Overboard

Overboard, by Elizabeth Fama
Published by Dell Laurel-Leaf in 2002
158 pages
Warning: This book is mildly thematic and contains scenes which may be scary to some younger readers because of intense, survival situations.
Genre: Suspense, Adventure, Survival, Family

This book is about a family living in Sumatra with her parents, who work at a clinic in this country. Annoyed with her life and the stress of the hospital, she runs away from home, in Sumatra, without telling her parents. On the ferry to another island where she plans to meet her uncle, Emily meets another American couple. They talk and form a quick friendship. Unfortunately, the ferry capsizes. Emily, age 14, is suddenly placed in survival mode as she tries to survive the night in the ocean. Throughout the night, Emily encounters sharks, desperate people, and a young boy who needs her help to survive.

This book is wonderful. I love the following quote;

"Emily looked around in desperation. If only the rescue boats were here, if only someone could make them all calm, save them before they hurt themselves, make them do the right thing.

But what was the right thing? Emily didn't know.

She was crying now, heaving, hot sobs that made her choke on her own mucus" (39).

There is power, as Emily transforms from trying to protect herself, and think of her own survival, to the survival of others. This book is also empowering because at a young age of 14, Emily is able to help more then herself. For me, this book turned my eye away from myself and to others, and I know it can do the same thing for young adults. I also find that for young adults who are often obsessed with their own lives, this novel would also turn their eyes and focus towards others.