The Cay

The Cay by Theodore Taylor Today the island of Curacao sounds like paradise.  Sun, sand, and the ocean are there in abundance, but Phillip lives there during a different time.  World War II is raging, and it cannot be escaped, even in paradise.   German U-Boats patrol the Carribean and are attacking the small islands with their rich oil supplies.

Phillip and his mother must evacuate the island and return to the United States, but when their freighter is torpedoed by a German U-Boat this book becomes a story of survival.  Phillip is separated from all he knows and is stranded on a small cay with an old black man named Timothy.  In the 1940's prejudice is rampant, and blacks and whites do not trust each other easily.  Will Phillip learn to see beyond the color of Timothy's skin? Can he trust him with his life?  Read The Cay and find out.  It's a great book and highly recommended by Rachel.

Suggested Links for Students Who Want to Know More

Theodore Taylor Map of the Carribean Region and Curacao Map of the Island of Curacao Official Curacao Travel Guide USA Today's Guide to Hurricanes National Hurricane Center Hurricanes Online Meteorology Guide FEMA for Kids: Hurricanes Miami Science Museum -- Hurricanes

If You Liked The Cay try

Timothy of the Cay by Theodore Taylor A prequel/sequel to The Cay. Find out about Timothy's life before and Phillip's life after their experiences on the cay.

Taffy of Torpedo Junction by Nell Wise Wechter This book is a thrilling World War II story that takes place in the Outer Banks area of North Carolina where German U-boats are patrolling the waters.

Under the Blood-Red Sun by Graham Salisbury Two best friends learn that not everyone can or will look beyond skin color after the attack on Pearl Harbor.

More books set in World War II on the European Front

Lesson Plan Links for The Cay

Cyberguide to The Cay Chapter Review Questions and Activities Novel Guide with Discussion Questions SCORE Teacher's Guide Teacher View Guide to The Cay Chapter By Chapter Questions for The Cay Nancy Polette's Guide to The Cay Activity Sheet for The Cay Activities for The Cay Lesson Plans for The Cay The Cay Research Project 6th Grade Unit for The Cay Group Projects for The Cay Exploding the Literary Canon -- an essay by Theodore Taylor