What do you think of Isla's relationship with the others around her?

What do you think of Isla's relationship with the others around her (brother, mother, teachers)?

Isla was a lonely girl who was also talented. She was thrown into a unfamiliar place, with one parent absent, and a mother that wasn't that nurturing. She sought out adults in order to fill the gap her mother and father had left. She connected with her teacher. She played an adult role with her brother to protect him. From Bo she learned how to deal with loneliness because he quietly model how to survive the night.

Isla is the centered, strong nurturing anchor for her brother, not her mother who is unable to give them emotional support or show love. She has a resiliency and self-reliance and is able to relate well to adults. She draws her strength from Bo, her teacher and one gets the sense she will be a very successful adult.

Isla seemed to be thrust into the role as the adult substitute for the family due to the mother not taking the role. At times Isla showed resentment for having to take on that role. She was able to relate to adults better because she had not really been a child. Bo helped her learn to be a child while also helping her hone some skills needed as an adult.

Isla's Mother was not capable, at the moment, to care for the children, so they were left on their own. Isla was put in the position of caring for her brother. I do not feel any young wants this responsibility. I remember when I was young, the Mother of a friend of mine always made her take her little brother with us. She did it, however, was never happy with it. I do think Isla made good choices in getting help from her teacher and Bo. Something brought them together at the right time.

Isla, her brother and mother have traveled to Hobart, Tasmania following her parent separation. The early days in their new world seem bleak and Isla's mother is distant. With very few resources and very little love, if any, Isla has little choice but to take care of her younger brother which she does lovingly,Things change when Bo appears on the scene.
This book is essentially about people coming into our lives at certain times and the impact they have.

Learning that there are many different types of relationships was a strong theme in this book. Isla seemed able to see people for what they could be. Bo was very instrumental in teaching her that strength. Finding both small and large things, not always people, to look forward to was her saving grace.