The Lost Island
by Samantha Wheeler

Bestselling and award-winning Australian author Samantha Wheeler returns with this thrilling desert island adventure with a conservation twist.

Recommended age: 9 - 12

A$17.99

(Paperback)

Ships on 4/08/2026

Overview

Theo thinks there’s nothing worse than being stuck on a Pacific cruise with his dad, new stepmum and annoying stepsister. But when he’s thrown overboard during a storm and washes up on a desert island, he suddenly has much bigger problems.

As Theo tackles castaway life – finding food, water and shelter – he discovers the island is full of mysteries: spooky noises, possible ghosts and the strangest birds he’s ever seen. With survival getting tougher by the day and no rescue in sight, Theo is desperate to get back to his family. But to escape the island, he must unlock its secrets – and learn a few important truths about the power of nature along the way.

Details

Readings Monthly

‘Wheeler has a knack for writing endearing characters and plots that weave in environmental themes that readers 8 and up will love.’

Books+Publishing

‘Samantha Wheeler expertly captures the frustrations felt by a child on the cusp of adolescence.’

The CBCA’s Reading Time

‘Wheeler shows readers there’s always a better way.’

Samantha Wheeler

Samantha Wheeler fell in love with animals when, at the age of six, she received a tortoise. She went on to study agriculture, work with dairy farmers and teach science, until writing her first children’s book, inspired by koalas, in 2011. Her books, which include Smooch & Rose, Spud & Charli, Mister Cassowary, Wombat Warriors, Turtle Trackers and Everything I’ve Never Said, have been shortlisted for the Queensland Literary Awards, the Readings Children’s Book Prize, the Wilderness Society’s Environment Award for Children’s Literature and the Royal Zoological Society of New South Wales Whitley Awards. Samantha hopes her books will encourage everyone to make a difference. www.samanthawheeler.com.au