The Cay

by Theodore Taylor
In 1942, 11-year-old Phillip Enright lives with his parents on the Dutch island of Curaçao, but when the war moves too close for comfort, his mother decides to travel with him back to the safety of Virginia. When their boat is torpedoed, however, Phillip is blinded and finds himself adrift on a life raft with an old black man and a cat. They eventually land on a deserted island. Phillip is suspicious of "the large Negro," but soon grows to trust--and ultimately love--the patient and generous Timothy. I read this book to the kids and although this book says it's intended for grades 5-8, all my kids enjoyed it. It is however, a tear-jerker and I would not have made it through reading aloud if it weren't for my son finishing it for us. I highly recommend this book and look forward to reading it's pre/sequel - Timothy of the Cay.