Kensuke’s Kingdom, by Michael Morpurgo (1998)

I was 11 - I think - and as part of the school’s curriculum, we read Kensuke’s Kingdom. It was one of the first books I was really hooked on, and would sometimes read ahead of the class.

For anyone looking for a short story, with adventures on the sea and beyond, I would recommend this one. Although a children’s book, I reread this a few years ago and still found same enjoyment.

Life on the sea was a wild turn of events, despite the book cover. Michael wakes up on an island alone, and while trying to survive, held onto hope of being rescued. We encouter interesting friends along the way.

This is a short story, and I don’t want to give too many details as it’ll take away from the experience. There is an animated film adaptation released in 2023 that I’m hoping to watch someday!