Orphan Island

Nine orphans, aged 4-12, live on a deserted island without any adult presence. Each year a new child arrives on an unmanned boat and the eldest child leaves on the same boat. The children live by a set of unwritten rules and the eldest teaches the youngest about survival and life on the island. One year, the eldest child decides not to leave and life on the island becomes mysteriously difficult and dangerous. This engaging novel focuses on teamwork, societal responsibility, and dealing with conflict, and lends itself to a read-aloud, independent, small group, or full class novel. Social considerations noted; emotions and unanswered questions may haunt some readers.