PLOT SUMMARY
Crow lives in the Elizabeth Islands off of New England. As a newborn, she was set adrift in a small boat and rescued by Osh who has taken care of her ever since. When Crow sees a campfire on a nearby island one night, she begins to question where she came from and where she belongs.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS
In this beautifully told tale of a young girl’s journey of self-discovery, poignant gems of wisdom abound; some given by the taciturn Osh, others by the compassionate Miss Maggie, and the best are the bits that Crow discovers for herself along the way. For example, “You can learn things from other people, and you can learn things by keeping your eyes open. But you can learn things from your own self, too. From what your gut tells you. If you pay attention to it,” he (Osh) said. This wisdom resonates through all time periods, no matter who you are or your age. Wolk has created characters that are believable and relatable as people who have feelings, wants, and inner conflict. 

Wolk has researched (and lived in) New England and captured the nuances of the people and time period. While the time period is not explicitly stated within the story (the author’s note states 1920’s), you get a feeling from the context clues and description of the types of boats and vehicles Crow encounters, i.e. steamers, automobiles, ferry. Readers in the middle grades (target audience) may have a harder time placing the time period but if this book is paired with a unit on the time period, they should recognize the clues. 

I feel that Wolk is intentionally vague on some descriptions of the main characters. Where is Osh originally from? What led Miss Maggie to live on her own in a time where women didn’t really do that? What “other” is Miss Maggie alluding to about Crow? I don’t think that it detracts from the story, instead, it adds to the perception of the book being told from a 12 year old’s point of view. 

Of particular interest is the island of Pekinese, on which Crow sees the campfire that piques her interest. The information about the hospital for those afflicted with Hansen’s Disease (leprosy), how they lived, and were treated by the locals, is woven through the story nicely. 

I chose to both read and listen to this story so I had the privilege of listening to the talented Jorjeana Marie. Her interpretation (even at 2.5x) with different voices and accents helped bring the characters even more to life in my head. 

REVIEW EXCERPT(S)
2018 Scott O’Dell Award for Historical Fiction Winner
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: “A stellar story full of heart, action, and emotion that will make readers feel like they are a part of Crow’s family.”
KIRKUS REVIEWS: “The mysteries—and the words that describe them—are compelling enough to send readers to the islands for years to come.”

CONNECTIONS 
*This is a book that may prompt discussion about coming of age and self- reflection.  
*Look for these other coming of age stories by Lauren Wolk:
Wolk, L. WOLF HOLLOW. Dutton Books for Young Readers, 2016. ISBN: 978-1101994825
Wolk, L. ECHO MOUNTAIN. Dutton Books for Young Readers, 2020. ISBN: 978-0525555568