Lively and engaging! On the title page there's a message to readers: "Everything in this story is true, except for one little thing. See if you can spot it! I will tell you what it is at the end."

The mostly true story takes place in Iceland in 1964, when the author's grandfather visited a brand-new island forming due to a volcanic eruption. However, the fisherman who brought the grandfather and his friend to the island did not return as promised, stranding them there until a visitor from the United States finds them and they are rescued.

There is generous back matter about Iceland, volcanoes, the island of Surtsey, Norse mythology, and a "did you know?" section. Excellent overall! ( )