Wolk, Lauren. Candle Island. Dutton, 04/2025. 352pp. Fiction. Trade $18.99. 978-0-59369-854-9. GRADES 5–7. HIGH ADDITIONAL.
Twelve-year-old Lucretia and her mother are looking for a fresh start. Candle Island, Maine is far enough from their Vermont home to offer refuge from reminders of the father and husband they have lost, and is big enough to afford privacy for their art making. But before the pair have driven off the ferry, they are drawn into an escalating conflict between wealthy summer kids and working class islanders. Wolk draws an evocative portrait of both an island and an artistic child. At the center of the many dramatic events is the tension between Lucretia’s desire to avoid harm and her need to connect. Readers can lose themselves in specifics of art making, secret keeping, animal rescue, serious bullying, and friendship. Some characters, and events, seem too bad, or too good, to be true. Readers seeking a lively summer read and a thoughtful life primer will be more than satisfied. Lucretia and most islanders read as white. Review based on an ARC.
Melissa McAvoy—Retired