The Accidental Stowaway
Written by Judith Eagle ● Illustrated by Jo Rioux
Verdict:
A thrilling, seafaring adventure for stout-hearted young readers and fans of mysteries, history, and daring exploits.
What is it about?
Patch only meant to hide on the RMS Glorious for a few minutes. But the great steamship has other ideas. By the time she realizes what's happened, the shore is already disappearing behind her.
Life aboard a floating palace turns out to suit Patch rather well. She makes friends in the boiler rooms and the first-class dining saloon alike, and there's no shortage of adventure on a ship this size. But when her new friends need her help and a mystery demands solving — all before they reach New York — hiding in the shadows is no longer an option.
Our take:
Some of our favorite books at STORYVOR offer grand adventure and complex things to think about. This heart-thumping tale does both. The action is non-stop once the story character and setting are introduced. In each development, the reader gets another interesting clue or situation to consider: was that the brightest thing to do, was it morally right, what would I do in that situation? The story offers a look at a time of history different from ours, thus offering food for conversation on changing times, and options for further study.
Perfect fit for:
If you’re looking for a read-aloud story for your family or classroom that will hold listeners' attention for multiple sessions, this is an excellent choice . . . (though the dishes and the math lessons might not get done, in the clamor for "one more chapter.") The book is for middle grade readers, and may be too intense for very young or sensitive children, but teens will be glad to hear what comes next. The book has a bit of violence, pertinent to the story and not gratuitous. Get it as a read-aloud for the whole family or for your bold solo readers interested in mysteries, history, and adventure.
Conversation Starters
What would you do if you were falsely accused?
How would you persuade someone to like you or help you?
Why did, and do, ships and other accommodations have different "classes"?
Is it acceptable to pretend to be someone you are not? Why or when?
Would you like to go on the sea? In a boat or ocean liner? As a passenger or worker?
What makes people sometimes not think clearly?
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