This is one of those books that I'm not sure what age group to suggest it for? I know it was written for middle-grade, but it doesn't really pick up until the last half, so I'm not sure a Middle-Grade reader would stick with it, or understand it all, but then again it's not written with older readers (teen-adult) so that's out too. While the story isn't my favorite, the ending was good.

I'm okay with playing with our perception of reality to an extent but I think this one went too far. It's a bit too cerebral for a young audience, too obvious for older readers.

I love the premise of The Boy, the Boat, and the Beast. Though I went into it knowing that the island and its dangerous water and scary forest was a metaphor, it did nothing to diminish the lyrical writing. I did miss the absence of another MG-aged character and felt that perhaps this isn't my favorite type of story. That said, it's beautiful and heartbreaking and necessary, and I feel strongly that, placed in the right readers' hands, this is a book that has the power to heal.

Please see my full review over on Reading Rumpus: https://www.readingrumpus.com/2018/06/the-boy-boat-and-beast-by-samantha.html I have also promoted to Twitter, LibraryThing and Goodreads. Here is a snippet of the review... "To pigeonhole The Boy, the Boat, and the Beast as an "adventure" or even a "mystery" is way too simple. To call it "horror" might be a bit closer; to call it a "coming-of-age" tale, still closer yet. Here's what I do know about this new book... kids are going to love the mystery and the adventure and are going to be gobsmacked at the ending not really being a mystery adventure at all..........."

Lyrical and well-written, The Boy, The Boat, and The Beast is an engaging, adventurous tale. While some students might struggle with the symbolism or be impatient with the recurring themes, the ending will leave readers satisfied. I would offer a warning to students who are dealing with the death or illness of a loved one, though. Real life doesn’t often wrap up as nicely as this story does.

The reader is lost with the main character which was an interesting start but the story didn't move until more than half way through. Middle grade readers aren't likely to stick with this. Which is too bad because the ending is strong.

Wonderful suspenseful and adventurous story for young chapter book readers. Very well written and captivating plot and character development throughout. Overall, hard to put down and I can already identify young readers who I know will enjoy this story!

Maybe this book appeals to some people but I wasn’t one of them. It’s one character who battles the voices in his head and the natural world around him. Not a hit for me.