The Castaways by Iain Lawrence

When Tom Tin takes hold of the Jolly Stone, a sought-after diamond, his life drastically changes. He’s placed on a convict ship and sentenced to life an island in the South Seas. When Tom and four fellow castaways escape from the cannibal infested islands on a broken-down boat, their provisions and fuel run out, forcing them to take desperate measures – drawing straws to see who will die so the rest can live.

Packed with seaworthy adventures, including dangerous encounters with slave traders, cannibals, pirates, and the notorious Flying Dutchman, The Castaways leaves the reader breathless with its twists and turns. When you think Tom is out of trouble, he comes face-to-face with another challenge, developing his character from a fearful boy set on revenge to a mature young man who discovers you cannot put a price on happiness.

An excellent book for middle-grade readers, young adults, and all lovers of adventure and history.

Image Courtesy of Delecorte Books for Young Readers