Island of Spies
Smart kids save the day in engaging WWII spy mystery.
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A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this book.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that Island of Spies is a World War II mystery by Newbery Honor recipient Sheila Turnage (Three Times Lucky), about three sixth graders witnessing little-known historic events from their home off the North Carolina coast. Violence includes a teen shooting and killing an adult in self-defense, a brief fistfight that mentions blood dripping from a cut, a parent giving corporal punishment by beating with a switch, and danger from buildings collapsing during wartime offshore activity. There's no gore and nothing's directly described. There's also some scariness from large-scale historical events like ships being torpedoed, families being separated, mention of bodies washing ashore, and large numbers of people being sent away or disappearing in Europe. There's grief and tension from a missing parent. Big kids see older teens kissing and hear them talking about dating and marriage. An adult asks about beer at a party, and an adult with breathing problems smokes a pipe.
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: Sheila Turnage
- Genre: Historical Fiction
- Topics: Brothers and Sisters, Friendship, Great Boy Role Models, Great Girl Role Models, 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, iBooks, Kindle
- Award: Common Sense Selection
- Last updated: December 17, 2022
Our Editors Recommend
-
Three Times Lucky
Funny mystery with spunky girl touches on serious themes.
-
Number the Stars
Stirring tale of girl who smuggles Jews to safety in WWII.
-
The Metropolitans
Teens aim to foil Nazi plot in thrilling, magical adventure.
For kids who love World War II stories and history
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