← Back to search
Cover of L'Île mystérieuse

L'Île mystérieuse

Jules Verne (1870)

SubgenreChildren's Fantasy
Age groupMiddle Grade 8-12
Content ratingPG
Pages493 (Chunky (400-600))
SettingSecondary World
CSM age10
Goodreads3.33/5 (70)

Content levels

ViolenceMild
Sexual contentNone
LanguageNone

Trigger warnings

Animal DeathSurvival

Synopsis

This sequel to "20,000 Leagues Under The Sea" doesn't advertise itself as such. Most of the book concerns the efforts of a group of hot-air balloon castaways in the south Pacific ocean attempting to use modern knowledge in order to survive in near-desert-island conditions. "Robinson Crusoe" (Defoe, 1719) started a trend of survival tales that lasts in some respects to this day and "Island" (1874) is Verne's contribution to that body of work. In my estimate, no film so far has done this book justice.

Is L'Île mystérieuse appropriate for my child?

Suitable for most readers 10 and up.

Classic adventure tale featuring resourceful castaways using engineering and scientific knowledge to survive on a deserted island. Contains mild peril and possible animal hunting for survival, but focuses on problem-solving and teamwork.

What to know going in

This book has mild violence, no sexual content, and clean language. Content notes include animal death and survival.

Who'll love this

Readers who love survival stories and seeing characters build shelters, make tools, and use science to overcome challenges will find this engaging.

Tags

Survival FictionHistorical AdventureScientific RomanceIsland Fiction