Praise for Island Sting

“Island Sting is a fast-paced, environmental thriller that teens will tear into. Once you start reading, you’ll find yourself flipping pages as fast as you can, eager to find out what happens next. Great action, great characters, and a message that will resonate with readers of all ages.”

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Bonnie Doerr has done it again! 

 Her story of ecology and intrigue on Big Pine Key should appeal to teens as well as adults who enjoy a good yarn that includes romance and poachers, and at the same time gently teaches valuable lessons about preserving our wildlife.

 As a resident, and Refuge volunteer, I found that Island Sting’s factual basis was accurate, and her descriptive writing put me at the scene so that I also enjoyed her fictional story.  Although the protagonist is a girl, there are enough supporting male players to hold a boy's interest, as well.

Highly recommended.

 Sandy (Sanford) Brown
Big Pine Key, FL

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Ms. Doerr has created memorable characters living in the unique and environmentally fragile Florida Keys.  This entertaining, yet timely, tale draws attention to the potentially dangerous human impact on our world at both local and global levels.  Young readers who enjoyed environmental adventure, Hoot, will be equally engaged by the efforts of spunky teen Kenzie and her friend Angelo as they become involved in the plight of the endangered Florida Key Deer. ­­­

 Donna Smith
Author of Leaving Caney Creek

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 As I read Island Sting, I thought, "a green and gritty Nancy Drew." Boys have so many outdoor adventure stories (Gary Paulsen stories), but there are few stories where girls are the ones having adventures and taking chances. Nancy drove around in the roadster, but Kenzie rides her bike straight into danger…What an exciting story to have a brave girl who isn't afraid of danger and dirt. Kenzie is the anti "mean girl."

 I like the twinges of romance between Angelo and Kenzie. I like website and technology, I like the activism of the kids, and I like a story—which is rare in modern tween fiction—where the adults and young people cooperate and support each other.

Students like to read about teens who make changes and take action to help their environment. They also like happy endings…Island Sting hits all the interests of middle school readers.

 Kenzie Ryan—she’s green—not mean!

Deborah Svenson
American Association of School Librarians, School Library Media award winner
Texas 

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For teen readers, Kenzie rushes into excitement, rescuing a miniature Key deer from near drowning, chasing poachers, and, along the way, learning about herself.  Having recently moved to Big Pine Key, Florida, she faces both a new environment and new friends with equal energy and enthusiasm.

 For environmentalists, Kenzie’s many new friends teach her about the endangered and threatened flora and fauna of the Florida Keys as she encounters, among other species, Key deer, poisonwood, and hawksbill turtles.  Kenzie quickly realizes this fragile environment needs her help, too. 

For parents, Kenzie becomes a leader in a youth group sponsored by a local church, setting up a web site for communication.  Her activities reflect her sharp intelligence as well as a commitment to Christian values.

Susan M. Nugent
Author of Women Conserving the Florida Keys

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Island Sting is a rousingly great mystery for children of all ages!  Teachers will love the readability of the book for all grade levels, including elementary, middle and high schools.  Children will love the story because it identifies with many of the problems in their lives; moving, divorce. loss, and friendship.  Students can discover the endangered Key Deer and its habitat,biomes,population of endangered species, and ocean science vocabulary.

Teachers will love it because one can cover so many of the standards: Science, Math, Language, Vocabulary, and many other subject standards.  I recommend a class set so that teachers and students alike can read and experience lessons like one I taught; stream tables to create and really learn about sand bars, barrier islands, tidal pools, herbivores, carnivores (sharks are fun for all ages), and many other skills, standards, and vocabulary in a delightful, suspenseful story.

Nancy Rawlinson Schoer
Teacher of 35 years
Aiken County Teacher of the Year
South Carolina 

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Kenzie and Angelo are smart, resourceful, and fearless in their quest to protect the endangered Key Deer. Island Sting may be fiction, but involved, caring teens everywhere will cheer author Bonnie Doerr for her entertaining tale of dedicated young adults who never compromise their ideals or their world.

Bernadette Hearne

Author of Uncle Dud’s Attic and Guns & Gardenias

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As Kenzie’s feelings became my own, I didn’t want to put this book down. It was as if I was Kenzie. I wanted to get up and go clean up litter and catch that rude poacher. But then I remembered all that’s tough to do with a book in your hand.
 

Jenna Hoglander
West Forsyth High School

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Island Sting is an enticing book that holds a great message that should be heard by people of all ages. The main character, Kenzie, is an easily relatable character who holds many traits in common with the average youth of America. However, she also has a characteristic that is rare and far more necessary for today's youth; she cares deeply for the environment and the creatures around her. This book helps others understand the importance of helping the environment not just from the point of view of someone who cares but also from the point of view of someone who has seen what hurting the environment can do.

Jessica Cotter

Ronald Reagan High School

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