Jon rates this 4.5 stars, he really liked the ending.

Savannah rates this 1.5

I was surprised at the ending, in that... There wasn't really an ending. Then Savannah informed me this was only book 1 of a trilogy, which made more sense. ( )

I think this is a great book for elementary/middle grade. I didn't feel like the book was outrageous that it isn't believable. I loved the characters and the way they interacted. They really do act like what 9, 11, and 13 year olds would act like. ( )

Great exciting adventure for kids, no inappropriate content. My only criticism is that it is basically one book chopped into three sections and published as three books and, while I understand the value of doubt that for a lot of kids who can be overwhelmed by a large book, it is really annoying to me when I just want to read the complete story all at once. ( )

"It was day four at sea, and as far as eleven-year-old Carter Benson was concerned, life didn't get any better than this."
Stranded is written by Jeff Probst, the host of TV's Survivor. Who better to write a story about a family stranded on a deserted island, right? His coauthor is Chris Tebbetts who helped write the Middle School stories with James Patterson.

The story is fast paced and easy to read. Vanessa and Buzz's father married Carter and Jane's mother. While their parents are on their honeymoon, Uncle Dexter is taking the kids on a sailing adventure. This trip is supposed to help the new siblings get to know each other better. That doesn't seem to working and the weather isn't helping. Uncle Dex has been trying to steer them around the storm, but the weather keeps getting worse. When the ship starts taking on water, Dex attempts to get everyone into the life boat. However, the lifeboat is pulled away by the storm and the kids are left alone on the ship. The ship crashes on a deserted island and the kids are left to fend for themselves.

This is an exciting adventure that young readers will enjoy. Both boys and girls will find connections with these kids. They each have their own strengths and pull together when it matters. Any kid who enjoys adventure stories will like this book. This is the first in a series and the end of the book isn't the end of the story. If your kids enjoy this book, I'm sure they will want to read the sequels. I think this book will appeal to reluctant readers and avid readers alike. I read it in one day and enjoyed it. ( )

Recommend to students who like the Gordon Korman trilogies. ( )