I thought this might be a five star book, but it took a turn and then a nosedive. Interesting for sure, but also the kind of book I want to throw across the room. Comparisons to Spinelli's [b:Hokey Pokey|13642591|Hokey Pokey|Jerry Spinelli|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1348791506s/13642591.jpg|19257831] are all too apt. I hated Hokey Pokey. At least I liked the first half of this. And there's a chance I might be mollified if there's a sequel.

As is, I'd only recommend this to readers looking for meditations on crossing over from childhood into adolescence.

Also, has everyone already said this is like reverse [b:Lord of the Flies|7624|Lord of the Flies|William Golding|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1327869409s/7624.jpg|2766512]? It kinda is. Children alone on an island behaving too well. ( )

min 3rd grade or 8 yrs. http://sandy.booklikes.com/post/1573287/orphan-island

Orphan Island hit all the notes for a middle grade novel... but I felt like the real meanings behind this allegorical story were intended for adults.
The setting is mysterious, and never explained. Nine children live on an island, with no adults. The ages are never stated, but clues suggest they must range from 4 to 13. Each year, a mysterious green boat shows up on the island, with a little child in it. The oldest child on the island, who is now 13, must get on the boat and allow it to take them away, into the mists of the sea, to an unknown future. On the island, everything is near perfect. Nature provides food, the animals they share the island with are safe. The island protects them.
The new oldest child on the island becomes the "Elder" when the previous elder leaves in the boat. He or she is then takes on two responsibilities: teaching the next year's Elder what they need to do, and teaching their Care (the new 4 year old) everything that child needs to know. The island has been like this for many years.
But when it is Jinny's turn to leave, she refuses. She loves the island, and she won't leave it. She pulls the boat up onto the shore, and takes over the training of the new child, as well as the one she was already responsible for.
And then things start to go wrong. The safe animals become menacing. Food becomes more scarce. The weather becomes unpredictable. The world is falling apart, and Jinny knows it is her fault, because she refused to do what she had to do.

The novel is about childhood. The island is like good parents are. Always protecting, teaching, and caring for the children on it. But around the age of 13, it is time to stop being a child all the time, and begin to take on more responsibilities. It is time to do things you don't want to do, but which you know you have to do. The bliss and wonder of childhood ends. When Jinny refuses to start growing up and doing what she has to do, everyone suffers. Few children really want to leave the safety and joy of childhood. Yet, it is one thing that we all must do. ( )

This is a wonderful young adult book. The premise is that nine children live on an island. When a blue boat arrives, one member must leave, and another currently in the boat becomes a new member. When one of the group members refuses to leave when the boat comes for her, major changes occur on the island. ( )

I'd come to this book on the strength of several recommendations and glowing reviews. Certainly, it's well-written with an interesting premise. But I found myself flipping through at 3/4, wondering when the story would take off. And then -- the main character violates the rules set out at the beginning and then violates them again at the conclusion -- for no pay off. So -- disappointed. ( )