The Island of Beyond

April 1, 2016

Gr 4-6-Friendless and fussy, 11-year-old Martin lives in a small world. He spends his time at home, surrounded by his favorite video games and comic books. Three pillows decorate his bed: a regular one for his head, a striped one for hugging, and a fuzzy one for hiding things. Dad doesn't understand why Martin doesn't do "normal boy stuff," so he drops Martin off on Beyond Island, where Martin will spend the summer with his great-aunt Lenore. Martin hates everything about the island until a wild boy catches his attention. Solo does not answer to parents or go to school. He canoes, sleeps outside, and feeds himself. For the first time in his life, Martin discovers feelings he's never had before. Martin finds he must step out of himself in order to grow. The story line includes adventure, mature awareness, friendship, and a gay couple coping with the conservative attitudes of an island society. As Martin begins to open up to Solo and others, he finally starts to accept himself, even as he learns the hard truth that not everyone will always support him. VERDICT A gently told coming-of-age story distinguished by its beautifully described island setting.-Robyn Gioia, Antilles Middle School, Fort Buchanan, Puerto Rico

Copyright 2016 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

January 15, 2016
In an effort to get him to "be more of a boy," his parents send 11-year-old Martin to live with his elderly great-aunt Lenore on an isolated island in Maine. Martin quickly learns that his father's intentions are not quite what he claimed. While he may have hoped to have a more rough-and-tumble son at the end of the stay, his father's bigger plan was to place Martin in line to inherit the island. In spite of Martin's reluctance and his father's duplicity, Beyond Island holds many surprises. There, Martin meets Solo, a local boy who sleeps in a treehouse, forages for food, and lives in the wild. He also meets his mysterious uncle, who encourages him to paint and talks to him like a grown-up. This quiet, coming-of-age story is filled with quirky characters and is distinguished by a beautiful setting. And the timeless quest for love and acceptance will resonate with all readers. However, as Martin finds out, there are no easy answers; there will always be those who disapprove of his choices. But it is his choice ultimately to decide what matters to him. In the middle of nowhere, Martin may just find himself. Quietly powerful. (Fiction. 9-12)

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