Publishers Weekly
In this novel set in turn-of-the-20th-century Maine, the son of a white pastor befriends a girl from Malaga Island, a community founded by former slaves. These fully formed characters probe the ills of society and the joys of friendship. Ages 10-up. (Apr.) Copyright 2006 Reed Business Information.
From the Publisher
"Gloriously figurative language...brilliantly evokes both time and place...both beautiful and emotionally honest, both funny and piercingly sad." — Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
"A powerful tale of friendship and coming-of-age...haunting combination of fact and fiction has a powerful and tragic climax." — Booklist (starred review)
"An evocative novel...with fully developed, memorable characters...fascinating, little-known piece of history...will leave a powerful impression on readers." — School Library Journal (starred review)
"Schmidt fictionalizes a true event... vividly realized...fully credible...subtly drawn." — Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books
"Historical incident ignites a rich novel...a drama that examines the best and worst of humanity." — Horn Book Magazine
FEB/MAR 06 - AudioFile
Boston and Phippsburg are close geographically, but 13-year-old Tucker Buckminster, who moves to Maine with his minister father, discovers they are two different worlds. He tries to fit in but the door is firmly shut until he finds friendship with old Mrs. Heard and sprightly Lizzie Bright. From the beginning, Sam Freed portrays Tucker as open, caring, and honest as he faces his new life. Freed doesn’t differentiate the many characters, but his Maine accent is superb. Freed superbly conveys Tucker’s innocence and naïveté as he faces prejudice, his wonder and awe at communing with the whales, and finally his growing strength of character and sense of self. Very fine! WL.S. © AudioFile 2006, Portland, Maine
