BOOK PICKS.Byline: The Register-Guard "Kensuke's Kingdom Kensuke's Kingdom is a novel by Michael Morpurgo, published in 1982. Plot summary This novel tells about a young boy, who is travelling around the world with his parents on the 'Peggy Sue'. " By Michael Morpurgo Michael Andrew Bridge Morpurgo OBE (born 5 October 1943) is a British writer. Michael Morpurgo grew up in wartime London. When he attended The King's School Canterbury he was once described as being "rather stupid but great at rugby". Scholastic Press, 1999 Ages 9 and up Michael's parents decide to leave orderly English life behind and sail the high seas high seas In maritime law, the waters lying outside the territorial waters of any and all states. In the Middle Ages, a number of maritime states asserted sovereignty over large portions of the high seas. with Michael and his dog, Stella. Michael will go to school on the boat and learn from life experience. All that he has to remember his old life and friends by is his soccer ball. As they travel around the world having great adventures, Michael's mother becomes ill, and no doctors seem able to figure out what's wrong. One night, Michael is on watch during a storm in the Pacific while his exhausted parents sleep below deck. In the chaos of the storm, Stella goes overboard. Quickly Michael is tossed over with her. With no hope of his parents hearing his cries for help, Michael is lost at sea with Stella and his soccer ball for flotation. Astonishingly a·ston·ish tr.v. as·ton·ished, as·ton·ish·ing, as·ton·ish·es To fill with sudden wonder or amazement. See Synonyms at surprise. , Michael wakes up on a sandy beach Sandy Beach (location ) is on the South Shore of Oʻahu in Hawaiʻi. It is known for its shorebreak for bodyboarding and bodysurfing. The area is also known for its strong current and dangerous shorebreak. with Stella licking Licking, river, c.320 mi (515 km) long, rising in E Ky. and flowing NW to the Ohio River opposite Cincinnati; the North and South Forks are its chief tributaries. his face. They begin to explore the island and discover it has monkeys and coconut trees, but not much else. Then, someone leaves them food. Soon they meet Kensuke, an island recluse who wants nothing to do with Michael or Stella. He leaves them food, but offers no friendship. This story is a gripping tale of survival, family and friendship. It is also a nominee for this year's Young Reader's Choice Award, to be voted on in local schools and libraries in March. You can find out more about the award and the nominees at www.pnla.org. - Aimee Meuchel, teen services librarian, Eugene Public Library |
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