Benny's Island

Margaret Bunel Edwards is the author of Little Stitch, The Ocean
Between, and The ABCs of Writing for Children.

Benny climbs to a high rock, near the cave where he lives, and looks for
a signal from his brother Matt. Matt has gone to another island,
possibly inhabited by hostile strangers, in search of a better life. He
promises to light a beacon to indicate danger, but says he will return
for his brother. Benny is small, crippled, and at the mercy of his
fellow cave dwellers. When will Matt rescue him?

While he waits, Benny develops survival skills. He gains strength and
the courage to plan his own escape and search for Matt. After an arduous
swim, he finds only a deserted island, his brother’s cap, and some
answers to long-suppressed memories. He returns to his island and
confronts the old men who have kept secrets from him.

Although grim, this post-nuclear-disaster story is gripping and well
plotted. The reader is left with much to think about. Recommended.