A Kirkus Reviews Best Book of 2008
Finalist, Maine Literary Awards
An ALA/YALSA Best Book for Young Adults 2010
A Voya Best Book of 2008
A Junior Library Guild selection
“The novel’s humor and amiable tone make it a highly accessible but thought-provoking read.”
—Deirdre F. Baker, The Horn Book
“. . . Readers who like a little quirk in their fantasy will enjoy this stick-it-to-the-status-quo romp.”
—Ian Chipman, Booklist
“. . . Artfully pits order vs. creativity, and makes the argument that there should be room for both in any society.”
—Dale McGarrigle, Bangor Daily News
★ “Booraem’s debut is an ever-surprising, genre-defying page-turner.”
—Kirkus Reviews (starred)
★ “. . . Fresh, original, and appealing and the kind of book you want to read again, just to spend more time with the characters.”
—Donna Scanlon, Kliatt (starred)
“. . . A marvelous tribute to change and creativity.”
—Kathy Carrigan, Indiebound Kids’ Next
“Island, a creepy and restrictive world masquerading as a utopia, is as memorable as the intricately developed inhabitants.”
—Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books
What It’s About:
Medford Runyuin lives on a neat, orderly island called—simply—Island.
Islanders like names that say exactly what a thing (or a person) is or does, and nothing less. Islanders like things (and people) to do what their names say they will. Nothing more.
So what would you expect of a thirteen-year-old foundling called Medford Runyuin? Not much. In fact, you might want to keep your eye on him.
Medford’s been keeping a big secret, one that could get him banished forever from Island and the only life he’s ever known.
Enter the Goatman, a nameless, smelly wanderer who calls the wind but can’t control it. And who can’t keep a secret to save his life.
This is a whimsical fantasy about belonging, the dangers of forgetting history, the Usefulness of art, and the importance of wind control.
THE UNNAMEABLES
Ages 10-14
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Books for Young Readers 2008 & 2011
ISBN 978-0-547-55213-2