Book Details
Written by
Genre
More details
See more book reviews

A Faraway Island (by Annika Thor)

common sense media says

Moving story of Jewish sisters living as refugees in Sweden.

parents & educators say
See all 3 reviews | Review it

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that this story can help kids start learning about World War II, Nazis, and child refugees. Stephie is a relatable character who fights with her sister, worries about  her parents (whom she is separated from), and discovers her inner courage. While the war is kept at a distance, there are moments when Stephanie remembers her life before she left Germany, including the beating of a couple and the killing of a dog. 

Educational value: This story includes some information about World War II and may prompt readers to look for more.
Positive messages: This story can be used to help kids begin learning about World War II, Nazis, and child refugees. Kids will find Stephie to be a relatable character and understand her worry for her parents and admire her bravery. 
Positive role models: Stephanie and her sister are both believable characters who fight sometimes; they also worry about their parents. Readers will find it easy to root for them and admire Stephie's inner courage.  
Violence: The war is kept at a distance, but Stephanie has memories of her dog being shot by Nazis and of a couple being beaten. Also a fistfight, a boy kicks a dog, and a girl is bullied.
Sex: Not applicable.
Language: A boy calls a girl a "filthy Jew-kid."
Consumerism: Not applicable.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Not applicable.
Our ratings and reviews are informed by child development guidelines. Learn more.

More on A Faraway Island

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
  • Families can talk about WWII and its impact on kids and families. What did kids know about the war before reading this book? How can they find out more?
  • The author wrote this book based, in part, on interviews with 500 Jews who, like Stephie, spent WWII in Sweden as child refugees. Do you feel differently about the book knowing that real kids went through what Stephie did? 
  •  

What's the story?

What's the story?
In 1939, Viennese Jewish sisters Stephanie and Nellie are sent by their parents as refugees to Sweden. They're placed with different families on a small, windswept island, where they hope that their parents will join them later. Nellie learns Swedish quickly, makes friends, and lives with a kind family. But older sister Stephanie picks up Swedish more slowly, lives with a cold old woman, and is bullied at school. She longs for the day that she's reunited with her parents, but that's looking more and more unlikely. Includes Author's Note.

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 

This seamless translation from Swedish, based on an event little-known in that country, will help kids begin to learn about tough topics like World War II, Nazis, and child refugees. It takes place outside of the more extreme crimes of the war, but kids will still be moved by this realistic tale of children torn apart from their parents and learning to live in a foreign place.

See our discussion guide for ideas for delving into the themes here and our list of other recommended books for kids who are ready to delve more deeply into the stories of Jewish children in WWII.  

Book themes & details

Book Details
Author: Annika Thor
Publisher: Random House Books for Young Readers
Publication date: November 1, 2009
Number of pages: 247
Hardcover price: $16.99
Read Aloud: 9
Read Alone: 9
This review was written by Matt Berman
 
 

Review It

 

Review A Faraway Island

Hang on! You need to be a member to post your review.
A safe community is important to us. Please observe our guidelines.
 

Most useful reviews by all members

SunilTripathy
parent of 3 and 11 year old
10
 
Flag as inappropriate 
was this review useful?
helped me decide (8) | had useful details (14) | read my mind (11)
j♥j♥f♥
teen, 13 years old
8
 
"Interesting and Educational"
When I first started reading this book, I thought it was boring. However, I made myself keep reading and it turned out to be a really interesting and educational book. I would recommend it, especially if you are trying to learn more about World War II. I intend to continue reading the series!
Flag as inappropriate 
was this review useful?
helped me decide (10) | had useful details (11) | read my mind (11)
mlv55429
teen, 15 years old
13
 
a faraway ialand
This is a very good book! I would like to reread it more times!
Flag as inappropriate 
was this review useful?
helped me decide (10) | had useful details (7) | read my mind (10)

More reviews ...

An independent voice for families
Age-appropriate reviews
Advice on the big issues
 

vote now

Will you read A Faraway Island?

Won't miss it
On the fence
No way

Already read it? What do you think?

I recommend it
It's a pass
 

Great alternatives handpicked by our editors

More about Jewish children in WWII
For kids who love history
Browse more books
External sites
About our rating system
ON: Content is appropriate for kids this age.
PAUSE: Know your child, some content may not be right for some kids
OFF: Not age appropriate for kids this age
Our child development rating guidelines