Carry On, Mr. Bowditch | 
|  | | | Title: | Carry On, Mr. Bowditch | | Author: | Jean Lee Latham | | Publisher: | Sandpiper | | Type: | Book / Paperback | | Publication Date: | 19 May, 2003 | | ISBN / ISBN-13: | 0618250743 / 9780618250745 | | List Price: | $6.95 | | Amazon Price: | $6.95 | |
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| Editorial Review / Publisher's Information:
Product Description
Readers today are still fascinated by "Nat," an eighteenth-century nautical wonder and mathematical wizard. Nathaniel Bowditch grew up in a sailor"s world—Salem in the early days, when tall-masted ships from foreign ports crowded the wharves. But Nat didn"t promise to have the makings of a sailor; he was too physically small. Nat may have been slight of build, but no one guessed that he had the persistence and determination to master sea navigation in the days when men sailed only by "log, lead, and lookout." Nat"s long hours of study and observation, collected in his famous work, The American Practical Navigator (also known as the "Sailors" Bible"), stunned the sailing community and made him a New England hero.
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Customer Reviews:
• Fantastic 30 October, 2007
This is a fantastic book. I suggest it for all ages. In some parts it made me cry. In our family we consider Nat Bowditch, "Nat" we call it. Me and my Mom LOVED it. That is probably one of the most well-written books i've ever seen.
- Reviewed by customer ID: A34F6LX6DT66PP
• A Review For Parents And Gift-giving Adults (some Spoilers Here) 13 March, 2008
Another fine Newbery-winning historical novel. This one is actually a fictionalized biography of Nathaniel Bowditch, innovative navigator and author of The American Practical Navigator, apparently still a standard book on navy vessels. Latham's fast-paced book takes the reader from Bowditch's toddler days in Salem through a long apprenticeship to a chandlery, then through a varied sailing career and two marriages. Along the way his perseverance and hard work are emphasized, as he studies hard and manages to learn several languages and other practical skills, as well as discovering the joy of teaching other people--specifically the hardened but eager sailing men "before the mast."
In keeping with the mission of the juvenile historical novel to teach as well as entertain (see The Door in the Wall), Carry On passes on lots of interesting tidbits about sailing and colonial life, not to mention a bundle of implied (i.e. not preachy) moral lessons. Though there are no battles explicitly described--this is not a book about sea warfare--the story does have some tense moments and thrilling situations. But the main focus is always on "Nat" and his patient efforts to improve himself, the science of navigation, and the lives of his family and other sailing men.
I found it especially inspiring that Nat "carries on" his work and his confident attitude in the face of considerable difficulties and challenges. He attends school for only a short time in his youth, and never gets to go to Harvard, his great dream. His father is not the guiding force that he should be; there are even a few suggestions that he is a drinker. And Nat has to deal with death in many forms, as people close to him succumb to typical eighteenth-century perils of disease and danger. Through all these challenges and discouragements, Nat keeps his eyes on the stars.
As with most of the winning historical novels, Carry On probably demands a more attentive reader than other Newbery books; there is little humor and a somewhat advanced vocabulary. I'd recommend it for the studious child whom you'd like to encourage to stay true to their own questing, curious spirit.
- Reviewed by customer ID: A33M47I758QCIF
• Classic For A Reason! 20 October, 2007
We are all loving this title. An inspiring book about a man who's life is an inspiration!
A super family story!
- Reviewed by customer ID: A1AKN7GSB7DAIL
• Carry On, Mr. Bowditch 06 October, 2008
I was so pleased on how quickly I received this book. I so enjoyed this book and immediately sent it on to a young sixth grader friend of mine. It is a treasure!
- Reviewed by customer ID: A3AW15DKOM03KZ
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