breda seemed to shed most of her 12 year old awkwardness, and her wonderings and yearnings seemed to take on a gravity that transcended her age. The characters of Breda's grandfather and his friend Noleen were vividly and believably drawn, though the entire storyline about her unknown father seemed very rushed and addressed at only a surface level. Maura, Breda's mother, frustratingly vascillated from cold and neglectful to warm and devoted, her credibility as a good mother evidenced more by Breda saying so than by anything Foley shows. I'd have liked to see her drawn more fully.
For a country with so many Irish-Americans, the American publishing industry produces a shockingly low number of books telling the stories of Irish-American kids, and I would certainly recommend Breda's Island to fill this hole. Breda's experience as the child of an undocumented immigrant will also be relatable to other readers whose parents are undocumented or in communities with many immigrant children.
As an elementary librarian, my biggest concern about Breda's Island would be whether it could find its audience without aggressive book-talking. Its cover doesn't at all scream "Ireland", so anyone interested in an story set in Ireland isn't going to pick it up unless they're familiar with Breda as an Irish name. It also isn't a typical cover style for contemporary realistic middle grade fiction, so readers who like to read relatable realistic stories aren't going to pick it up, either.
The audiobook narration by Megan Trout is well done **except for the Irish accents**. Why, why, why do audiobook producers fail to hire actual Irish voiceover artists or narrators for books set in Ireland? More books than not that are published in America but set in Ireland are ruined in audiobook format by non-Irish narrators sounding more like a cringey Irish Spring deodorant soap commercial than an actual Irish person. Trout does her best and even does a decent job with a few words in Irish, but overall the accents just hit discordant notes again and again that take away from the enjoyment of the audiobook edition. For listeners unfamiliar with real Irish accents, it might not be so grating.
Recommended for upper grade elementary readers, children of immigrants, and particularly Irish-American second and third generation readers who seldom get to see themselves in books.
The first third of the book felt like something that my upper elementary readers would gobble up. I'm not so certain about the second 2/3, which certainly appealed to me as the adult Irish-American daughter of an Irish immigrant who vividly remembers going home to Ireland for the first time around Breda's age and trying to form a connection with a grandparent who was essentially a complete stranger. Foley beautifully captures the sense of displacement and longing of a second generation immigrant, yearning for a connection to a parent's home country and to relations who have been long separated by time and miles.
Foley also effectively intersperses traditional Irish stories in the narrative in the voice of Breda's father, known as a seanachie or revered storyteller in the community. In the vast majority of middle grade books that I read which try to integrate cultural stories in this way, it feels forced and disconnected from the narrative, and I usually skip over the tales and myths, seeing them as an interruption. Perhaps in large part due to my own Irish heritage, but also due to Foley's effective connection of the traditional tales to the plot, I found them enjoyable.
I am not certain that the final 2/3 of the book will be as compelling to younger readers as it was to me, as Breda seemed to shed most of her 12 year old awkwardness, and her wonderings and yearnings seemed to take on a gravity that transcended her age. The characters of Breda's grandfather and his friend Noleen were vividly and believably drawn, though the entire storyline about her unknown father seemed very rushed and addressed at only a surface level. Maura, Breda's mother, frustratingly vascillated from cold and neglectful to warm and devoted, her credibility as a good mother evidenced more by Breda saying so than by anything Foley shows. I'd have liked to see her drawn more fully.
For a country with so many Irish-Americans, the American publishing industry produces a shockingly low number of books telling the stories of Irish-American kids, and I would certainly recommend Breda's Island to fill this hole. Breda's experience as the child of an undocumented immigrant will also be relatable to other readers whose parents are undocumented or in communities with many immigrant children.
As an elementary librarian, my biggest concern about Breda's Island would be whether it could find its audience without aggressive book-talking. Its cover doesn't at all scream "Ireland", so anyone interested in an story set in Ireland isn't going to pick it up unless they're familiar with Breda as an Irish name. It also isn't a typical cover style for contemporary realistic middle grade fiction, so readers who like to read relatable realistic stories aren't going to pick it up, either.
