Jane's Island

Reach for this book when your child is showing an itch for independence or a budding interest in the natural world. It is the perfect selection for a middle-grade reader who feels they are outgrowing simple stories and wants to experience the thrill of a scientific expedition. Jane's Island tells the story of Jane, a spirited girl who joins her father on a summer research trip to an island. Accompanied by Ellen, a college student mentor, Jane navigates the challenges of the outdoors while discovering the wonders of marine biology and the environment. This Newbery Honor book is a wonderful choice for fostering curiosity and a love for STEM. It emphasizes the beauty of the father daughter bond through shared discovery and provides a nostalgic, wholesome look at the freedoms of childhood exploration. Parents will appreciate the way it models intellectual curiosity and the transition from childhood play to more purposeful, scientific observation. It is a gentle yet engaging adventure that celebrates the great outdoors.