“Angela May did an amazing job of presenting about the writing process and where she gained her inspiration for the story. She presented to students of all age levels (Kindergarten through Fifth grade) and held their attention for the whole time. The excitement she feels for writing and her books was palpable and our students loved every minute of it.” — Yorktown Elementary School, 2024
“Students were engaged with the presentation. Angela shared videos and stories that made Dewees Island come alive for students.” — Rachel Roberts, teacher, Belle Hall Elementary, April 2023
“Everything was wonderful. Angela was engaging and informative throughout her presentation!” — Caroline Guerin, teacher, Belle Hall Elementary, April 2023
“It was mentioned to me by other teachers (and I noticed as well) how well you are able to connect with the students.” — Kristen Smith, school librarian, Carolina Park Elementary, Dec 2022
“It was an awesome presentation and the students are still talking about it many months later!!!” — Annissa Armstrong, media clerk, Mauldin Elementary, Sept 2023
“The Islanders is a triumph! Mary Alice and Angela have written a thrilling young reader’s summer vacation story that authentically explores the magic found in nature, friendships, and family… Highly recommended for adults too.” — Ron Block, Cuyahoga County Public Library
“I loved running around the woods as a kid, and playing in the pluff mud in Dewees’ creeks! It was just the escape I needed. Monroe and May did such a wonderful job of evoking the feeling of a childhood summer, and more specifically, of a childhood Lowcountry summer.” — Ryan Graudin, award-winning author of The World Between Blinks
“A tender, warmhearted tale in a memorable setting.” — Kirkus Reviews
“Monroe makes her middle grade debut with this comforting beach read about the healing power of friendship and nature.” — Publishers Weekly
“…a perfect summer adventure to dive into.” — Bookworm for Kids
“I enjoyed it immensely! The sweet story of loss, courage, and friendship that grows between strangers during an unplanned summer on a private island is the kind of story young people today need to read and will enjoy and learn as they do. The sea turtle education that is deftly slipped into the plot is the icing on the cake!” — Diane Robinson, Eagle Eye Bookshop (Decatur, GA)
“lt’s unusual for me to blog about a children’s book. So you have to know how very special THE ISLANDERS is. It’s written with middle school readers in mind. But it’s really for everyone who loves a good story with lots of heart.” — Jean Lewis, Book Reviewer (Maurice on Books)
“The Islanders is the next generation of that beloved classic [The Swiss Family Robinson], bringing the reader into today’s world with diversity, conservation, and the need for some unplugging. The Islanders is pure magic!” — Karen Schumann, RJ Julia Booksellers