The audiobook narration by Megan Trout is well done **except for the Irish accents**. Why, why, why do audiobook producers fail to hire actual Irish voiceover artists or narrators for books set in Ireland? More books than not that are published in America but set in Ireland are ruined in audiobook format by non-Irish narrators sounding more like a cringey Irish Spring deodorant soap commercial than an actual Irish person. Trout does her best and even does a decent job with a few words in Irish, but overall the accents just hit discordant notes again and again that take away from the enjoyment of the audiobook edition. For listeners unfamiliar with real Irish accents, it might not be so grating.
Recommended for upper grade elementary readers, children of immigrants, and particularly Irish-American second and third generation readers who seldom get to see themselves in books.
October 29, 2022
ARC provided by Young Adult Books Central
Breda lives in Chicago, but her mother, who left Ireland at 18 when she was pregnant with Breda, is very busy running her own hair salon and has little time for her daughter. Breda has taken to stealing small items, but the last straw is when she steals a fellow student's gym shorts after hers are ruined by period stains. Her mother, flashy but forthright, has promised to send Breda to live with her grandfather in Ireland for the summer if she gets caught again, and makes arrangements right away. Breda isn't thrilled with the idea, but summer in Chicago isn't going to be all that exciting. Her grandfather has a small farm not too far from town, and provides Breda with a bicycle. He gives her a lot of freedom to wander around, and asks only that she not go into one pub in town owned by the Fahey's. Breda's grandmother died of cancer when her mother was very small, and her grandfather has a friend, Noeleen, who helps out a bit, and accompanies Breda to the pub when her grandfather performs as a seanchaí, telling stories about Ireland and its past. Caught in the rain one day with her bike, Breda takes refuge in the Fahey's forbidden pub and meets Nellie, who is just a bit older than she is, and who invites her to play Irish football with her friends. She ends up enjoying it, and feels more connected to the farm when she helps her grandfather with a cow experiencing a breech birth. The grandfather (who must be around my age), has night terrors due to his difficult childhood, and also suffers from arthritis, making some chores and climbing his favorite hill hard. Having never been told about her father, Breda does some investigation into which man among the locals might have known her mother, and comes to a surprising conclusion. Will Breda's summer help her grandfather and mother to reconcile?
I am always a fan of books that allow me to travel virtually, especially when they involve children reconnecting with grandparents! There are plenty of good details about the farm and local life, and it's even better that Breda is fairly positive about her time in another country. There are moments where she's not enjoying herself, but that's very realistic. The details about her mother's immigration status are also helpful, and explain why the two have never traveled to visit the grandfather. There is a short discussion in Breda's school in Chicago about "illegal aliens", and Breda gets in a bit of an argument with her teacher, knowing that her mother is undocumented. I find it hard to believe that a teacher would tell a class "That's just the term we use for criminals who come to our country illegally," but it is good to see this topic addressed.
The grandfather's storytelling is a nice touch, and his childhood touches on an interesting historical topic that would make for some fascinating reading, although maybe not for twelve year olds! It's a good way for him to deliver information to Breda on difficult topics. Noeleen taking Breda to the site of the orphanage was very effective.
There are not as many books set in Ireland as there should be; Callaghan's Lost in Ireland (2016), Welch's Luck and Love (2018), Supplee's When Irish Guys are Smiling (2008), and Webb's Ask Amy Green (2010) series are some of the few I can think of. This read a bit more like McCullough's Across the Pond (2021) or Savage's Nessie Quest (2020), both of which are set in Scotland but have a more similar vibe.
I'm debating whether or not to buy this. The cover is not great, and my students are not as fond of books about travel as I would like them to be.
