Treasure Island

Stevenson, Robert Louis. Treasure Island. New York : Scribner, 1981.


Plot: Jim Hawkins unintentionally becomes heir to a legendary treasure map when a sea-going stranger dies unexpectedly. He, with the local doctor and squire, set off to find the wealth. While the company eagerly seeks the treasure, they find themselves on board the Hispanola with a motley crew of questionable seamen, a strict captain, and a cheerful cook known as Long John Silver. The boat's occupants have their own agenda, though, and the island housing the treasure is not quite as deserted as initially thought.

Genre: Treasure Island, Adventure, Coming of Age, Historical Fiction

Reading Level: Ages 9-12; although some readers may be discouraged by the technical and old fashioned writing.

Similar Titles: Tales of Zorro, The Angel's Command, The Guns of Tortuga

Personal Thoughts: My ninja-loving bias will have to be suppressed this week.

Anyway, many consider this book to be the epitome of children's adventure literature. Due to the age and popularity of the novel, the belief seems justified. However, many modern books, such as Hatchet, Island of the Blue Dolphins, and Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief, also capture adventure, but in a more accessible manner. The story requires several chapters describing the setting of the novel, and the action waits until nearly a third of the book. I would recommend the title to active readers. However, reluctant readers will most likely find lengthy set-up of the novel discouraging or boring. Another title may offer a more satisfying experience for newer readers.