After having used this book for many years as a fourth grade teacher, I finally saw the movie. My students loved that it took place right here in Maine before it was a state. I found the movie really disappointing! The book is wonderful, but so much in the movie is changed. Matthew's survival in Maine inspired many students, and made them eager to read other 'survival books'. This movie's treatment of Matthew's development seems superficial. Attean never talks about his disdain for Robinson Crusoe's treatment of the man Friday, and that was very important. I probably would have enjoyed the movie more had I not read the book! If it makes anyone who watches it interested in reading the book, then I guess it was worth it.
Review of Keeping the Promise
