Mary Alice Monroe Teams Up with Fellow Writer Angela May on First Children’s Novel

‘The Islanders’ releases June 15 with a series of local events, including

a Charleston County Public Library summer reading author signing

MOUNT PLEASANT, S.C. — New York Times bestselling author Mary Alice Monroe has teamed up with first-time author and friend Angela May on a new children’s novel set on Dewees Island. 

“The Islanders” releases on June 15 (Aladdin books; $17.99). This page-turning adventure series is well suited for younger readers ages 8 to 12. It’s Monroe’s first middle grade novel, introducing a new generation of readers to her trademark passion for the environment.

The novel focuses on environmentalism and animal conservation, specifically loggerhead turtles, all while covering important middle grade topics of family, friendships, and mental health.

“The Islanders” tells the story of 11-year-old Jake and the summer he’s forced to spend on tiny Dewees Island with his grandmother. Everything in his life is turned upside down: Jake does not know anyone, the island is a nature sanctuary with no cars or paved roads, no stores or restaurants and to make matters worse, Jake’s grandmother doesn’t believe in having cable or the internet at her house. When Jake meets new friends Macon and Lovie, the three embark on island adventures until one mistake changes everything. Ultimately, Jake discovers a deep love for the island and the healing power of nature.

Purchase “The Islanders” wherever books are sold. Learn more at maryalicemonroe.com/childrens-books. 

Monroe is bestselling author of 27 books, including the beloved Beach House series. Her latest book in the series, “The Summer of Lost and Found,” was released in May by Gallery Books/Simon and Schuster. Monroe lives on Isle of Palms where she finds inspiration for the environmental and animal conservation themes that permeate many of her novels. 

May is an award-winning journalist who spent more than a decade working in television newsrooms before launching her own company, May Media and PR, to help local businesses and individuals promote their stories in positive and effective ways. May has been working with Monroe for more than 10 years as her assistant and PR manager. May lives in Mount Pleasant with her husband and two sons. 

Monroe approached May four years ago about co-writing a book for middle grade readers. They chose Dewees Island, S.C., as their setting because of their shared love for this residential barrier island that is also a nature sanctuary. They dedicated “The Islanders” to Monroe’s grandchildren and May’s children.

Monroe, who has published two children’s picture books, had always wished to write for this age group. “When they are ages 8 to 12, children are so impressionable. They dream big and believe they can change the world,” she said. “And I wanted to create a story that helps encourage that passion to help our planet through my own passions for storytelling and coastal conservation.”

May said, “Children don’t need to simply daydream about having magical powers. Through a relatable and engaging story, they can discover they have all the power they need to triumph over obstacles,” May said. “After they finish reading our books, I want kids to feel encouraged that they can be a force of good in their own lives.”

A second book in this series is planned for release in 2022.

LOCAL BOOK SIGNING AND AUTHOR EVENTS: 

Charleston County Library Summer Reading Event: Young readers will have the chance to get early access to the book and have it signed by the authors at an event hosted by Charleston County Public Library. Join Monroe and May for this free in-person drive-thru book signing from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, June 12 at Wando Mount Pleasant Library, 1400 Carolina Park Blvd. This event is part of CCPL’s 2021 Summer Reading program, Tails and Tales.

Reservations are required for this free event. Drive-thru time-slots are available in 15-

minute increments. Copies of the book are not included with admission; however

books can be purchased in advance to be picked up at the event. 

Book Signings at J.McLaughlin: Enjoy a Sip & Sign Book Event from 3-5 p.m. on Saturday, June 12 at the J.McLaughlin location at 212 King St. in Charleston and on Tuesday, June 15 at the J.McLaughlin location in Freshfields Village on Kiawah Island.

Book Signing in Mount Pleasant: Join the authors for a book party with signings and an in-store scavenger hunt at Barnes & Noble in Mount Pleasant Towne Centre from 5-7 p.m. Friday, June 18. 

Book Signing in Summerville: Get a copy of the book at a meet and greet with the authors from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, June 26 at Main Street Reads in downtown Summerville. 

Meet and Greet on Isle of Palms: The public is invited to an ice cream social and book signing on Sunday, June 27 at Wild Dunes. The event will be at the pool deck.

PRAISE FOR ‘THE ISLANDERS’

“This is storytelling for young readers at its finest — equal parts summer adventure and environmental suspense. ‘The Islanders’ is a middle-grade love letter to family, friendship, and the natural world.” — Kwame Alexander, New York Times bestselling author of “The Crossover”

“This lush, Lowcountry adventure will sweep up readers both big and small.” — Ryan Graudin, award-winning author of “The World Between Blinks”

“…comforting beach read about the healing power of friendship and nature.” — Publishers Weekly

“‘The Islanders’ is a triumph! Mary Alice and Angela have written a thrilling young reader’s summer vacation story that authentically explores the magic found in nature, friendships, and family. Full of authentic real-world themes, middle-grade readers will see themselves in the multi-faceted characters and at the end will be anxious to begin their own summertime adventures! Highly recommended for adults too. — Ron Block, Cuyahoga County Public Library”Readers will admire Jake’s compassion, perseverance, and strength and find themselves moved to laughter and tears as his summer unfolds…A tender, warmhearted tale in a memorable setting.”  — Kirkus