Rollercoaster: KS3, 11-14. The Island at the End of Everything

Ami, a twelve-year-old girl, lives with her mother on Culion Island, the largest leper colony in the world. When Mr. Zamora, a government official, arrives, he brings a decree that all healthy children must leave the island and move to an orphanage. Ami is banished across the sea, and she must find her way home before her mother dies. This novel explores themes of prejudice, difference, segregation, family, friendship, and loss and is suitable for classroom discussion for 11-14-year-old students.

Format: Paperback / softback
Publication date: 10 October 2019
Publisher: Oxford University Press

Twelve-year-old Ami resides on Culion Island, the Philippines, known as the world's largest leper colony, alongside her mother, who is affected by the disease. The arrival of Mr. Zamora, a sinister government official, brings a decree that all healthy children must leave the island and be sent to an orphanage. Faced with the heartbreaking decision to be separated from her mother, Ami embarks on a perilous journey across the sea, determined to find her way back home before it's too late. This powerful novel delves into themes of prejudice, discrimination, segregation, family, friendship, and loss, offering rich opportunities for classroom discussion and captivating 11-14-year-old readers.

Introduction:
Culion Island, located in the Philippines, holds a tragic distinction as the world's largest leper colony. In this isolated community, twelve-year-old Ami lives with her mother, who is deeply affected by the disease. However, their lives are about to be profoundly disrupted when Mr. Zamora, a sinister government official, arrives with a decree that shakes the island to its core. All healthy children must leave Culion Island and be sent to an orphanage, separating them from their families and loved ones.

The Separation:
Ami's world is turned upside down as she is banished across the sea, leaving her mother behind. The separation is agonizing, and Ami's heart aches at the thought of being separated from the only person she has ever known. She clings to the hope of finding her way back home, determined to reunite with her mother before it's too late.

The Journey:
With her determination unwavering, Ami embarks on a perilous journey across the sea. She faces countless challenges, from treacherous waters to harsh weather conditions, as she navigates through unknown territories. Along the way, she meets new people, forms unexpected friendships, and learns about the complexities of the world beyond Culion Island.

The Orphanage:
After enduring a long and arduous journey, Ami arrives at the orphanage. It is a place of uncertainty and unfamiliarity, where she must adapt to a new way of life. She struggles to fit in, feeling like an outsider among the other children who have been separated from their families. However, she finds solace in the kindness of a few compassionate individuals who recognize her strength and resilience.

The Search for Home:
Ami's quest to find her way back home becomes more urgent as time passes. She embarks on a mission to gather information about her family and the island, using her newfound knowledge and connections to piece together the fragments of her past. She confronts obstacles and setbacks, but her determination never wavers.

The Reunion:
After months of searching, Ami finally receives a message that leads her to Culion Island. With tears of joy streaming down her face, she reunites with her mother, who has been waiting for her return with bated breath. The moment they are reunited is filled with overwhelming emotion, as they embrace each other tightly and promise to never be separated again.

Conclusion:
Ami's journey is a testament to the power of resilience and the strength of the human spirit. Despite the hardships she faced, she never gave up hope and found her way back home. Through her experiences, she learns the importance of family, friendship, and the pursuit of happiness. This stunning novel provides a powerful platform for classroom discussion, allowing students to explore themes of prejudice, discrimination, segregation, and the resilience of the human soul.

Weight: 298g
Dimension: 130 x 196 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780198444862