Reviews of
On Sand Island

by Jacqueline Briggs Martin

Martin's inspiration for this lyrical tale, told in the rhythms of lapping water, came from a summer experience on Lake Superior's Sand Island, where a Norwegian named Carl Dahl once set his netsŠ.When at last the boat is complete, he names it Beach Glass, and it's not just the boy's determination that brings the whole island to rejoice with him, it's the way he's made them all a part of his dream. -- Publishers Weekly

Martin's measured prose-"Carl dreamed about boats. / He drew the boat he would build: / a little flat-bottomed pound boat / like the fishermen use . . . "-gives the episode a grave, formal feeling, and Johnson's delicately lined, low-contrast paintings respectfully depict a community in which "island neighbors are closer than cousins," always willing to give each other a hand. Thoughtful readers will appreciate this low-key tribute to a child's determination, and to the mutual respect that binds a community together. -- Kirkus Reviews

Jackie Melvin of the Eugene Oregon Guard says, "Here is a picture book that is as good as they come. The story is based on a real place and actual people, so we learn some little-known American history. Yet Martin’s text reads like a fine prose poem and uses elements of traditional folktales. Johnson’s pen and watercolor pictures are gorgeous."  Eugene Oregon Guard 12/01/08