“Island Girl” is sweet and sensitive

I had quite a vested interest in reading book one of Sandra Byrd’s new series for young women. Not only had I heard much to recommend them as a rare new release worth reading, but the author happens to be a mentor of mine. All the more important for me to give an honest review of Island Girl for the younger readers of YLCF.

Thirteen-year-old Meg spends every summer at her grandparent’s berry farm, but this year a family from Mexico has moved onto the property to help her grandfather. Thus Meg makes a new friend: Tia. Together the girls work to run a successful roadside stand to raise money for a needy family—and end up becoming close friends.

“Sandra provides a realistic and compelling plot while subtly teaching valuable lessons about the importance of diversity and friendship.” Pleasantly surprised to find myself identifying and pulling for Meg, this young girl’s discipline and selflessness shine clear throughout the story and will challenge readers to live for something beyond their own wants even when it brings no personal benefit.

One element in most young adult fiction which hinders me from giving a positive review is the romance and guy-girl drama. Sandra does a tasteful job of recognizing that thirteen-year-old girls are aware of boys, while not focusing on it or allowing anything other than constraint and modesty to reign.

You can read more about Sandra Byrd’s books at her website, Friends for a Season.

YLCF Bookshelf