The Surprise at Blowcart Beach (Challenge Island STEAM Adventure #3)

by Sharon Duke Estroff (Author) Mónica de Rivas (Illustrator)

Sail across sand dunes and streams on a handmade boat in Book 3 of the Challenge Island series!

Finding themselves transported to a magical island once again, Daniel, Joy, and Kimani emerge from a mysterious cave to see blue waters--they're by the beach! And in the near distance, across large sand dunes and up a hill, stands a familiar tall tower.

There, the pirate Captain Wei awaits with all the answers to their questions...if they ever reach the tower in time. Using items stashed around the cave, the friends must build themselves a blow cart and use wind power to sail across the bumpy beach. But how do they make a cart fast and sturdy enough to carry the three of them? See what surprises are in store fort he three friends in this new Challenge Island adventure! Included at the back of the book are cool facts about real sea pirates and ships, plus fun STEAM activities you can do at home, like how to build your own blow cart and make pirate treasure slime.

From the world's #1 STEAM(Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Math) program and education enrichment program, Challenge Island(R) presents an exciting new adventure for smart, curious kids. This is Book 3 in the Challenge Island series.

Select format:
Paperback
$7.99

More books in the series - See All

Review quotes

Praise for The Bridge to Sharktooth Island, Book 1:

This story introduces three fifth graders forced to use their individual strengths and talents to work together and problem-solve their way out of trouble. Estroff's clever prose helps readers think, plan, and create with STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, and math). These are perfect for a technology-focused classroom and lessons, as well as adventure-loving students. Expressive illustrations throughout the chapters help readers to see the models as they are envisioned by the characters. Fun additions at the end of the story include shark facts, Leonardo da Vinci-inspired experiments, and instructions for readers to create their own truss bridge. This is a great STEAM-infused addition to the fiction section of any elementary or middle school library.

School Library Journal

[The Bridge to Sharktooth Island] could provide a useful support for teachers and parents to involve children in STEAM and an engaging context for further STEAM and technological 'design and build' problem-solving.

Primary Science

Praise for The Race Across Anaconda Swamp, Book 2:

For early grade readers who revel in science-based fiction, this is a winning read. Animals, physics, and habitats are among the topics covered, with lots of instances where the reader can predict and hypothesize along with the characters. Kimani, who is Black, has an impressive head for science and builds in many of the facts that help the group solve problems together. Sleek black and white cartoon art complements the text, adding visual clues. Science experiments and craft projects from each character are at the end.

Youth Services Book Review

In this follow-up to The Bridge to Sharktooth Island, optimistic Joy, cautious Daniel, and studious Kimani find themselves transported once again to a magical island where they have to solve a series of puzzles to escape the middle of the rainforest before darkness falls. . . Supplementary materials at the back include STEAM projects and fun facts introduced by the main characters that a science-loving child will enjoy. The story is engaging, educational, and peppered with cute illustrations... a fun purchase for the easygoing young reader in love with animals and books.

School Library Journal

Classification
Fiction
ISBN-13
9781513134949
Lexile Measure
640
Guided Reading Level
-
Publisher
West Margin Press
Publication date
April 04, 2023
Series
Challenge Island Steam Adventure
BISAC categories
JUV001020 - Juvenile Fiction | Action & Adventure | Pirates
JUV029010 - Juvenile Fiction | Nature & the Natural World | Environment
JUV041020 - Juvenile Fiction | Transportation | Boats, Ships, & Underwater Craft
JUV036020 - Juvenile Fiction | Technology | Inventions
Library of Congress categories
Beaches
Problem solving
Resourcefulness
Cooperativeness

Subscribe to our delicious e-newsletter!