This was yet another Dan Gemeinhart book I had to read. Since Good Dog was a bit mature in its content, I was hoping this one would be more appropriate for grades 4-5. The concept of the story reminded me of Sachar's Holes - troubled kids being sent to a rehabilitation facilty where a horrible, mean warden rules their lives and makes them miserable. But that is where the similarities end. This one was spooky. The setting is a crumbling building, an island in itself in the ocean, that used to be an asylum. Jonathan is sent there for doing something terrible and he welcomes the idea of his rehabilitation. But shortly after he arrives, something happens to change the boys' situation. Decisions are made. And here is where I started seeing similarities with Lord Of The Flies. One of the boys decides he is in charge. One small boy challenges him and knows it won't end well. I was engrossed in this tale from start to finish. I loved Johnathan's internal struggle. I also loved the characters of Colin and especially the librarian, of course, whose books bring comfort to the boys.
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