A 2005 Newbery Honor Book
It only takes a few hours for Turner Buckminster to start hating Phippsburg, Maine. No one in town will let him forget that he's a minister's son, even if he doesn't act like one. But then he meets Lizzie Bright Griffin, a smart and sassy girl from a poor nearby island community founded by former slaves. Despite his father's-and the town's-disapproval of their friendship, Turner spends time with Lizzie, and it opens up a whole new world to him, filled with the mystery and wonder of Maine's rocky coast. The two soon discover that the town elders, along with Turner's father, want to force the people to leave Lizzie's island so that Phippsburg can start a lucrative tourist trade there. Turner gets caught up in a spiral of disasters that alter his life-but also lead him to new levels of acceptance and maturity. This sensitively written historical novel, based on the true story of a community's destruction, highlights a unique friendship during a time of change. Author's note.
But can one boy’s conscience stand against the greed of an entire town?
- Based on a True Story: Delve into the tragic, real-life history of Malaga Island, a community in Maine that was destroyed in the early 20th century.
- Themes of Social Justice: A thought-provoking look at racism, prejudice, and the struggle for dignity that is perfect for middle grade readers and classroom discussions.
- A Powerful Friendship: Watch as Turner, the lonely minister’s son, and Lizzie, the spirited island girl, form a bond that defies their town’s narrow-minded rules.
- Complex Family Dynamics: Turner must choose between his friendship with Lizzie and his duty to a father who is siding with the town’s powerful and prejudiced elders.
