A shipwreck. A sole survivor, stranded on a deserted island. What could be more appealing to children than Robinson Crusoes amazing adventure? Set in the 17th century, and unfolding over a 30-year period, it offers plenty of suspense and everyday detail about how Crusoe manages to stay alive. Additionally, it paints a fascinating portrait of the age—including references to slavery and Europes view of the “New World.”