Nye, Sand and Stones - by Bree Galbraith (Hardcover)

About the Book

A young girl challenges destructive behavior from the citizens of an island of stones that the rest of her community on an island of sand has been accepting since the beginning of time.

Book Synopsis

Somewhere off the coast and around the corner there are two islands. One island is made mostly of stones and the other mainly of sand, and that's where the problem began.

Young Nye doesn't understand why the people on her Island of Sand work so hard to build beautiful sandcastles every day if they are destined to be ruined by the stones catapulted over by the people of the Island of Stones every evening. When she asks "Why?" all she ever hears in response is "Because."

As years go by, Nye realizes that the Because is starting to make sense to her and this makes her angry. And an angry Nye decides to take action.

Through this story about injustice and challenging the status quo, readers will be inspired to think deeply about why and how we can bring about change in the world. Available in French as Nye de l'île de Sable.

Review Quotes

"This book will complement social justice picture book collections. Themes such as courage, dealing with anger, and gender roles will support thinking about students' personal identities in the world."

-- "BC Books for Schools"

"The idea that two very different types of people can operate in harmony is relevant and hopeful, in these times. Children need to hear stories like this one."-- "Sal's Fiction Addiction"

"A must for all budding nonconformists who wish to activate change."-- "Kirkus Reviews"

"Well-written and features several lyrical passages. The text also makes use of a broad vocabulary, with novel words seamlessly integrated into the narrative. Young readers will be able to intuitively decipher the meaning of words that are new to them...Unique in concept and pleasing."-- "CM: Canadian Review of Materials"