Once on This Island - by Gloria Whelan (Paperback)

About the Book

When war erupts between England and America in 1812, it brings change and uncertainty to Michagan's remote Mackinac Island. For young Mary O'Shea, the hardest change is the departure of her father, who leaves Mackinac to join the Ameircan Army in Detroit. With her sister and brother, Mary must tend the farm, deal with the hardships of British occupation, and hope for the day when peace--and her father--will return.

Book Synopsis

From the author of the National Book Award-winning novel Homeless Bird comes a gripping historical novel about a young girl during the British-American War of 1812.

When war erupts between England and America, it brings change and uncertainty, even to Michigan's remote Mackinac Island. For young Mary O'Shea, the hardest change is the departure of her father, who leaves Mackinac to join the American Army. With her sister and brother, Mary must tend the farm, deal with the hardships of British occupation, and hope for the safe return of their father.

With her trademark lyricism, spare prose, and strong young heroine, award-winning author Gloria Whelan has once again taken a chapter from history and transformed it into gripping, accessible historical fiction that is perfect for schools and classrooms, as well as for fans of Ruta Sepetys and Elizabeth Wein.

From the Back Cover

When war erupts between England and America in 1812, it brings change and uncertainty--even to Michigan's remote Mackinac Island. For young Mary O'Shea, the hardest change is the departure of her father, who leaves Mackinac to join the American Army. With her sister and brother, Mary must tend the farm, deal with the hardships of British occupation, and hope for the safe return of their father.

Review Quotes

"Mary provides lively narration that flows along smoothly, and the portrait of the ways of the period and place is a compelling.""--The Kirkus Reviews""Well rounded fiction that incorporates romance, adventure, drama and history.""School Library Journal""Whelan's smooth writing, vivid characters, and strong sense of place make this a good choice for libraries and a treasure for ones in the Great Lakes area."ALA "Booklist"