Larson, Berry. School Library Journal 42, 7 (July 1996): 98. According to Larson, "David's story is a political statement, a study in group dynamics, and a coming-of-age novel." He criticizes the novel for overstated character development.

O'Mally, Anne. Booklist 92, 17 (May 1, 1998): 1498. "The writing style may be as choppy as the sea at times, and readers may wonder about these boat people's seamless arrival in the Florida keys, but survival story fans and readers looking for breath taking action will not be disappointed."