43 pages 1 hour read

Kensuke's Kingdom

Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 1999

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Book Brief

Michael Morpurgo

Kensuke's Kingdom

Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 1999
Book Details
Pages

176

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Pacific Island • 1980s

Publication Year

1999

Audience

YA

Recommended Reading Age

8-12 years

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Super Short Summary

Kensuke's Kingdom by Michael Morpurgo tells the story of a young boy who gets stranded on a deserted island after falling overboard during a family sailing trip. He eventually meets Kensuke, an elderly man also living on the island, and they learn to coexist. The novel explores themes of survival, friendship, and resilience.

Adventurous

Contemplative

Emotional

Bittersweet

Inspirational

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

Kensuke's Kingdom by Michael Morpurgo has garnered praise for its gripping narrative and emotional depth. Readers appreciate its vivid storytelling and the well-paced adventure, which keeps both children and adults engaged. Criticisms include some predictable plot elements and occasional slow pacing. Overall, it is celebrated for its heartfelt messages and immersive world.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Kensuke's Kingdom?

Readers aged 9-12 who enjoy adventure and survival stories will love Kensuke's Kingdom by Michael Morpurgo. Fans of Hatchet by Gary Paulsen and Island of the Blue Dolphins by Scott O'Dell will appreciate the tale's blend of resilience, friendship, and discovery. Morpurgo's storytelling appeals to those who cherish nature and personal growth.

Character List

Michael

The protagonist and narrator of the novel, Michael is a creative and courageous young boy who becomes stranded on an island during a family sailing trip. Over the course of his adventure, he learns to adapt to his new environment and forms a meaningful bond with the island's other inhabitant, Kensuke.

Kensuke is an elderly Japanese man who has lived alone on the island for decades after surviving the bombing of Nagasaki. As a mentor and companion to Michael, he shares his wisdom and helps protect the island's wildlife.

Michael’s parents are a supportive and loving couple who embark on a global sailing trip aboard the Peggy Sue with their son. Their complementary traits and resilience help them face challenges together during their journey.

The poachers are men who come to the island to hunt animals, representing a threat to its wildlife. They serve as antagonists whose actions indirectly impact Michael’s relationship with Kensuke and the resolution of the story.

Book Details
Pages

176

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Pacific Island • 1980s

Publication Year

1999

Audience

YA

Recommended Reading Age

8-12 years

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