Part 23: Protecting the Harvest

(Continuing from Part 22) My second year on the island began with new hopes. I had survived the first year, built a secure home, and discovered that I could grow barley and rice. But I soon learned that planting grain was only the beginning of farming. If I wanted bread, I would have to protect … Read more

Part 22: The First Anniversary and the Rainy Season

(Continuing from Part 21) After returning from my journey across the island, I settled once more into my usual way of life. I spent my mornings hunting or gathering food. During the hottest hours, I rested inside my shelter. In the afternoons, I worked on my tools, fences, and other useful projects. My young parrot, … Read more

Part 21: A Young Parrot and the Way Home

(Continuing from Part 20) I had traveled farther across the island than ever before, and now I was having difficulty finding my way home. The thick woods and surrounding hills prevented me from seeing familiar landmarks. Clouds had covered the sun, making it even harder to know which direction to take. I decided that it … Read more

Part 20: The Journey Across the Island

(Continuing from Part 19) After discovering the beautiful valley and building my little country shelter, I became more curious about the rest of the island. Until now, I had explored only a small part of it. I knew the coast near my main home, the hills around it, and the fertile valley inland. But I … Read more

Part 19: The Beautiful Valley and a Second Home

(Continuing from Part 18) After recovering from my illness, I became eager to explore more of the island. For many months, I had remained close to my shelter near the sea. I had been too busy building my home, collecting supplies, and searching for food to travel far inland. Now I felt stronger, and I … Read more

Part 18: The Bible and a New Beginning

(Continuing from Part 17) After my terrible illness, I began to think differently about my life on the island. For many months, I had worried about food, shelter, weapons, and the possibility of rescue. I had worked hard to protect my body, but I had given little attention to my thoughts and feelings. Now I … Read more

Part 17: The Storm, the Fever, and a Strange Dream

(Continuing from Part 16) After the earthquake, I stood outside my shelter, trembling with fear. The ground had shaken three times, and large pieces of rock had fallen from the hillside. I was afraid that another earthquake might destroy my home. I had built my tent and cave beside the rock because I thought it … Read more

Part 16: A Cave, an Unexpected Discovery, and an Earthquake

(Continuing from Part 15) December 10, 1659 For many days, I continued digging into the hillside behind my tent. The work was difficult, but I was pleased with my progress. I wanted to make a large storage room where I could keep my tools, food, and other possessions. Then, one morning, something frightening happened. While … Read more

Part 15: The First Entries in My Journal

(Continuing from Part 14) After making a list of the good and bad things in my life, I began to feel calmer. I was still alone, but I had food, tools, weapons, and a safe place to sleep. I decided to write a journal describing my experiences on the island. I had rescued paper, pens, … Read more

Part 14: The Good and Bad of My Situation

(Continuing from Part 13) As I sat alone in my shelter, I began thinking about everything that had happened to me. I had survived a terrible shipwreck, but I was now living on an island far from other people. I had no family, no friends, and no hope of being rescued soon. Sometimes my sadness … Read more