Book Review: Lost Island Smugglers by Max Elliot Anderson

Lost Island Smugglers is Max Elliot Anderson’s first book in his Sam Cooper Adventure series. Written especially for boys around the ages of 10 to 12 years, Mr. Anderson masterfully combines the adventure that lures boys into a love of reading and the morals which they so need.

This story moves quickly enough to hold a 10 year old’s attention but goes into enough detail to engage the imagination.  Ten year old Sam Cooper, the main character, is struggling with the challenges of making new friends after he and his parents move to Florida. He quickly makes two friends and together the three of them learn how to scuba dive. Choosing adventure and his friends over the good judgment that his parents have taught him, Sam finds himself and his two buddies on a dangerous sailing adventure and then marooned on a deserted island.

Throughout the story the three boys learn they have to face the consequences of their bad decisions. They also use good judgment in helping each other when they have no one else to turn to. Strong morals, honesty, integrity, bravery, and unselfishness are presented in a very positive light to the young reader, leading him to admire the characters who possess these traits. All the while the characters are very believable and the boy who reads this story will be able to relate to Sam Cooper and put himself into Sam’s shoes.

I highly recommend this book for young boys. Mr. Anderson has given them a quality story that will encourage them to wish to be strong, moral men.  In today’s world with conflicting values and none-too-clear morals, Lost Island Smugglers is a refreshing find. Boys who read it are almost sure to get hooked on the series.

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Reviewed by Elyse Wilson