About This Book
Set in 1727 on the remote St Kilda archipelago, this Carnegie Medal-winning historical fiction novel follows a group of nine boys and three men abandoned on a sea stack during their annual bird harvest. When their boat doesn't return, they face extreme hunger, fear, and the constant threat of the murderous ocean. The book delves into profound themes of survival, resilience, and what makes life worth living in the face of suffering and death. While intensely sad at times, it is ultimately a story of hope and the human spirit. It is best suited for mature readers aged 10-14, despite some initial data suggesting a younger range, due to its complex themes and raw depiction of survival.
316 pages : 21 cm
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Character Death
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Scary Scenes
Discussion Prompts
1
What would you do if you were abandoned like Quill and his friends?
2
How do the characters show bravery and resilience in the face of such extreme challenges?
3
The book talks about what makes life worth living. What do you think that means for the characters, and for you?
4
How does the setting, the remote sea stack, impact the characters' feelings and their chances of survival?
5
What role does hope play in the story, even when things seem desperate?
External Reviews
Awards
1 award
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