This book was a re-read for me (and one of a few re-reads from childhood) as I had read this book as a middle school aged child because it was in my school's library and it caught my eye. I loved it both then and now. It's still as good as I remembered as a child. The world was very vivid, very emotional, and written very well. The main character, Karana, has strong character development as she survives on the island by herself. The plot, while simple, feels natural, riveting, and compelling.