Monday, February 18, 2019

Bibliophile's Corner

Island War
by Patricia Reilly Giff

Flap Copy Description:
A boy and girl must survive on their own on a remote Japanese-occupied island during World War II. Fans of Hatchet and Julie of the Wolves will be riveted by the story of 11-year-old Izzy and 14-year-old Matt who are left alone on an Alaskan island when the Japanese army takes the rest of the Americans prisoner. Now that Izzy's ornithologist mother, Matt's father, and the other villages have been evacuated to camps in Japan, Izzy and Matt become the only Americans left on the island. They must rely on themselves to hide from the Japanese soldiers, keep their dog for giving them away, survive the harsh winter and Allied bombing raids.

My Thoughts:
The recently released Island War, by Patricia Reilly Giff, is a beautiful historical fiction novel for middle grade readers. Written in dual points of view, the two main characters start out as adversaries and end up best friends. It's one of those heartwarming, yet believable, stories that is relevant right now - on multiple levels. Ms. Giff's storytelling style perfectly brings the extraordinary setting, characters, and plot to life. I highly recommend Island War to readers aged eight to twelve!

Click here to learn about the award-winning author, Patricia Reilly Giff.