Earthquake Terror

Gr 5–7—Jonathan and his family are the only campers on Magpie Island, and the deserted grounds make Jonathan ill at ease. Soon after they arrive, his mother slips and injures her ankle. Jonathan offers to stay at the campground with his six-year old physically handicapped sister so his parents can get to the hospital quickly. Just after they leave, a devastating earthquake strikes, destroying Abby's walker, the camper, and the only bridge off the island. The island quickly floods, and the children and their loyal dog are stranded without supplies. Throughout his ordeal, Jonathan displays the patience, courage, and tenacity of one far older than 12, facing each new crisis with resolve. Youngsters may find it hard to comprehend how the family could be so out of touch, but Peg Kehret wrote this story (Puffin, 1998) before cell phones became a necessity. How Jonathan manages to save himself and his nearly helpless sister is a tense tale, and the danger increases with each chapter. Charles Carroll's reading, although clear and precise, doesn't aptly convey the story's tone of suspense and danger. Still, fans of adventure novels will be delighted as the youngsters battle to stay alive.—MaryAnn Karre, West Middle School, Binghamton, NY