Breda lives in Chicago, but her mother, who left Ireland at 18 when she was pregnant with Breda, is very busy running her own hair salon and has little time for her daughter. Breda has taken to stealing small items, but the last straw is when she steals a fellow student's gym shorts after hers are ruined by period stains. Her mother, flashy but forthright, has promised to send Breda to live with her grandfather in Ireland for the summer if she gets caught again, and makes arrangements right away. Breda isn't thrilled with the idea, but summer in Chicago isn't going to be all that exciting. Her grandfather has a small farm not too far from town, and provides Breda with a bicycle. He gives her a lot of freedom to wander around, and asks only that she not go into one pub in town owned by the Fahey's. Breda's grandmother died of cancer when her mother was very small, and her grandfather has a friend, Noeleen, who helps out a bit, and accompanies Breda to the pub when her grandfather performs as a seanchaí, telling stories about Ireland and its past. Caught in the rain one day with her bike, Breda takes refuge in the Fahey's forbidden pub and meets Nellie, who is just a bit older than she is, and who invites her to play Irish football with her friends. She ends up enjoying it, and feels more connected to the farm when she helps her grandfather with a cow experiencing a breech birth. The grandfather (who must be around my age), has night terrors due to his difficult childhood, and also suffers from arthritis, making some chores and climbing his favorite hill hard. Having never been told about her father, Breda does some investigation into which man among the locals might have known her mother, and comes to a surprising conclusion. Will Breda's summer help her grandfather and mother to reconcile?
I am always a fan of books that allow me to travel virtually, especially when they involve children reconnecting with grandparents! There are plenty of good details about the farm and local life, and it's even better that Breda is fairly positive about her time in another country. There are moments where she's not enjoying herself, but that's very realistic. The details about her mother's immigration status are also helpful, and explain why the two have never traveled to visit the grandfather. There is a short discussion in Breda's school in Chicago about "illegal aliens", and Breda gets in a bit of an argument with her teacher, knowing that her mother is undocumented. I find it hard to believe that a teacher would tell a class "That's just the term we use for criminals who come to our country illegally," but it is good to see this topic addressed.
The grandfather's storytelling is a nice touch, and his childhood touches on an interesting historical topic that would make for some fascinating reading, although maybe not for twelve year olds! It's a good way for him to deliver information to Breda on difficult topics. Noeleen taking Breda to the site of the orphanage was very effective.
There are not as many books set in Ireland as there should be; Callaghan's Lost in Ireland (2016), Welch's Luck and Love (2018), Supplee's When Irish Guys are Smiling (2008), and Webb's Ask Amy Green (2010) series are some of the few I can think of. This read a bit more like McCullough's Across the Pond (2021) or Savage's Nessie Quest (2020), both of which are set in Scotland but have a more similar vibe.
I'm debating whether or not to buy this. The cover is not great, and my students are not as fond of books about travel as I would like them to be.
September 28, 2022
The problem with children's book reviews is that they are written by adults who are far more forgiving than kids. First of all, kids are heavily swayed by a book cover. When they stand before shelves and shelves of books in a library, they must have a system for narrowing things down. They do that first by cover illustration and second by title. This book will not pass either. Sorry to be harsh but this is just a fact. I see it every day.
It's too bad. Except for the author's misguided soapbox about immigration, I actually liked the story, even the part about Breda getting her period and staining her white gym shorts. I remember being in 4th grade and adoring Judy Blume's Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret. EVERY girl can identify and appreciate having books which validate that awkward life transition called puberty.
Besides that, I liked the grandfather. I liked his initial aloofness marked with wisdom that he is able to impart to Breda little by little. I liked his backstory, growing up in an abusive orphanage, because it explains a lot. He's had a hard life, but he's made the best of it. A good lesson for everyone. I liked Breda's newfound friend group, since she's been the outcast kid her whole life. Although I have to say, it's not believable that she's any good at football. I liked that she found her father still living on the island, that he's changed, and that he and her grandfather eventually make amends. I did not care for her grandfather's storytelling. They were an interruption for me. I also did not care for his screaming fits in the middle of the night. Neither added value to the story. They could have been removed and it would not have affected the plot. But then I guess the part about Breda helping a cow give birth could have been eliminated too, but I liked it because it was one more example of how her grandfather was building up her self-esteem.
