The way to Impossible Island by Sophie Kirtley

‘The Way to Impossible Island’ is a great dual timeline book that many middle grade children will lose themselves in. Reading it as a class novel would be cool too.

The story switches between two main characters who are both facing difficult challenges in their life and timelines. Both characters are seeking an impossible dream of adventure.

There is Dara, a modern day boy who is finally getting major heart surgery that will give him the freedom to do what he dreams of, like rowing out to the island in the Bay.

And there is Mothgirl, a Stone age girl that has no say in her life especially when her father has agreed to hand her over to the terrifying Vulture tribe to keep her safe.

Both Dara and Mothgirl are facing difficult challenges and run away only to fall into a time slip where Mothgirl appears in Dara’s world. This is where both their worlds collide and the adventure they seek begins.

I love the way Sophie Kirtley has written this book to engage children with the descriptions and language she uses to tells us what Mothgirl sees. Like ‘high sky huts’ and ‘food deerskins’. My favourite is Mothgirl’s pet wolf’s name, ByMySide. The wolf never leaves her side. Brilliant name. Plus, who wouldn’t want a wolf as a pet, I sure would.

‘The Way to Impossible Island’ is Sophie Kirtley’s second book which is a follow up of her first, ‘The Wild Way Home’ which is based on older siblings. Impossible Island is definitely a brave, life affirming adventure about finding your family and finding yourself. A book which any child would lose themselves in.

Themes: Self esteem, Self empowerment.

Maria Komninos