Common Sense Media Review
By Andrea Beach
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Smart kids save the day in engaging WWII spy mystery.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 9+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
ISLAND SPIES tells the story of three sixth graders and best friends who live on Hatteras Island off the coast of North Carolina during World War II. Now that the United States has declared war against Japan and Germany, the Dime Novel kids, as the friends call themselves, start to notice strange activity in the ocean just offshore from their club headquarters in the abandoned lighthouse. Then the explosions that rock the island and the plumes of smoke rising from the ocean horizon confirm that German submarines called U boats are patrolling their waters. Strangers are arriving on the island, too, taking the Dimes' attention away from nabbing the local thief to identifying and reporting Nazi spies. Life on the island might not ever be the same, but one thing that will never change are the bonds of friendship and community that tie them together.
Is It Any Good?
This is a fun, entertaining story that will keep kids engaged while they learn a lot of little-known history and about life in the Outer Banks of North Carolina during World War II. Island of Spies narrator Stick and her two best friends are well developed, realistic characters, each with their own quirks and strengths, who readers will find easy to root for.
Author Sheila Turnage creates a vivid place and time populated with colorful characters, while they aren't a focus of the story she doesn't shy away from showing how racism and prejudice affect the characters and community. Sometimes the foreshadowing of events is a little heavy-handed for the mainly light tone of the book. At just over 380 pages, it's best for strongly independent readers who will savor story as it unfolds.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the violence and scariness in Island of Spies. Is there too much? What helps you feel better when you read about or see scary things?
What did you know about segregation before you read this book? What does it mean? What did you learn? How does it affect the characters and the community?
What did you learn about World War II? Did you know about the German submarine attacks on U.S. ships? Why do you think they were kept secret for so long?
Book Details
- Author :
- Genre : Historical Fiction
- Topics : Family Stories ( Siblings ) , Friendship , History
- Character Strengths : Communication , Courage , Curiosity , Teamwork
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Dial Books for Young Readers
- Publication date : September 20, 2022
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 9 - 12
- Number of pages : 384
- Available on : Nook, Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Award : Common Sense Selection
- Last updated : September 29, 2025
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