The Boy Who Saved Cleveland: Based on a True Story - Hardcover

Giblin, James Cross

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0805073558 ISBN 13: 9780805073553

Publisher: Henry Holt Books for Young Readers, 2006

Synopsis

If not for Seth Doan, the city of Cleveland wouldn't exist today...

In 1798, Cleveland, Ohio, was in danger of being wiped out by a malaria epidemic. Based on fact, this book tells the remarkable story of Seth Doan, a young boy whose heroic efforts kept his family and neighbors alive and ultimately put the city of Cleveland on the map. J

im Giblin's first full-length work of historical fiction, this chapter book is perfect for kids of that in-between age―too old for picture books and too young for full-length novels.

The Boy Who Saved Cleveland is a 2007 Bank Street - Best Children's Book of the Year.

About this title

About the Author

James Cross Giblin is the author of many prestigious nonfiction books for children, including The Life and Death of Adolf Hitler. He grew up in a suburb of Cleveland, Ohio, and now lives in New York City.

Michael Dooling has illustrated many historical books, including James Cross Giblin's Benjamin Franklin. He lives with his family in Audubon, New Jersey.

From School Library Journal

Grade 3-4 Giblin bases this novel on actual historical events. In 1798, Ohio wasn't a state yet and Cleveland was just three cabins in the woods. Seth Doan lives in one of those cabins with his sister and parents. Like any youth of that time and place, the 10-year-old is well aware of how fragile life can be. A cross marks the grave of his baby brother, and he still misses the twins who died back East. When his family falls ill of malaria, the boy must make the four-mile round trip to grind corn, the mainstay of their diet. The other families also fall ill, so the settlement's survival depends on him. Giblin describes well the pioneers' spartan way of life. Seth's family owns just one book, the Bible. He loves its stories, and turns to them to calm his fears. The author's straightforward style underplays the drama that the title reflects. Like boys of his time, Seth simply does what needs to be done. Adults will admire the themes of perseverance, education, and responsibility. Young readers will enjoy the clear writing and plot-driven pace. Dooling's full-page pencil-on-paper illustrations convey the time period as well as the emotional tone. A solid choice for those seeking pioneer fiction and strong characters. Pat Leach, Lincoln City Libraries, NE
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About this edition

• Publisher: Henry Holt Books for Young Readers
• Publication date: 2006
• ISBN 10: 0805073558
• ISBN 13: 9780805073553
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 80
• Illustrator: Dooling Michael