Our children’s book of the month for September is Where the World Ends by Geraldine McCaughrean
World Ends – the blurb
Every summer Quill and his friends are put ashore on a remote sea stac to hunt birds. But this summer, no one arrives to take them home.
Surely nothing but the end of the world can explain why they’ve been abandoned – cold, starving and clinging to life, in the grip of a murderous ocean. How will they survive?
Age appropriate
As an adult I have read a few stories now about St Kilda and the annual trip to hunt seabirds. Where the World Ends was the first one I had read that had been written for children and told from a child’s point of view. Or should that be a teenager’s point of view as I got the feeling Quill was the oldest ‘boy’ on the island. The book certainly touches on more adult themes. There is swearing, occasional but not of the ‘bloody’ or ‘damn’ variety. There is also parts that younger/sensitive readers may feel uncomfortable with – Quill finding the seal remains or during the storm. Despite this it is still a children’s novel and if they can cope with Goodnight Mr Tom (the baby and the birds and the bees talk) then they can face Where the World Ends.
No sudden solution
I didn’t know the outcome of the story although knew it was based on true events. McCaughrean admits to filling in the gaps and delivers a well rounded portrayal of young boys trapped on a very unforgiving island. There was a whiff of Lord of the Flies however I’m pleased to report it didn’t quite dissolve into Piggy and the conch. I think to get the most out of the book, children need an understanding of the setting and the era. The boys lived on St Kilda, a harsh an environment as anyone could face back then and so had certain skills that made them more adept to surviving on a small rock in freezing conditions. Religion, particularly in the Outer Hebrides, was strictly followed meaning grown men could genuinely have believed that the world had ended. Men could be left on an island and have to wait months to be rescued. In the age of instant communication it’s important readers understand these facts when reading the book.
Bird, sea, rock
McCaughrean produces some stunning descriptions – the likening of birds to the cold pecking at the boys faces was a particular favorite. The ending as to why the boys were abandoned was a real punch to the gut. There was emotion, survival and myths yet McCaughrean balanced all three perfectly. A bit like the boys had to on the stac. I really enjoyed the book and if your child is comfortable reading about death and struggles that aren’t necessarily mended with a fluffy bow at the end then I think they will too.
Book club questions
+++ These questions contain spoilers and should only be used if you have read the book already!+++
- On page 34 Quill admits he has never seen a tree. Murdina then draws one for him on the sand. Can you draw a tree out of things you find on a walk? Using sand? clothes?
- The book heavily features birds that nest on Warrior Stac. Can you spot a bird and find out which type it is? Can you find out any facts about it? Take a photo of it?
- Quill grants titles to the boys based on certain skills they have. What would your title be? ‘Keeper of…’
- We don’t find out why the boys were abandoned until page 298. What did you think the reason was when you were reading?
- How must the boys have felt when they returned home to an empty island?
- Did you prefer the myth parts, the survival parts or the nature parts of the book best? Why?
- Would you say the book had a happy ending? Why?
If you would like to join in with our Children’s Book of the Month keep your eyes peeled when we announce October’s book in a few days time. Our review with book club questions is usually posted on the last Monday of the month and you can check out previous book of the months such as Orion Lost by Alastair Chisholm by clicking on the Young Adult/Kids button at the top of our Home Page.
