The Islanders

Name: The Islanders
ISBN: 9781534427273

by Mary Alice Monroe

Jake, an eleven-year-old, spends the summer on Dewees Island with his grandmother. He finds two friends, all grappling with family issues, and together they embark on a mission to save a sea turtle ne

About This Book

In 'The Islanders,' eleven-year-old Jake navigates a summer on South Carolina's remote Dewees Island, staying with his grandmother. He soon connects with two other children, each facing their own family challenges, forming an unexpected bond. Their shared purpose emerges when they discover a vulnerable sea turtle nest and unite to protect it from natural predators. This middle grade novel beautifully weaves themes of friendship, family, environmental stewardship, and finding belonging, offering a gentle yet engaging story for young readers.

Spending the summer with his grandmother on South Carolina's Dewees Island, eleven-year-old Jake finds two friends who are also struggling with family issues and together they try to save a sea turtle nest from predators.

Concepts

Friendship & Loyalty Love & Family Resilience & Perseverance Teamwork & Collaboration Empathy & Kindness Self-Confidence & Identity Loneliness & Belonging Curiosity & Wonder Justice & Fairness Joy & Gratitude Making Friends Growing Up Being Different Parent Deployment Friendship & Social Family & Siblings Weather & Seasons

Heads up, parents

peril_danger

separation_from_parent

Discussion Prompts

How do Jake, Macon, and Olivia help each other cope with their family struggles?

What responsibilities do we have to protect wildlife and the environment, like the sea turtles?

Have you ever felt like an 'outsider' or struggled to make new friends? How did you overcome it?

What does it mean to be resilient, and how do the characters in the story show resilience?

What is something new Jake learns about himself or the world during his summer on Dewees Island?

External Reviews