Eben Tyne, Powder Monkey

Beatty, Patricia; Robbins, Phillip

3.56

16 ratings by Goodreads

ISBN 10: 0688088848 ISBN 13: 9780688088842

Publisher: William Morrow & Co, 1990

A thirteen-year-old powdermonkey in the Confederate navy joins the crew of the ironclad Merrimack in a mission to break the Union blockade of Norfolk harbor.

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From School Library Journal:

Grade 5-8-- That war causes suffering for all becomes blatantly evident here. Set in Virginia at the time of the construction of the Merrimack , this story masterfully unveils the history of the use of ironclad vessels during the Civil War, heralding a change in naval warfare forever. Eben Tyne, 13, has shown such skill in sailing and cool-headedness in emergencies that he is selected to work on the ship that is secretly being readied for use against the Yankee blockade off the Virginia coast. He becomes the powdermonkey, the one who brings the gunpowder up from the ship's hold. Once involved in combat, he quickly discovers it is not glorious but is filled with myriad horrors. The devastating physical effects on military personnel firing cannons is graphically described. Although the emphasis is on history, the book also focuses on trust, friendship, responsibility, and growing up. Unfortunately, characterization is somewhat uneven. Eben's passions are not always convincing, and he does not inspire readers' sympathies as do Charley Quinn in Charley Skedaddle (1987) or Hannalee in Turn Homeward, Hannalee (1984) and Be Ever Hopeful, Hannalee (1988, all Morrow). In addition, the ending is somewhat contrived. Despite these drawbacks, the story is gripping, and it successfully details an important part of our history. It should be added to collections that already include Scott O'Dell's The 290 (Houghton, 1976), Irene Hunt's Across Five Aprils (Follett, 1964; o.p.), and Beatty's earlier novels. --Renee Steinberg, Fieldstone Middle School, Montvale, NJ
Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc.

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