First published 2015
Vanessa, Buzz, Carter, and Jane board a boat for what should be a family bonding vacation. The four kids are still adjusting to life as a blended family when a sudden storm strikes without warning. Their boat is destroyed and they wash ashore on a remote jungle island in the South Pacific. No adults survived. No rescue appears imminent. The siblings face immediate dangers from the rocky terrain, wild animals, and their own inexperience. They must find fresh water, build shelter, and locate food while learning to work as a team. The same personality clashes that made their new family life difficult now threaten their survival. Vanessa struggles to take charge while Buzz acts recklessly. Carter withdraws into himself as Jane fights her own fears. Each day brings new challenges that test not just their physical endurance but their ability to trust each other. Their survival depends on transforming from reluctant stepsiblings into a real family.
Genres: survival, adventure, contemporary, family-drama
Vibes: emotional, fast-paced, suspenseful
Tropes: enemies-to-lovers, fish-out-of-water, found-family
Setting: Pacific Ocean, South Pacific
560 pages · Hardcover · Puffin Books