The Island Queen
1885
The Island Queen, written by R. M. Ballantyne and first published in 1885, is a juvenile fiction novel that follows the survival journey of the Rigonda siblings—Dominick, Pauline, and Otto—after their shipwreck in the Southern Ocean. Stranded on an uninhabited coral island, they must learn to survive while facing challenges such as starvation and the threat of hostile natives. The story explores themes of resourcefulness, bravery, and leadership as Pauline is chosen to govern a new colony formed by other shipwrecked survivors, showcasing the importance of community and cooperation in adversity.
