Stranded Paperback – June 22, 2010

I LOVED this book. In fact, I have loved every book that I’ve read from this author.

Stranded is a novel by Ben Mickelson. Ben is an author of children’s books and this one is an award-winning book. It is set in Lonesome Key, a mythical town on the Florida Keys. It is a heartwarming story of bravery and courage. It is also an acceptance of differences in people story. The characters are realistic and well-developed and the plot is interesting as well as dangerous.Koby was in an accident four years ago when she was hit by an automobile while riding her bike. This resulted in Koby’s losing her foot and having to learn to live with an artificial foot and leg. The “leggy”, as she called it, began halfway down her shin. She was still adapting to it and the way the other kids treated her. She pretended she didn’t care because she was out on the ocean as much as she could possibly be in her dingy, Titmouse. Her only friend these days was an old seaman, Nickeljack and his dog, Squid. Everyone else was leery of Nickeljack because he was always grouchy; but Koby listened to his advice about the ocean and he gave good advice.When Koby was out one day, she saw a whale in distress. The whale was caught in fishing net and was having problems breathing. Koby eased herself near the whale and cut her lose from the net. Instead of immediately moving off, the whale proceeded to give birth to a calf. Without the nursemaid whales to push the calf to the surface, he began to fall further into the ocean. Koby dove overboard and helped the calf reach the surface and begin to nurse. Koby was so proud of herself and how she related to the whales. However, her parents did not believe her story when she returned home. She proceeded the next day to find the whales and prove them wrong. She found them, stranded on a sand bar. If she leaves them, they will die; but she must get help someway. Can she save the whales?

My daughter loved this book

Good read for 9 year old

My niece's class was reading the book in school and she wanted her own copy. She loved the book. So glad she finally got that reading is fun and much more.

As with most of Ben Mikaelsen books, this one is a very good choice for teens. There is always an educational topic within the books of Mikaelsen. This one has a very strong female character.

Great book for pre-teens about overcoming adversity.

My 12 yo son loves this author. Great books.