• Bulk Order Discounts: Order 5 or more books (same title) and save 15%.
• Order Online: Order online with MasterCard, Visa, American Express, Discover, or PayPal.
• Order By Mail: Send your order with a school/district check. No personal checks accepted.

About the Book   The Cay

The Cay by Theodore Taylor is a compelling novel that tells the story of Phillip Enright, an 11-year-old boy living in Curaçao, a Dutch island in the Caribbean, during World War II. Due to the war, Phillip's mother decides to return to the United States for safety.

On their way, their ship is attacked by a German U-boat. Phillip and an elderly West Indian man named Timothy find themselves stranded on a deserted island, a "cay." Phillip initially struggles with blindness caused by a head injury, but Timothy takes care of Phillip and teaches him survival skills.

Initially, Phillip's racial prejudices strain their relationship, but as they struggle to survive, he learns to rely on Timothy and begins to see him as a friend and mentor. They face various challenges, including hurricanes and lack of resources. Tragically, Timothy succumbs to injuries sustained during a hurricane, leaving Phillip to survive on his own until he is eventually rescued.

The Cay is a Lewis Carroll Shelf Award winner!

Themes in the book The Cay

Racial Prejudice and Friendship: Phillip's journey from prejudice to friendship highlights the destructive nature of racism and the potential for human connection to overcome it. Initially, Phillip harbors biases against Timothy due to his race, but their shared struggle and Timothy’s unwavering kindness lead to a profound friendship.

Survival and Resilience: The story emphasizes the importance of resilience and resourcefulness in the face of adversity. Through Timothy’s guidance, Phillip learns to navigate his blindness and contribute to their survival, showcasing the human spirit's capacity to adapt and endure.

Independence and Growth: Phillip’s transformation from a dependent child to a capable survivor symbolizes personal growth and the journey towards independence. His physical blindness serves as a metaphor for his initial prejudicial blindness, which he overcomes through his experiences on the cay with Timothy.

Empathy and Understanding: The novel fosters empathy by portraying Timothy’s wisdom, strength, and humanity, challenging readers to look beyond superficial differences and appreciate a person's inherent strengths and capabilities.

Activity Ideas    for the book The Cay

Character Analysis: Have students analyze the development of Phillip and Timothy throughout the novel. Discuss how their relationship evolves and what they learn from each other.

Theme Exploration: Facilitate group discussions or essays on the key themes of the novel. Encourage students to draw connections between the book’s themes and real-world issues.

Creative Projects: Have students create a visual timeline of the major events in The Cay or write an alternative ending to the story.

Historical Context: Assign a research project on the role of the Caribbean islands during World War II and how the war affected the local population.

Survival Skills Workshop: Conduct a hands-on workshop where students learn basic survival skills, such as building a shelter or finding food and water in the wild.