The Castaways
written by
Iain Lawrence
Iain Lawrence says: My older brother likes to say that we grew up like army brats. We moved from house to house, from school to school, never staying long enough in any place to become a part of it. He learned to make friends quickly, but I never did, and my childhood was rather lonely.
At the time I found it hard, but now I’m happy with the way I grew up. When I studied journalism, several years after high school, I had three close friends with similar stories. All of us had been teased and bullied in school, and three of us went on to write novels for young readers. I don’t why that connection is there, but I think a lonely child invents a happy life, and eventually creates one.
For the last twenty years I’ve lived on islands, first near Prince Rupert, now near Nanaimo. They’re real islands, without bridges, so it takes a bit of effort to reach them – by small boat up north, and by ferry down here. I like the sense of shared separation that comes from living on islands. They’re like big ships, except the scenery never changes, and no one gets seasick.
Twice a day I walk the dog, most often on the beaches, and spend the time thinking about whatever it is I’m working on.
Other Books by Iain Lawrence:
Gemini Summer
The Séance
Contact Iain Lawrence at:
Iain Lawrence
C/o Random House Children’s Books
1540 Broadway
New York, NY 10036 USA
The conclusion of the trilogy begun with The Convicts and The Cannibals features hero Tom Tin and his band of orphan crewmates - Benjamin Penny, Midgely, Boggis and Walter Weedle - adrift after 12 days at sea.
Their adventures involve the haunted Flying Dutchman, a tattooed Mr. Beezley and child-eating Mr. Moyle, an iceberg in shark-infested waters, King George, a fickle slave trader, a cursed diamond called the Jolly Stone, the sneaky scheming of Mr. Goodfellow, being buried alive, and a plan to rescue Tom’s father in debtor’s prison on a South Seas island. Will you join Tom aboard ship and fly the flag for kid captains everywhere?
Please click here to download this year's poster.
