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44 pages 1 hour read

Shipwreck

Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 2001

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Book Brief

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Gordon Korman

Shipwreck

Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 2001
Book Details
Pages

144

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Pacific Ocean • Contemporary

Publication Year

2001

Audience

Middle grade

Recommended Reading Age

8-12 years

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Super Short Summary

In Shipwreck, six troubled teens embark on a month-long sea voyage aboard The Phoenix under the Charting a New Course program to develop teamwork and social skills. When a violent storm strikes, the schooner is damaged, the captain is lost, and the first mate abandons them. The teens must work together to survive, eventually relying on a makeshift raft and their wits to reach a mysterious island.

Adventurous

Suspenseful

Exciting

Challenging

Heartwarming

Reviews & Readership

4.1

6,862 ratings

64%

Loved it

27%

Mixed feelings

8%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Gordon Korman's Shipwreck offers an engaging adventure for middle-grade readers, praised for its fast pace and diverse characters. The survival aspects captivate, enhancing the story's excitement. However, some find character development lacking and the plot occasionally predictable. Overall, it's an entertaining read that keeps young readers hooked.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Shipwreck?

Readers who enjoy Shipwreck by Gordon Korman are typically pre-teens and young teens who love adventure and survival stories. Fans of Hatchet by Gary Paulsen and Island of the Blue Dolphins by Scott O'Dell would find this book appealing for its thrilling plot and themes of resilience and teamwork.

4.1

6,862 ratings

64%

Loved it

27%

Mixed feelings

8%

Not a fan

Character List

Luke Haggerty

A 13-year-old boy who is sent on The Phoenix as an alternative to juvenile detention after being wrongfully accused of a crime. Luke is portrayed as a kind and responsible natural leader.

A teenager with low self-esteem, struggling with his feelings toward his younger sister, Lyssa, who is also on The Phoenix. Will often feels overshadowed by her achievements.

Will’s slightly younger sister, known for her friendly demeanor and bright curiosity. She is academically gifted and displays practical problem-solving skills during the voyage.

A 13-year-old, world-class athlete on The Phoenix to regain confidence away from her demanding father. Charla is quiet and observant, gradually warming up to her fellow crew members.

The youngest member of the crew at around 11 years old, who overcomes his homesickness and shyness by sharing valuable survival knowledge from his TV habits.

The 14-year-old son of a famous movie star, J.J. is spoiled and arrogant, showcasing a flippant disregard for authority and a penchant for boasting about his wealth.

The first mate on The Phoenix, known for his cruelty and heartlessness toward the young crew members, with a noted lack of interest in forming connections.

The experienced and kind captain of The Phoenix who is committed to helping his troubled young crew learn and transform through their seafaring adventure.

Book Details
Pages

144

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Pacific Ocean • Contemporary

Publication Year

2001

Audience

Middle grade

Recommended Reading Age

8-12 years

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