ALA Booklist (Mon Jan 01 00:00:00 CST 1996)

Prolific author Kehret has a well-deserved reputation for writing good, solid thrillers for middle-graders. Even if the premise is a bit shaky (would parents really leave their children alone on a remote island?) and the ending disappoints just a bit, her latest is no exception. It pits a resourceful 12-year-old against the elements and has him come out on top. Jonathan doesn't think that taking care of his disabled 6-year-old sister, Abby, while his father rushes his mother to a hospital for a broken ankle will be too problematic--until nature intervenes. An earthquake rocks the tiny island where the children are staying, destroying the bridge to the mainland as well as the family's supplies and Abby's walker. Even more frightening is Jonathan's discovery that the quake has caused a nearby river to change its course: water is now rapidly flooding the tiny island. It will be a rare thriller fan who won't want to see what happens. (Reviewed January 1 & 15, 1996)

Horn Book

Jonathan and his little sister, Abby, are left alone on a camping trip when their father seeks medical attention for their mother's broken ankle. An earthquake hits, flooding the island, flattening their camper, and stranding the children. Jonathan helps his sister, who uses a walker, make it to safety. The accessible, dramatic survival story explores themes of responsibility and bravery, and the fast pace will keep readers turning the pages.

Kirkus Reviews

Kehret (Danger at the Fair, p. 226, etc.) provides pulse- pounding suspense from beginning to end of an action novel that few readers will be able to put down. While Jonathan and his family are camping on an uninhabited island, Jonathan's mother breaks her ankle. His father takes her to a mainland hospital, leaving behind Jonathan, his handicapped sister, Abby, and their dog. Soon afterward an earthquake strikes, destroying their camper and the bridge to the mainland. With no way of knowing if his parents are alive or able to send help, and as the water rises to cover the island, Jonathan must find a way to keep his sister and himself alive. Although he is brave and resourceful, the earthquake is only the beginning of the trials and terrors that rapidly mount beyond even an adult's ability to cope. Abby's whining is too grating for her to be likable, and Jonathan is almost incredibly empathetic, but the rapid rush of events will involve even less-practiced readers. (Fiction. 10+)"

School Library Journal

Gr 4-6-On a family camping trip to a deserted island, Jonathan's mother is injured. The 12-year-old volunteers to stay alone with his 6-year-old physically disabled sister so their parents can get to the hospital as quickly as possible. What should have been only an afternoon's inconvenience turns into a deadly situation when an earthquake strikes, destroying the camping area and threatening to flood the entire island. With no food, supplies, or means of contacting help, Jonathan must find a way to save Abby and himself. The tautly written story sustains the suspense without ever becoming melodramatic. Jonathan is a sympathetic and realistic character. His sensitive response to Abby's fears is mature but never unbelievable. This exciting tale is a fine choice for most collections.-Elaine E. Knight, Lincoln Elementary Schools, IL