Content levels
Trigger warnings
Positive tags
Protagonist archetypes
Tropes
Synopsis
Toklo, Kallik and Lusa survived the perilous mission that brought them together, and now it's time for them to find their way home. Kallik and Lusa are ready to be among their own kinds again, but Toklo, devastated by the loss of their companion Ujurak, feels hopeless and afraid of what's to come. When the group reaches a shadowy island covered in mountains and ice, Kallik is sure their almost back to the Frozen Sea. But a terrifying accident leads them into a maze of abandoned tunnels, unlike anything they've ever seen before- making them question their path once again. The bears grow desperate for a sign to guide them, and when they meet a cub who has lost his whole family, Toklo believes the cub has been sent by Ujurak. But the others are unsure. Can they trust their new companion? Or could he be hiding something that will endanger them all?
Is Island of Shadows appropriate for my child?
Suitable for most readers 10 and up.
Bears face dangerous situations including abandoned tunnels, accidents, and perilous survival challenges while grieving a lost companion. Features themes of loss, trust, and finding purpose suitable for middle grade readers comfortable with animal adventure stories.
What to know going in
This book has moderate violence, no sexual content, and clean language. Content notes include death of companion, grief, and abandonment (see the full list above).
Who'll love this
Kids who love animal adventure stories will enjoy following three bears on their dangerous journey home through mysterious islands and abandoned tunnels.