Orphan Island by Laurel Snyder

Once a year, the boat comes to the island, bringing one orphan (the youngest) and taking one (the oldest) away. When Deen’s turn comes to leave, Jinny hates losing her best friend — but she hates even more the idea that next year, it will be her turn. As the time passes, she wonders: does she really have to go?

I enjoyed this book, but I’m left with a lot of questions. Questions about what happens after the events of the book, and what happened before the events of the book. Questions about the island, its magic, and its connection to our world. I feel like there could be another book about the island and these characters, but I also suspect that there won’t be another book.

If you like children’s books with some magic, ones that make you think, I recommend this one. Just don’t expect it to answer all of your questions!

(Reviewed from a copy borrowed through my library system.)