Breda's Island by Jessie Ann Foley
Published by Quill Tree Books on July 12, 2022
ISBN: 0063207729
Pages: 256
Genres: Mystery
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads

A middle grade novel that explores what happens when close relationships are strained by new situations. Breda feels abandoned when her mother starts a business. Her new shoplifting habit gets her a summer in Ireland where she meets and lives with her somewhat silent and detached Granda. As Breda becomes familiar with the lovely natural environment and makes some friends many questions of her parentage persist. Foley presents readers with a likable character who is trying to find herself and is seeking answers. Issues involving immigration, family history, health concerns, and an unknown father contribute to the interest of the story. This book provides a glimpse of Mother Nature’s beauty and the Irish lifestyle in a rural community.

Breda’s Island would be good for middle school book discussion groups and is recommended for grades 5-8.

Reviewed by Jan Hamilton, retired children’s librarian