Customer Reviews

Once On This Island (Turtleback School & Library Binding Edition)

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

"Once on This Island" takes place during The War of 1812, but there was a lack of historical information to prove this point. It could have easily been another war. The story itself - three children struggle to live their lives while their father is off fighting for the American cause - is a stable one, though deficient. This could be because the events flowed nicely, without much difficulty, or maybe it was because there was a lack of illnesses and death; realism wasn't truly there. I was hoping for a historical note, but Whelan failed to include one. I'll still read the other two books in the trilogy, but I will not put high expectations on them. I "sorta" recommend.

I know, everyone rated this 5 stars. And I know that this book is for kids ages 6-10. I'm 14. This book, Once on this Island, is very good, but I think it could have been better. Still, it is written for younger children, so... Anyway, if you're older than ten, you'll most likely find it boring.

Mary is living on an island in the Great Lakes during the War of 1812. Her father goes off to fight when the British take over her island and shortly after her older brother leaves. Mary's older sister flirts with a British soldier while Mary runs the farm. An Indian friend leaves to fight for the British alongside his long-lost tribe, which adds to the confusion.

The first in a trilogy, the other 2 books are Farewell to this Island and Return to the Island. I havent read them yet, but Im planning to at least read Return to the Island. As I titled this review, it's good, but still...

I really enjoyed Once on This Island. It's the War of 1812 and Mary O'Shea and her brother, sister, and father live on the island of Michilimackinac, today's Mackinac Island. I've read this book many times and each time it gets better and better! Please read if you're ready for a good book!

Once On This Island is a wonderful book about a young girl named Mary O'Shea who lives on the island of Michilimackinac (present day Mackinac Island)during the war of 1812. The island is captured by the British and Mary's father must go to Detroit. He leaves her, her brother Jacques, and her sister Angelique to stay on the island and watch the farm. He never dreamed of how long he would be gone. Read this book to find out what happens while Mary's father is gone.

This is a story full of colorful characters and excitement. Mary, the protagonist, her older sister Angelique, her brother Jaques, and Papa are American patriots who live on the Island of Michilmackinac (Mish-il-mack-in-aw) in Lake Michigan during the War of 1812. Michilmackinac Island was captured by the British during the war. Papa feels that it is his duty to go and fight for the Americans in Detroit. Angelique suddenly takes a fancy for a British soldier. Jaques, longing to travel beyond the island, goes off with his Indian friend, Gavin. Mary is determined to stay on the island and protect the farm. One of the things I liked about the book is that Mary is a spirited, strong person who loves tromping around in the woods, unlike many girls of her time. I also enjoyed the author's descriptions as well as her use of metaphor.

My 4th grade teacher read this to my class and ever since then it's been one of my favorites.

Historical Fiction at it's finest.

The book arrived in great condition. It said it was used, but looks new. It shipped quicker than I expected, also. Great seller!

This story of a family living on Mackinac Island in 1812 is accessible to readers at a 5th grade reading level and up. I used it with strong 3rd grade readers and had a wonderful time with it. Great historical background.

Once on This Island was a very adventurous book. The characters were well portrayed as they faced tough times and difficult decisions. They all pitched in and helped their family to survive the war.This was an enjoyable book and I recommend it to all readers.

My 13 yr old says she loved it. I had to search to find it!

It really gives you an inside look of what life was like back then.(13 yr old's words)