Children's Book Review... Powder Monkey by Donna McDine

Reviewed by Midwest Book Review, Children’s Bookwatch, The Fiction Shelf 

Written by award winning children's author Donna McDine, "Powder Monkey" is a thumbnail sketch of the impressment experience of 12-year-old Tommy Kitt who was taken by force with his older brother from his parents' farm by a Royal Navy press gang to serve as a powder monkey and ship boy in a battleship at sea. Enduring beatings, dangerous living conditions, and demanding physical tasks, Tommy witnessed many brutalities including the death by drowning of his brother. But he survived to become an able seaman, never seeing his father and mother again. The fast moving action, bewildering immediacy, and vivid descriptions and illustrations make "Powder Monkey" an intense time travel experience for middle grade readers.

#historicalfiction
#picturebook

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Best wishes,
Donna M. McDine
Multi Award-winning Children's Author

Ignite curiosity in your child through reading!

Connect with Donna McDine on Google+

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