The Island at the End of Everything

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Long Creek Center, South Portland, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 18, 2018

Review

How would life be different if you lived in a leper colony on an island? Amihan's world is surrounded by a lush forest at the edge of the sea where she lives with her mother who has leprosy. Although this island is beyond the reach of most people the government wants to remove all the children, relocating them on a different island from their home and family members.

Hargrave offers readers a fresh storyline, one where courage and love rule the text. The separation of family members is tenderly handled by the author and still it is sure to make the blood boil in the veins of compassionate readers. We definitely have a villain, it is Mr. Zamora's actions that counteracts what was good. Good vs evil is fully depicted, revealing fictional telling of what may have happened to real families. Butterflies soar into and out of the story as they predict negative actions and impact the ultimate best result. Preteen girls will enjoy the story as they learn about a shameful mistreatment of people in this historical novel. Add to intermediate and middle school media centers and recommend to public librarians. The Island at the End of Everything would be a great selection for mother/daughter book groups.

Overall Book Score: very good