Whale Boy
(7 reviews with an average rating of 5 out of 5)
Publisher: Random House
Michael Fontaine’s dreams are about to come true. He’s finally going to get his own boat, catch his own fish and have the freedom to spend his time doing what he loves best - being out on the ocean. But when a mysterious company descends on the island of Liberty, Michael’s plans are ruined.
With his ailing Grandmother admitted to hospital and his father gone, money is starting to become a real problem. The NME, led by the suspicious Spargo are claiming to bring trade and tourism to the island with focus on its marine wildlife, but whales haven’t been spotted near Liberty for years. So when Spargo offers Michael his own boat and paid work watching the water for signs of whales it seems too good to be true – but why does the job come with the condition that he must keep it a secret from everyone he knows?
In this short novel, Nicola Davies paints a rich and vibrant picture of island life, which feels as fresh as the sea air. Michael is a gentle, caring narrator, but it is during his encounters with the whales themselves that this story feels truly magical, making readers aware of the important issues of whaling and conservation. A wonderfully engaging and entertaining read for inquisitive young readers.
What you thought...
Average rating:
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Isabella, 27 Tachwedd 2014
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I found this book very gripping, exciting and at times adventurous. I particularly enjoyed the part where Michael met a strange and mysterious man called Spargo. At times though I thought that this book was a bit predictable. I liked Michael's character because he was bubbly and strange. Overall a very imaginative book.
Tom, 18 Tachwedd 2014
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I really loved this book! It is all about a young boy named Michael who longs for a little fishing boat all of his own. But when he does eventually get one, he is led into great danger... His mother left him when he was a tiny baby and his father followed her soon after, leaving Michael in the care of his grandmother. So, when she gets rushed into hospital knowing nothing about Michael's new boat and the danger he is in, he has no one to turn to for help. All he must do to get himself out ...
Emma, 18 Tachwedd 2014
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I thought this book was very enjoyable to read and I would read it again. I really enjoyed the part when Michal got given a boat. I would have been just like him and loved the little boat. I think the front cover is very detailed and has a beautiful illustration. I gave this book 4 out of 5 stars because even though it was quite easy to read it flowed really well.
Ava, 18 Tachwedd 2014
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Lautoria: I Think Whale Boy Is A Good Book Because It Has Adventures On The Sea, Michael Always Wanted His Own Boat, But When He Saves Up For Three Years The Owner Of The Shop Dies.
Lautoria, 22 Hydref 2014
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Nicola Davies’ descriptions are so real in Whale Boy that you almost feel as though you could reach out and touch the wildlife on the island of Liberty in this sensitively written ecological mystery that offers something to suit all tastes.
Jake, 30 Ebrill 2014
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Whale Boy is beautifully written, full of poetic language and vivid descriptions of vast oceans and wonderful creatures.
Katherine, 30 Ebrill 2014
This book is a great book for lovers of mystery and adventure- I highly recommend it. The plot is very clever, it grips you at times, and how it all comes together at the end is really clever. My favourite character is Eugenia and her and Michael's bond as it develops throughout the story. It is an easy read and I found it easy to imagine the setting through the description. The ending was good- although you might need your tissues out at one point...