Stranded!: A Mostly True Story from Iceland

A 2026 Rhode Island Children's Book Award winner
A 2024 Margaret Wise Brown Prize Honor Book
A 2024 ALA Notable Children's Books selection
 

★ “Two amateur explorers become stranded on a newly formed volcanic island when the fishing boat that drops them off fails to come back” – Kirkus Reviews, starred review

"This gently exciting story will be enjoyed by adventure-loving children." – School Library Journal

When two scientists find themselves stranded on Iceland’s newest volcanic island, Surtsey, they have to navigate fiery lava, fogged-up glasses, and dwindling supplies to survive until rescue arrives. Based on real life events, this action-packed book keeps readers guessing about the one surprising twist in the tale that’s not entirely true.

• Features graphic novel-like layouts
• Endnotes include information about volcanoes, Icelandic culture, and Norse mythology
• Perfect for young adventurers

Ævar Þór Benediktsson is one of Iceland‘s most popular authors. He is Iceland‘s first UNICEF Ambassador and is known for launching popular nationwide reading challenges to encourage Icelandic children and teenagers to read more. In 2017 Ævar was chosen as one of the Aarhus39 – a collection of the 39 best emerging writers for young people from across Europe. He is the author of more than 30 books.

Anne Wilson was born on Ascension Island, a volcano in the South Atlantic. Her work is inspired by everyday life and traveling. The images she creates are constructed in layers, starting with drawing, mark making and printing, these are then manipulated in Photoshop. Anne has an MA in illustration from St Martins College of Art, London and has been an illustrator for over 20 years. She has illustrated many projects for Barefoot Books, including We're Roaming in the Rainforest and The Barefoot Book of Earth Tales.