Book Review and Giveaway: The Privateer's Apprentice by Susan Verrico

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The Privateer's Apprentice 
    by Susan Verraco

After the death of his parents, Jameson Cooper assumes he will take over his father's printing shop. Instead, he is thrown out on the streets of Charles Towne (Carolina Territory) and sentenced to life as an indentured servant to the baker for a false charge of stealing bread.

His first day on the job he ends up as a victim of a kidnapping in which he is knocked out. When he regains consciousness, he finds himself aboard the Destiny under the direction of Captain "Attack Jack" Edwards. Somehow, Jameson manages to get on the captain's good side which seems surprising considering a series of missteps by him. The captain even gives him a special assignment based upon his  map making skills.

Though the plot veers off course at times, the descriptions of life at sea will both captivate and gross out the young historical fiction buff. Jameson must use his knowledge to rescue the captain which provides a nerve-racking resolution that appeal the the adventurer at heart. Age 11-13. Rating: Good to Recommended 

Publishing Information

 Peachtree Publisher (Sept. 1, 2012)

Hardcover: 224 pages

ISBN: 9781561456338

 

Disclosure: Review copy received from publisher at no charge. 

Giveaway Details: 

Winner will receive a copy of The Privateer's Apprentice by Susan Verrico. Please use the Rafflecopter form to enter. By entering, you acknowledge you have read the terms on the form and agree to them. Giveaway ends 5/8/2013 at 11:59 EST.

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Claude in the City by Alex T. Smith: Book Review and Giveaway

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Get ready for a fun adventure with Claude, the adorable dog, and his best friend,

 Sir Bobblysock.

Claude and Sir Bobblysock set out on their first visit to the city.

On day one, they visit a fancy cafe, discover the best beret shop in the world, visit an art gallery, and witness an art theft. Will Claude and Sir Bobblysock have what it takes to foil the robbery?

The next day, Claude rushes a sick Sir Bobblysock to the hospital. Quirky characters and a play on words with the doctor's name will have young readers snickering at every turn of the page. The pen and ink illustrations are a throwback to early readers of the sixties and seventies. The strong writing will make parents wish their first books had been as charming as Claude in the City. The splash of reds give the book a cartoon-like feel. It's almost impossible not to fall in love with Claude.
A HIGHLY RECOMMENDED early reader.

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Publishing Information:

Publisher: Peachtree Publisher (April 2013)

Pages: 96

ISBN 13-978-1561456970 


Giveaway Details:

One of my lucky readers will receive a copy of Claude in the City. Please use the Rafflecopter form to enter. By entering, you acknowledge you have read the terms on the Rafflecopter form and agree to them.

Contest ends April 26, 2013 at 11:59 EST.

**I received the book at no charge from the publisher to facilitate the review. No monetary compensation was exchanged and I was in no way obligated to give a positive review.

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Book Review & Giveaway: The Passage by James Killgore

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In 1862, the midst of the Civil War, fifteen-year old Sam Wood tempts fate when he forges his grandfather's name and convinces his best friend, Albert, to enlist in the Confederate Navy.

Unfortunately, life on board the ironclad CSS Arkansas proves to be more grueling than Sam had imagined. Hours of hard work leave him exhausted and disillusioned. It strains his friendships and morale.

As the Arkansas forges down the Yazoo River and on to the Mississippi toward Vicksburg, the passage becomes a fight for life and death in which Sam is ill-prepared. When the horrors of war become reality, he must question whether the cause of war was worth the consequences.

Sam says it best himself, "War had not made a man of me. It had only killed the boy I was."

The Passage by James Killgore contains a chilling lesson that war does not always make a man. A well researched novel that leaves the reader questioning whether there is any glory in becoming a soldier. The lessons learned are profound and the reference to the real CSS Arkansas make The Passage a story that will hit home to Civil War History buffs. Highly recommended historical fiction suited for teenagers ages 12-16.


Publishing Information:

Peachtree Publishers (October, 2006)
Pages: 249 hardback
Ages: 12 and up
ISBN 13 1-56145-384-6

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Contest Details: One of my readers will receive a copy of The Passage by James Killgore. Please use the Rafflecopter form to enter. By entering, you acknowledge you have read the terms on the form and agree to them. Contest ends 4/18/2013 at 11:59 EST

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