Jenny has a fantastic writing style of humorously yet sympathetically tackling sensitive family situations and the dilemmas faced growing up.

Sebastian is quite privileged really although his parents have separated, which obviously affects him. To be honest, he’s a complete idiot and gets himself into some really stupid situations. Looking behind this we can recognise a host of insecurities and inner turmoil, although he probably doesn’t realize it.

After securing a place on the climate avengers camp on the back of his best friends’ efforts to win the competition, Sebastian sets a stupid bet with accomplished athletes from another group and they end up washed out into the middle of the Pacific Ocean. Not knowing if the other three students survived, Sebastian and his friends, Lina and Etienne end up shipwrecked on a Pacific island. Lina, who is traumatized by the book she’s been reading, (Lord Of The Flies) is determined that they will not end up the same way and proclaims herself their leader. Etienne, a true animal lover and vegetarian names all the animals they find on the island to prevent them ending up as their dinner. Sebastian true to form, still manages some stupid decisions, but useful aspects of his personality start to show through as the three navigate survival and hopefully rescue or escape from the remote island.

Sebastian starts to real realize what an idiot he can be and the reader is able to relate to how he feels and why his behaviour is as irrational as it is.

This is an excellent read with a good dose of humour. As a class text or book club choice, it throws up a lot of discussion points. It also serves to help students as well as the teachers and family perhaps look beyond the outward behaviour of disruptive or uncollaborative students/children to wonder what’s going on under the surface and fuel ideas on how to help them improve.