So a good book, but it's going to sit. When kids go for realistic fiction they want a little sunshine. Kids who want a dark story go for historical fiction. This book is just like the Irish landscape. Few trees. Lots of rain. My advice. Change the cover. Change the title. Brighten things up a bit by eliminating those awful nighttime screaming fits, for example, and the odds of this book going somewhere increase dramatically.
It's too bad. Except for the author's misguided soapbox about immigration, I actually liked the story, even the part about Breda getting her period and staining her white gym shorts. I remember being in 4th grade and adoring Judy Blume's Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret. EVERY girl can identify and appreciate having books which validate that awkward life transition called puberty.
Besides that, I liked the grandfather. I liked his initial aloofness marked with wisdom that he is able to impart to Breda little by little. I liked his backstory, growing up in an abusive orphanage, because it explains a lot. He's had a hard life, but he's made the best of it. A good lesson for everyone. I liked Breda's newfound friend group, since she's been the outcast kid her whole life. Although I have to say, it's not believable that she's any good at football. I liked that she found her father still living on the island, that he's changed, and that he and her grandfather eventually make amends. I did not care for her grandfather's storytelling. They were an interruption for me. I also did not care for his screaming fits in the middle of the night. Neither added value to the story. They could have been removed and it would not have affected the plot. But then I guess the part about Breda helping a cow give birth could have been eliminated too, but I liked it because it was one more example of how her grandfather was building up her self-esteem.
So a good book, but it's going to sit. When kids go for realistic fiction they want a little sunshine. Kids who want a dark story go for historical fiction. This book is just like the Irish landscape. Few trees. Lots of rain. My advice. Change the cover. Change the title. Brighten things up a bit by eliminating those awful nighttime screaming fits, for example, and the odds of this book going somewhere increase dramatically.
July 25, 2022
Breda's Island, by Jessie Ann Foley, follows Breda Moriarty, who is sent to stay with her grandfather in Ireland for the summer after she's repeatedly caught stealing. During her stay in Ireland, she grows closer to her grandfather, whom she had previously never met, and learns about the story of her family and how her mother came to become an undocumented immigrant to the US.
This book is lovely in so many ways.
My favorite aspect was the way in which it explores several generations of trauma, and how those affect Breda now, as well as how she and the rest of her family process them and work through them. The family relationships are complicated, but the way in which they interact and drive the characters are heartbreaking and compelling. Breda's mother had her as a teenager, which played in turn on Breda's grandfather's own trauma associated with his childhood, and it is truly just so well-written in a way I wasn't expecting from a fantasy book.
Breda's mother is always busy with the hair salon she started, so Breda had started stealing small things as a way of getting any sort of attention. She's a relative outcast at school, particularly after she's caught stealing a classmate's spare gym uniform after getting her period for the first time unexpectedly and ruining hers. She grows a lot as a character as she learns more about her family history, and as she moves from resenting the situation to appreciating the country and the ability to develop relationships with previously-estranged family members.
I loved almost all of the characters; Breda's mother was not my favorite, but Breda, her grandfather, and the variety of other people that she meets in Ireland are all interesting and distinct, which definitely helps to draw the reader in and make the narrative feel alive despite a relatively slow-moving plot.
The setting is wonderful; I've always wanted to visit Ireland, and I really loved reading about Breda's grandfather's farm and the small towns surrounding it.. You can practically see the gorgeous scenery as you read the book; it's done that well.
I also appreciated the book's treatment of difficult topics. From the abuse at Irish mother-and-baby homes, to undocumented immigration, to single motherhood and having children out of wedlock, it handles a wide variety of issues and does them all well. They are tackled in a way that is suitable for its middle-grade audience, but still treated with nuance and complexity in a really skillful way.
The main thing that I wish is that this book had been longer. The ending felt a bit rushed, and I would have loved to see more character growth and more exploration into how the family changes and grows closer together after the events of the book. As it is, the conclusion of the story does not feel as if it was treated with the same love and care as the rest of it was.
