Review: Island Sting by Bonnie Doerr

Publisher: Leap Books

Released: December 15, 2009

Reading level: Ages 9-12

Paperback: 280 pages

ISBN-13: 978-1616030025




Teaser quote:
Sit in a boat? Wait for mom? Impossible. Kenzie had to do something.
Heart pounding, legs pumping, she propelled her bike with ninth-inning intensity. A runner screaming home in a tie game. Pedal, pump. Pedal, pump. (pg 59)


My rating: 4.5/5

My thoughts:

Kenzie and her mom have just moved from New York to the Florida Keys. Out exploring around her new place, Kenzie hears splashing in the canal nearby & finds what she thinks in a dog struggling in the water. Her first instinct is to save the animal, so she looks around for something to help, eventually falling in herself. Angelo, a local kid her age, comes to the rescue & not only saves Kenzie but also the endangered Key Deer. This is what sets the ball in motion for  Kenzie's mission to save the deer on the island. As she befriends Angelo they take it upon themselves, with help from some family & friends, to stop the poaching of these endangered deer!

Want to feel empowered? This book does the trick. Kenzie is a smart, resourceful & determined girl...albeit young, innocent, naive & stubborn too. It was great to see such a strong female character. I thought Bonnie did an amazing job of balancing the fine line of Kenzie being too adventurous & stubborn without making it seem too far fetched. This was a great adventure to follow with a bit of mystery, action, humor, friendship and a subtle message along the way of respecting your environment. A fun and truly hear-warming story that shows how anyone, with a little passion & devotion, can truly make a difference.