For young readers who like mystery and perhaps something a little spooky, you can’t go wrong with a Fleur Bradley book. Daybreak on Raven Island is for a slightly more mature reader than Midnight at the Barkley Hotel, (also reviewed in The Middle Grade Mischief Review), but it’s definitely middle grade.
Be forewarned this story has ravens, a spooky forest, and a haunted prison. Bradley covers all the tropes that make a fun and eerie murder mystery. More importantly we meet three very relatable kids who end up stuck on the island after a strange field trip goes wrong. They will need to work together to find the secret of the island, keep away from some unusual adults, and solve a murder. Need I say, it was definitely a dark and stormy night!
This book is a great choice for teachers. Social injustices are covered without lecturing. It’s just part of life. The three protagonists learn that sharing a burden with others lightens the load and the importance of having a someone you can confide in. A reluctant reader herself, Bradley knows how to structure a story to keep young readers turning the pages.
Learn more (including teacher kits) here…
Grade 3 -7
Reading age 8 – 12yrs.
