37 pages • 1 hour read
William SteigAbel's Island
Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 1976A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
Abel’s Island by William Steig recounts the story of Abel, a mouse who finds himself marooned on a deserted island after a storm separates him from his wife. Over almost a year, Abel learns to survive by drawing on his intuition and primal instincts. Throughout his ordeal, he holds onto hope, improvises shelters, and sends signals in hopes of being rescued, ultimately discovering his resilience and capacity to thrive outside civilization.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
William Steig's Abel's Island captivates readers with its charming tale of a mouse's journey of survival and self-discovery. The narrative is praised for its rich language and imaginative setting, appealing to both children and adults. However, some find its pacing slow and the plot lacking complexity. Overall, it remains a cherished and thought-provoking read.
Who Should Read Abel's Island?
Readers who cherish introspective, character-driven tales such as Stuart Little by E.B. White or Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Grahame will be captivated by William Steig's Abel's Island. Ideal for middle-grade audiences, it explores themes of survival, resilience, and self-discovery with charm and wit.
RecommendedReading Age
8-12yearsLexile Level
920LBook Details
Action / Adventure
Fantasy
Survival Fiction
Emotions/Behavior: Loneliness
Natural World: Animals
Self Discovery