Phillip, an American boy, lived with his parents on the Dutch island of Curacao, off the coast of Venezuela during World War II. Phillips mother, who disliked living with people of other races, was determined to return to the United States. They leave for Florida but are torpedoed and sunk, they are separated. Phillip miraculously floats by raft with a black man named Timothy to a remote island. Timothy helps Phillip with his injuries while Phil tries to come to terms with the prejudicial attitudes he has learned from his family.

Reproducible chapter questions, plus comprehension questions, a story summary, author biography, creative and cross curricular activities, complete with answer key.

The students will:

• develop and reinforce many reading skills.

• become aware of how people can overcome a disability and fight to survive.

• understand how a person’s attitude and feelings can change.

Novel by Theodore Taylor.