The Skeleton Coast Reviews
School Library Journal
“[A] thrilling conclusion to “The Flooded Earth” trilogy…Recommended for collections where the trilogy is popular.”
—Marissa -Lieberman, East Orange Public Library, NJ
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Booklist
“These four kids have faced the worst their world has to offer and come through learning lessons about sticking together, the unbreakable bonds of family, and never giving up hope. The last leg of their journey adds heartwarming reunions to the regular dose of adventure and danger, with themes of starting anew, family, friendship, and courage bringing this epic tale to a satisfying end.”
—Elizabeth Konkel
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Kirkus Reviews
“The postdiluvian Flooded Earth trilogy concludes as it began, with high-seas derring-do….For all its dystopian setting, this satisfying trilogy closer is full of pluck.”
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Resource Links
“Rating: G…The Skeleton Coast is a fast-paced adventure story full of difficult questions about climate change and morality. The four main characters are relentless in their determination to survive and find Spinner. Readers should definitely read the three novels in order because there are details which might be confusing in this novel for those who have not read the previous two novels.
The Skeleton Coast deals with difficult issues such as survival, refugees, kidnapping, piracy, fake news, economic disparity, and moral choices. Mardi McConnochie’s novel presents an alarming portrait of a world where climate change has destroyed society as we know it. Is this our future?”
—Myra Junyk
Read the full review on page 39 of the December 2019 Final Issue of Resource Links
CM Magazine
“The Skeleton Coast, by continuing the highly credible adventure, moral questions, and imaginative view of a climate-ravaged future of the previous two installments in the series, brings the story to an exciting and satisfying conclusion. As always, characterization is strong, with the introduction of the superstitious and strong-willed Blossom and the naïve yet principled Lt. Cherry as strong additions to the cast….The question of ‘who are the good guys’ is deeply explored, the plight of refugees eerily prescient, and the sailing and survival skills of the kids put to thrilling test as usual….
Highly Recommended.”
—Todd Kyle
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Youth Services Book Review
“Rating: 1-5 (5 is an excellent or a Starred review) 4
What did you like about the book? …This non-stop action/adventure book will keep readers flipping the pages quickly to determine the characters’ fates. The combination of environmentalism, adventure, and strong characterization make this an excellent series for purchase.
To whom would you recommend this book? Students who have enjoyed the first two books in this series should definitely complete the trilogy! It is not meant to be a stand alone book, but enough context is given that it could be read that way.”
—Laura Gardner, Dartmouth Middle School, Dartmouth, MA
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Jill’s Book Blog
“This book was a great conclusion to this series.
The action started immediately…I really enjoyed this series!”
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Canadian Bookworm
“There are many adventures along their voyage from pirates to dog packs, and they must use all their skills and ingenuity to stay together and on their father’s trail.
I liked the way that each child brought something to the quest, and that without all of them, they wouldn’t be successful. None of them are perfect, but they recognize that and accept it.
This is a story that shows all the children having unique and necessary attributes and I liked that gender wasn’t an issue. Bravery is shown by all at different times, as is weakness.
I liked some of the larger issues around fairness and diversity as well.”
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