"The Island" by Gary Paulsen

The Island follows the story of Wil Neuton, an adolescent boy who, after his family's abrupt move from a city to a rural setting, discovers an island on which he begins to learn about nature and himself. Wil wakes up early every morning to travel to the island, on which he takes extensive notes on the many different animals he encounters, and then begins to make connections between the animals and his own life. Along with discovering the island, Wil meets a girl named Susan who he is shy of at first. Over time, however, Wil warms up to Susan and shows her the journal entries and paintings which he has made on the island.

The peace that Wil finds on the island is contrasted by the chaotic world back in town. Wil's parents, especially his father, embarrass Wil by their rash actions, and fail to understand what Wil sees in nature. Life outside of the island is also marked by the presence of Ray Bunner, a bully who threatens to beat up Wil because he is an out-of-towner. Eventually the peace that Wil finds on the island is disrupted when Ray Bunner discovers what he has been up to and takes a boat to meet him on the island. In the book's climax, Wil uses his newfound wisdom and perspective on life to help him merge the peace he found on the island with the chaos of everyday life.

The Island could be a very useful tool for teaching middle school students because of the over-arching themes it explores. These themes include finding one's identity, coping with change, dealing with romantic interests, dealing with bullies, and finding peace in a chaotic situation, and can all easily be understood by middle school aged students. The Island is written in an interesting, yet not very difficult prose. The snippets of journal entries and pictures in the book also help to create an exciting reading experience.