The Boy, the Boat, and the Beast

Gr 4-7--Stranded on a menacing tropical island with no memories, a boy must confront the manifestations of his fears in order to find his past. When the unnamed boy awakens on a deserted beach, he has no idea who he is or how he got there. As he sets off to follow a light shining in the distance, a brutal internal voice nags at him, constantly berating and bullying him. Weighty themes like courage, love, will, and care for the defenseless haunt this archetypal journey. The path is also filled with rich symbols, such as a blanket and the titular beast and boat. With a sharp focus on the isolated protagonist and his internal struggle, it is character development that shines most clearly, though the external environmental dangers and the mystery keep the suspense taut. The portrayal of verbal abuse is not sugar-coated and lends itself to a discussion in the classroom or in a one-on-one conversation with young readers. The boy's father's remorse and repentance at the end comes across as idealistic and naïve despite the satisfying conclusion. VERDICT A poignant story that should be considered for medium and large collections.--Erin Reilly-Sanders, University of Wisconsin-Madison

In a story written in allegorical fashion, a boy, perhaps 10 years old, wakes up on a sunny beach with no memory of who he is, how he got there, or even how old he is. On one side of the beach are crashing waves that threaten to drag him into the ocean; on the other side is a large wall of green where a monstrous wolf lurks. To return to his parents, the boy must venture into the unknown, summoning courage at every obstacle, not only to move forward but also to protect creatures smaller than himself. Will he be able to create a boat, defeat the monster, and find his family, all while struggling to overcome the mean voice in his head that tells him how useless and weak he is? In this touching debut, the real-life identity of the menacing wolf is a surprising twist, as is the true nature of the boy's predicament. Clark writes with a lyrical and appealing rhythm, as she viscerally explores childhood emotions of fear and anxiety relating to bullying, abandonment, and getting lost. Ages 8-12. Agent: Rachel Orr, Prospect Agency. (June)