Overall, Breda's Island is a sweet, genuine, moving story that can appeal both to its target middle-grade audience and to older readers. The relationships between characters feel so natural and real, the issues covered are treated with the nuance and depth that they deserve, and it is an overall heart-warming story that I know I would have loved as a middle-grade reader. I'm giving Breda's Island 4/5 stars.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with a free eARC in exchange for a fair and honest review.
This book is lovely in so many ways.
My favorite aspect was the way in which it explores several generations of trauma, and how those affect Breda now, as well as how she and the rest of her family process them and work through them. The family relationships are complicated, but the way in which they interact and drive the characters are heartbreaking and compelling. Breda's mother had her as a teenager, which played in turn on Breda's grandfather's own trauma associated with his childhood, and it is truly just so well-written in a way I wasn't expecting from a fantasy book.
Breda's mother is always busy with the hair salon she started, so Breda had started stealing small things as a way of getting any sort of attention. She's a relative outcast at school, particularly after she's caught stealing a classmate's spare gym uniform after getting her period for the first time unexpectedly and ruining hers. She grows a lot as a character as she learns more about her family history, and as she moves from resenting the situation to appreciating the country and the ability to develop relationships with previously-estranged family members.
I loved almost all of the characters; Breda's mother was not my favorite, but Breda, her grandfather, and the variety of other people that she meets in Ireland are all interesting and distinct, which definitely helps to draw the reader in and make the narrative feel alive despite a relatively slow-moving plot.
The setting is wonderful; I've always wanted to visit Ireland, and I really loved reading about Breda's grandfather's farm and the small towns surrounding it.. You can practically see the gorgeous scenery as you read the book; it's done that well.
I also appreciated the book's treatment of difficult topics. From the abuse at Irish mother-and-baby homes, to undocumented immigration, to single motherhood and having children out of wedlock, it handles a wide variety of issues and does them all well. They are tackled in a way that is suitable for its middle-grade audience, but still treated with nuance and complexity in a really skillful way.
The main thing that I wish is that this book had been longer. The ending felt a bit rushed, and I would have loved to see more character growth and more exploration into how the family changes and grows closer together after the events of the book. As it is, the conclusion of the story does not feel as if it was treated with the same love and care as the rest of it was.
Overall, Breda's Island is a sweet, genuine, moving story that can appeal both to its target middle-grade audience and to older readers. The relationships between characters feel so natural and real, the issues covered are treated with the nuance and depth that they deserve, and it is an overall heart-warming story that I know I would have loved as a middle-grade reader. I'm giving Breda's Island 4/5 stars.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with a free eARC in exchange for a fair and honest review.
July 14, 2022
Breda’s Island is one of those books that you may not be completely sure about when you pick it up, but are quickly convinced of its excellence.
Author Jessie Ann Foley’s prose is warm, comforting and all-encompassing. She deftly sets the scene, transporting readers to a land of expansive green where residents are at once immediately welcoming but know how to keep a grudge.
At the center of the story is Breda, a girl who is begging for attention, but gets sent away for her actions. Breda’s mother fled to the US when she was pregnant, cutting off all ties with her father. Breda and her mother used to be as close as can be, but when her mom opens a new business, all her focus turns to that.
Breda’s not really a “bad girl,” and she quickly finds her footing in Ireland, and, later, with her grandfather. There are years of bad will built up in Breda’s family — bad will that she’s determined to figure out. Breda’s curiosity about the past pushes her forward and changes her family forever.
Breda is a complicated character, but one that you want to root for. Even more complicated are her mother and Granda. This complicated relationship plays out against a beautiful, harsh backdrop that sucks you in.
Breda’s Island is a quiet, driving read that explores relationships, immigration and the meaning of family. It’s an excellent read for children ages 9 and up.
Author Jessie Ann Foley’s prose is warm, comforting and all-encompassing. She deftly sets the scene, transporting readers to a land of expansive green where residents are at once immediately welcoming but know how to keep a grudge.
At the center of the story is Breda, a girl who is begging for attention, but gets sent away for her actions. Breda’s mother fled to the US when she was pregnant, cutting off all ties with her father. Breda and her mother used to be as close as can be, but when her mom opens a new business, all her focus turns to that.
