Thursday, August 22, 2013

A Story of Harship, Grit and Survival



This is a story about a boy named Tommy who lives on a farm with his family. Disaster strikes one day, and him and his brother find themselves shackled on a ship with many other young boys.  They are made to work and fight battles that are not theirs to care about.  They suffer abuse at the hands of scallywags and scruffy men of the sea. 

Powder Monkey will keep you turning the page, as what comes next is always more devastating than the last.  The young boys suffer excruciating treatments, and some are bound to not make it.  The ship becomes home and a young boy who toted black powder bags for battle becomes a…….. Find out what happens to Tommy and his brother.

This is not a book for those who wish for a happy ending, but rather a true grit story about the survival of the fittest. It’s a well written book by Donna McDine, with brilliant illustrations by K.C. Snider.  I give this book five ***** stars.

This book was reviewed by Susan Hornbach, Author of children’s literature. 

Purchase Powder Monkey here:




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17 comments:

  1. penelope anne coleAugust 22, 2013 at 5:01 PM

    Hi Sue, from your review it sounds like an exciting historical fiction story, much like Donna's "The Golden Pathway." Thanks for showcasing it!

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    Replies
    1. Donna McDineAugust 22, 2013 at 5:44 PM

      Hi Penny,

      Thanks for visiting! Yes, Powder Monkey is historical fiction and is based on the Royal Navy Press Gangs in the late 1700's.

      Best,
      Donna

      Delete
    2. Susan HornbachAugust 23, 2013 at 9:32 AM

      Hi Penny, the book is exciting. I think the kids will turn the pages till finished; no stopping. Just a fast exciting read for kids. Kudos to Donna.

      Delete
  2. Magic Carpet of 16x BooksAugust 22, 2013 at 5:41 PM

    Sounds like a book boys would love. Congrats Donna. I am pinning it to BOYS Only and Hook Kids on Reading on Pinterest:
    http://pinterest.com/margotfinke/

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    Replies
    1. Donna McDineAugust 22, 2013 at 5:45 PM

      Hi Margot,

      Yes, Powder Monkey is action packed. Thanks for you pinning to your Pinterest page! :)

      Best,
      Donna

      Delete
    2. Susan HornbachAugust 23, 2013 at 9:29 AM

      Thanks Margot, your support is much appreciated. Your Pinterest efforts have been great for all of us with books to get out there. You go girl!

      Delete
  3. Donna McDineAugust 22, 2013 at 5:44 PM

    Hi Sue,

    Thank you so much for reviewing Powder Monkey. I truly appreciate your never ending support and wonderful review. I've shared on my networks!

    Warmly,
    Donna

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    Replies
    1. Susan HornbachAugust 23, 2013 at 9:25 AM

      You're welcome Donna. I wish you much success. I'm glad you're happy with the review. Thanks for stopping by and commenting.

      Delete
  4. Margo DillAugust 23, 2013 at 5:37 AM

    Donna and Sue:
    What level is this book for? How do you think it would work for a 7th grade boy, reluctant reader who is not quite on his level? Too hard?

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    1. Susan HornbachAugust 23, 2013 at 9:34 AM

      I think it would work well Margo. It's a quick read, and fast moving with excitement.

      Although the ending is one of accomplishment for Tommy, I would not say it's a happy ending.

      I do think a boy on a sixth grade reading level would find himself turning pages to the end without stopping. I think it would be great for reluctant readers.

      Delete
  5. Susan HornbachAugust 23, 2013 at 9:19 AM

    This comment has been removed by the author.

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  6. AnonymousAugust 23, 2013 at 10:26 AM

    KUDOS, Donna! Sounds like a great book. Will post on Twitter & Facebook. Wishing you much success, Bette

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  7. Beverly Stowe McClureAugust 23, 2013 at 11:09 AM

    This sounds like a great story for history lovers, like me, and also boys that enjoy adventure would like. They'd be getting a touch of history along with a good story. Congratulations, Donna. Best of luck to you.

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    1. Susan HornbachAugust 23, 2013 at 11:20 AM

      Hello Beverly, thank you for stopping by and leaving Your kind words. This is a good book for boys, and reluctant readers.

      Delete
  8. Linda A.August 23, 2013 at 12:42 PM

    Susan,
    You found another good one! Congratulations to Donna. Sounds like quite an adventure!

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    Replies
    1. Susan HornbachAugust 23, 2013 at 3:05 PM

      Hi Linda. Thank you for taking the time to stop by. Thanks for your kind words.

      Delete

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