Reading Island of the Angry Smile Together

Gummy has a story for every occasion, and the Blink kids have heard most of them twice. Then a sickness called The Sorrow takes hold of him, and an old map sends Taddy, Styn and Parker looking for a cure on an island that does not want to be found.

The guides below help you talk about the story with the readers in your life, at home or in class.

• Ages: 8 to 12
• Length: 241 pages, 18 chapters
• Genre: adventure with mystery and science
• Formats: paperback, hardcover and Kindle (free with Kindle Unlimited)
• Publisher: Almost Suppertime

A beloved grandparent becomes seriously ill, and the kids race to help him. They face real danger in caves and jungles, and an adult they trust lets them down. The scary moments are written for young readers, and the story stays hopeful.

Conversation starters to use at the dinner table, in the car or at bedtime.

Questions about fear, courage, trust and paying attention, with a note from Michael about why the story leaves its lessons for readers to find.

The same conversations for Christian families, with five Scripture passages, including Joshua 1:9, and a question to go with each one.

Each classroom guide includes discussion questions by theme, reflection activities and a one-page sheet you can hand out.

Activities include an observation walk, a story map that marks moments of fear and courage, and a think-pair-share on teamwork.

For classrooms, small groups and chapel, with Scripture connections and reflection activities such as a courage and trust journal.

Michael would love to hear how your family or class got on with the book, and what your readers made of the island.