From School Library Journal
Grade 4-6-On a family camping trip to a deserted island, Jonathan's mother is injured. The 12-year-old volunteers to stay alone with his 6-year-old physically disabled sister so their parents can get to the hospital as quickly as possible. What should have been only an afternoon's inconvenience turns into a deadly situation when an earthquake strikes, destroying the camping area and threatening to flood the entire island. With no food, supplies, or means of contacting help, Jonathan must find a way to save Abby and himself. The tautly written story sustains the suspense without ever becoming melodramatic. Jonathan is a sympathetic and realistic character. His sensitive response to Abby's fears is mature but never unbelievable. This exciting tale is a fine choice for most collections.
Elaine E. Knight, Lincoln Elementary Schools, ILCopyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.
From Booklist
Gr. 4^-7. Prolific author Kehret has a well-deserved reputation for writing good, solid thrillers for middle-graders. Even if the premise is a bit shaky (would parents really leave their children alone on a remote island?) and the ending disappoints just a bit, her latest is no exception. It pits a resourceful 12-year-old against the elements and has him come out on top. Jonathan doesn't think that taking care of his disabled 6-year-old sister, Abby, while his father rushes his mother to a hospital for a broken ankle will be too problematic--until nature intervenes. An earthquake rocks the tiny island where the children are staying, destroying the bridge to the mainland as well as the family's supplies and Abby's walker. Even more frightening is Jonathan's discovery that the quake has caused a nearby river to change its course: water is now rapidly flooding the tiny island. It will be a rare thriller fan who won't want to see what happens.
Stephanie Zvirin
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