Breda’s not really a “bad girl,” and she quickly finds her footing in Ireland, and, later, with her grandfather. There are years of bad will built up in Breda’s family — bad will that she’s determined to figure out. Breda’s curiosity about the past pushes her forward and changes her family forever.
Breda is a complicated character, but one that you want to root for. Even more complicated are her mother and Granda. This complicated relationship plays out against a beautiful, harsh backdrop that sucks you in.
Breda’s Island is a quiet, driving read that explores relationships, immigration and the meaning of family. It’s an excellent read for children ages 9 and up.
June 28, 2022
Breda’s Island is a touching tale of a girl sent to live for the summer with the grandfather she’s never met. Her journey of self discovery and the discovery of her past is a heartwarming one. Breda has stolen something one too many times and her mom makes good on her threat to send her to Ireland to live with her grandfather for the summer. A grandfather she’ has only talked to on the phone once a year at Christmas. When she arrives, her grandfather isn’t exactly warm and welcoming, during her time there she learns a lot about his past and hers as well. Breda begins to understand during her time there the rocky relationship he has with her mother and the tortured past of her grandfather. She learns a lot about herself and is not the same girl that showed up at the beginning of the summer by the time she leaves. Breda realizes she is capable of more than she has ever imagined.
I really enjoyed Breda’s Island and will definitely be adding it to out school library next year! Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advance copy.
I really enjoyed Breda’s Island and will definitely be adding it to out school library next year! Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advance copy.
June 2, 2022
This was classified as a middle grade book but would definitely be better suited as a young adult book due to the content.
Born to an unwed teenager, Breeda is no stranger to family issues. Her grandfather, Granda, shares a similar backstory, but he was raised in an orphanage by nuns who were physically and emotionally abusive to him growing up.
Breeda is a product of inter generational trauma and faces many struggles herself. She steals and ends up being sent to Ireland to live with her grandfather after being caught one too many times. Granda starts out as the typical cranky old man but bonds with Breeda as she delves into her family’s past.
This was a nice coming of age story but hits on many deep topics. This would be a good one to read together as a family and be able to have discussions about issues that everyone carries with them, family history and healing from difficult events.
Born to an unwed teenager, Breeda is no stranger to family issues. Her grandfather, Granda, shares a similar backstory, but he was raised in an orphanage by nuns who were physically and emotionally abusive to him growing up.
Breeda is a product of inter generational trauma and faces many struggles herself. She steals and ends up being sent to Ireland to live with her grandfather after being caught one too many times. Granda starts out as the typical cranky old man but bonds with Breeda as she delves into her family’s past.
This was a nice coming of age story but hits on many deep topics. This would be a good one to read together as a family and be able to have discussions about issues that everyone carries with them, family history and healing from difficult events.
July 17, 2023
This book was chosen by my 11 year old granddaughter for our July pick for our cousin and grandma summer book club. It may seem like the target audience is for young girls beginning puberty after you read the first chapter. However, if you stay with the book, you will find a delightful story about a young girl learning about who she is while staying with her granda. Now the fact that the setting is in Dingle does make the story more enjoyable for me, but that is the background, the "stage" of the story. The story is generational and it will capture your interest. The boys in our group enjoyed the book once they got past the first chapter that talks about girl body parts and what happens with puberty. It is needed though to introduce us to Breda. These young readers are going into 5th grade, I probably wouldn't recommend this book for much younger than that age group. I do recommend it for anyone older than 10 or 11 all the way to this old grandma's age.
July 10, 2022
Breda's Island
by Jessie Ann Foley
Pub Date 12 Jul 2022
HarperCollins Children's Books, Quill Tree Books
Children's Fiction | Middle Grade
I am reviewing a copy of Breda’s Island through HarperCollin’s Children’s Book and Netgalley:
Breda Moriarity gets caught stealing one to many times so Breda's mom sends her to Ireland, a place she has never been, to live with the grandfather she has never met.
