Shipwrecked

LoveReading4Kids Says

July 2024 Book of the Month

Jenny Pearson should be on everyone’s radar as an author who writes funny, heartwarming, fast paced and exciting adventures with relatable and authentic characters we get completely invested in. Shipwrecked is exactly that and more. I think it might well be her best yet!

Sebastian is the narrator of the story which is written as a diary/survival guide. Each chapter begins with a #survival tip, and we appreciate the wisdom of these when we see these are lessons learned the hard way! Life has a tendency to go wrong for the honest and fun- loving Sebastian, he thinks he is a disappointment to his Dad, and does not really understand why his Mum did not want to take him when she left the family home a year ago. When he and best friends Lina and Étienne win a competition, to go to Climate Avenger’s camp, he thinks this will be his chance to prove himself (but mainly to have fun!). Sebastian challenges the cool kids to a boat race, and when a storm hits, the friends find themselves stranded on an island in the Pacific Ocean.

Here begins a hilarious and epic adventure of survival, pirates, baby turtles and a goat. But as always, amongst the humour there are some sensitively handled serious issues. These three friends are very different, but each have their strengths and as the weeks pass, they begin to appreciate these rather than be annoyed by each other. They figure out how to work as a team and in moments of true danger, they unite and act together.

What I particularly love is that Lina, the reader, knows Lord of the Flies and is determined that they will not go the same way. What their experience demonstrates to Sebastian, and to us readers, is that contrary to William Golding’s theory, tough times can bring out the best in us. A wonderful, wise story full of perseverance, friendship and indomitable spirit.

Joy Court

Find This Book In