A review by erine
Marooned: The Strange but True Adventures of Alexander Selkirk, the Real Robinson Crusoe by Robert Kraske, Robert Andrew Parker

5.0

This was one of my favorite books that I've read for this semester so far. Just over 100 pages, this book had an old-fashioned tone with lots of rich vocabulary. I think what made it so special to me was that the author gave credit to the librarians who helped him with his research in the Author's Note at the end. There are a few pictures and maps, but the story itself is a great adventure story, and would be a great introduction to the rather large and long Robinson Crusoe. This would be easier, as well, for younger audiences.
Any adventure-lover should be able to get into this book. Those who like survival stories, especially true accounts, should like this topic. I think this would be especially appealing to boys who need a good 100-page biography (a common assignment for our local school district). It also has some good historical context for those who are interested in history, the writing process (the way Daniel Defoe gets his hands on the story comes up), or exploration.
Drinking. Cannibalism. Pirates.