While Breda doesn’t want to be in this strange land, she finally gets to meet Granda, her mom’s father. He’s a grumpy farmer who is also a seanchaí, a traditional Gaelic storyteller. But the most important story is the one nobody will talk about: what happened to her absent father. If nothing else this summer, Breda is determined to figure out the truth about her family’s history and herself.
I give Breda’s Secret five out of five stars!
Happy Reading!
by Jessie Ann Foley
Pub Date 12 Jul 2022
HarperCollins Children's Books, Quill Tree Books
Children's Fiction | Middle Grade
I am reviewing a copy of Breda’s Island through HarperCollin’s Children’s Book and Netgalley:
Breda Moriarity gets caught stealing one to many times so Breda's mom sends her to Ireland, a place she has never been, to live with the grandfather she has never met.
While Breda doesn’t want to be in this strange land, she finally gets to meet Granda, her mom’s father. He’s a grumpy farmer who is also a seanchaí, a traditional Gaelic storyteller. But the most important story is the one nobody will talk about: what happened to her absent father. If nothing else this summer, Breda is determined to figure out the truth about her family’s history and herself.
I give Breda’s Secret five out of five stars!
Happy Reading!
March 4, 2024
Breda's not a bad girl but when she's in need of some tough life, her single mother sends her to Ireland to spend the summer with the grandfather she's never met. During a storm, soon after her arrival, Breda takes shelter in a pub. It doesn't take long before she realizes that the friendly young girl behind the counter is a Fahey and her family (the family Granda told her to stay away from) owns the pub. Having no friends, and not wanting to be rude, Breda accepts Nellie's kindness. While Breda continues to hide her connection to her grandfather and his farm, the two girls see more of each other and become friends. When Granda has an accident, Breda has no choice but to bring the two families together.
Irish storytelling helps to shed light on family secrets but open honesty is what's needed here.
Irish storytelling helps to shed light on family secrets but open honesty is what's needed here.
March 6, 2023
A unique approach to the story of a kid raised without a dad discovering him all on her own.
13-year-old Breda is sent to Ireland to spend the summer with a grandfather she's never met. He gives her a refurbished bike to ride anywhere she wishes and just asks that she not enter Fahey's Pub. Of course, when a sudden rain hits, that's exactly where she took shelter, meeting a great girl friend and being invited to participate with all the siblings and cousins.
It takes awhile for Granda's background to be explained so we understand the why's of his behavior. All the more triumphant when he makes the first plane flight of his life to accompany Breda back to the U.S. and reunite with his daughter.
13-year-old Breda is sent to Ireland to spend the summer with a grandfather she's never met. He gives her a refurbished bike to ride anywhere she wishes and just asks that she not enter Fahey's Pub. Of course, when a sudden rain hits, that's exactly where she took shelter, meeting a great girl friend and being invited to participate with all the siblings and cousins.
It takes awhile for Granda's background to be explained so we understand the why's of his behavior. All the more triumphant when he makes the first plane flight of his life to accompany Breda back to the U.S. and reunite with his daughter.
January 8, 2023
Loved this story of a Chicago girl and her Irish Granda (grandfather). Would be a challenge to read aloud unless your Irish is better than mine, but the audio book is great. (Note for the paperback version - include a pronunciation guide in the back!) A middle school book because of references to periods and teen pregnancy, but the relationships and Breda’s voice are what make it sing. And Granda’s storytelling. And the pacing - where too many books go wrong - is just right.
It made me thing, fondly, of Elana K. Arnold's early book - Far From Fair. I think Breda and Odette would have a lot to talk about.
It made me thing, fondly, of Elana K. Arnold's early book - Far From Fair. I think Breda and Odette would have a lot to talk about.
March 18, 2025
Breda's Island is beautiful written and the characters are well-drawn and multi-dimensional. The setting descriptions really make you feel like you are in Ireland. I loved how Breda, her grandfather, and even her mother's grow by the end of the story.
I did feel like the author was a little heavy handed on the immigration issue to the point that it didn't feel authentic coming from a kid at times. But I loved the overall message of this story that understanding someone's past can teach you compassion and the importance of not holding grudges and forgiveness.
