From the Publisher
"This is a great adventure story and both boys and girls. There is also good information about earthquakes with is very interesting. Family unity is certainly focused on and how everyone needs to work together. "—Children's Literature
"The tautly written story sustains the suspense without ever becoming melodramatic. "—School Library Journal
Children's Literature - Kathie M. Josephs
Fans of adventure stories are going to love this book. Jonathan's family decided to go on a vacation in Northern California. They decided to camp on an island. Unfortunately, Jonathan's mother breaks her ankle and if that isn't bad enough there is an earthquake which felled two large trees prevented Jonathan from getting back after he went for help. Their trailer is smashed, the food supple is gone, so Jonathan decides to go for help. He took his dog and placed his sister Abby under the redwood for shelter. Food supplies are gone, the water was rising quickly and eventually the island sunk. This is a great adventure story and both boys and girls. There is also good information about earthquakes with is very interesting. Family unity is certainly focused on and how everyone needs to work together. This particular copy has three CD's and the narrator does a great job. Reviewer: Kathie M. Josephs
School Library Journal - Audio
Gr 5–7—Jonathan and his family are the only campers on Magpie Island, and the deserted grounds make Jonathan ill at ease. Soon after they arrive, his mother slips and injures her ankle. Jonathan offers to stay at the campground with his six-year old physically handicapped sister so his parents can get to the hospital quickly. Just after they leave, a devastating earthquake strikes, destroying Abby's walker, the camper, and the only bridge off the island. The island quickly floods, and the children and their loyal dog are stranded without supplies. Throughout his ordeal, Jonathan displays the patience, courage, and tenacity of one far older than 12, facing each new crisis with resolve. Youngsters may find it hard to comprehend how the family could be so out of touch, but Peg Kehret wrote this story (Puffin, 1998) before cell phones became a necessity. How Jonathan manages to save himself and his nearly helpless sister is a tense tale, and the danger increases with each chapter. Charles Carroll's reading, although clear and precise, doesn't aptly convey the story's tone of suspense and danger. Still, fans of adventure novels will be delighted as the youngsters battle to stay alive.—MaryAnn Karre, West Middle School, Binghamton, NY
