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The Berenson Schemes – Jack the Castaway

Jack the Castaway is the 2015 IPPY award gold medalist for Juvenile fiction

"...a fun cast of characters and a series certain to be full of adventure. This will likely entertain even the most reluctant of readers." School Library Journal

"Doan’s swiftly paced narrative is well matched by Stevanovic’s cartoony illustrations." Booklist

"Launching the Berenson Schemes series, Doan’s debut novel pits cautious Jack Berenson against his reckless parents with uproarious results." Publishers Weekly

...a fun romp through the ‘rustic’ Caribbean...a terrific choice for book reports as well as leisure reading." Children's Literature

"Readers will be charmed by Jack, whose flair for checklists and self-preservation is both humorous and endearing." Kirkus Reviews

"Put Jack the Castaway in the back seat on a long road trip and see if it isn't devoured in one single gulp." Guys Lit Wire

"...a great adventure book for beginner readers. " Finn, A Two Thumbs Up Reviewer

" Lisa Doan's very fun and funny comedy of errors. " Brent Hartinger, author of The Geography Club:

"If you want to laugh until your sides hurt, rush out and find a copy of Jack the Castaway." Margaret Nevinski, author of The Eve of St. Agnes and Floating

"For readers who like adventure or humor or the pitting of child-against-parents, this one’s a winner." Stephanie Greene, ReaderKidZ

"Jack the Castaway will entertain kids with laughs and twists." Sue Morris, Kid Lit Reviews

"Kids will enjoy the humor and the adventure/survival scenes." Dena, Batch of Books

"A fun adventure story that blends humor and excitement in a way that will appeal to reluctant readers." Heidi Grange, GEO Librarian

"Even the most reluctant reader will be drawn in and want to find out what happens next with Jack and his parents. " Jennifer Szoch, Novel Nutritious


In their latest get-rich-quick scheme, the Berensons move to the Caribbean and invent a new sport. While Jack learns to drive the boat, his parents attempt to ‘drift-snorkel’ in a strong current. Sadly, they forgot to fill the gas tank and Jack is set adrift in the Caribbean Sea.

Landing on an uninhabited island, Jack and his parrot Loco have to learn how to survive and figure out how to get back to civilization. (Actually, Jack has to figure everything out, Loco does nothing)
Jack the Castaway Trailer

Diving Seaquest, Roatan, Honduras CA

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