More on my blog: https://jennienzor.blogspot.com/2025/...
I did feel like the author was a little heavy handed on the immigration issue to the point that it didn't feel authentic coming from a kid at times. But I loved the overall message of this story that understanding someone's past can teach you compassion and the importance of not holding grudges and forgiveness.
More on my blog: https://jennienzor.blogspot.com/2025/...
July 2, 2023
Interesting storylines, interesting characters, interesting locations
Loved how mom stuck to her guns and sent her daughter to Ireland as punishment to live with her grandfather for the summer instead of just letting punishment for significant misbehavior go unpunished with empty threats
Loved how grandfather and granddaughter were able to work out a relationship and how he ended up reuniting with his daughter because of it all
Loved the backstory of all of the characters
Very engaging read.
Loved how mom stuck to her guns and sent her daughter to Ireland as punishment to live with her grandfather for the summer instead of just letting punishment for significant misbehavior go unpunished with empty threats
Loved how grandfather and granddaughter were able to work out a relationship and how he ended up reuniting with his daughter because of it all
Loved the backstory of all of the characters
Very engaging read.
November 1, 2023
I wasn't super excited to read this book, it was just one of the many titles on my to-read list that I had forgotten about, but the story really captivated me. I loved seeing all the characters grow out of love for each other. There were a lot of disparaging comments about old age in this story, despite one of the main characters being an older adult, so that was not my favorite, but it was really interesting to see cultural and generational clashes take place as a result of the age differences between characters.
April 25, 2024
I loved listening to Breda’s Island, narrated by Megan Trout. Her voice perfectly matched the vibe of this book. The story weaves a tale of family secrets, self-discovery, and the power of understanding The author gives vivid descriptions that engage young readers in the enchanting Irish landscape. Follow Breda as she evolves from a girl seeking attention to one determined to unravel the mysteries of her family’s past. This a great story about identity, immigration, and family connections for young readers.
January 2, 2023
This was so good! Listen to it if you can so you can really get the Irish accents! Breda's mom sends her to Ireland to stay with the grandfather she has never met after Breda gets into some trouble at home. Breda is at first miserable, but soon comes to love this magical island - and eventually breaks through to her prickly grandfather. But old family secrets and wounds threaten to bring it all day. A memorable coming of age story.
January 12, 2023
Read this book for my club. Very refreshing. 13 year old Breda is older than her years but has a particular way looking at things. Annoyed but still admired her mother for standing up to her about her behavior. The punishment meets the goals she has set for herself and her daughter. Off to the old land and Granda. Great relations started and a refreshing growth. Will recommend. Good memories of visiting the old country myself.
October 29, 2023
After Breda gets into trouble Len too many times for her mother’s liking, her mother sends her off to spend the summer with her Grandpa in Ireland for the summer. Her trip is one that causes one to reflect on family secrets, immigration, and coming of age. Although it I written as a middle school novel, I found that it did not read like one and I would recommend it young and old alike, so it is getting five stars from me.
November 29, 2022
Refreshing read that I think middle schoolers will actually read. I don't know many books for this age that are set in Ireland. Breda shows above age level maturity dealing with a angry grandfather, but it doesn't take away from the story.
Teen pregnancy
Finding a Parent
Grumpy grandparent
stealing
Ireland
Teen pregnancy
Finding a Parent
Grumpy grandparent
stealing
Ireland
December 9, 2022
Just as 13-year-old Breda’s relationship is slow to develop with the Granda she never knew, so this story slowly unfolds. We witness Breda’s growth throughout this glorious summer that she spends in Ireland. From family secrets to bits of Irish history and folklore, ‘tis a grand story indeed! For middle school readers.
February 9, 2023
After getting into trouble one too many times, 12-year-old Breda Moriarity is sent to Ireland to spend the summer on her grandfather's farm, where she untangles the secrets of her mother's own complicated past.
Atmospheric, emotionally charged, and a joy to read.
Atmospheric, emotionally charged, and a joy to read.
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