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   Summary and Book Reviews

Stowaway: Summary and book reviews of Stowaway by Karen Hesse, plus links to an excerpt from Stowaway and a biography of Karen Hesse.

Stowaway

Stowaway
by Karen Hesse
Hardcover: Aug 2000,
302 pages.
Paperback: Jun 2002,
320 pages.

Publication information
Read an Excerpt
Reader Reviews

Author Biography
Books by this Author
Critics' Opinion:   good
Readers' Rating:  3.5 Stars
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BOOK SUMMARY

In the summer of 1768, an eleven-year-old butcher's apprentice named Nicholas Young climbed aboard a ship, hid himself from captain and crew, and waited to be carried far away from the life he hated in London.

Nick didn't know it, but the ship he chose -- H.M.S. Endeavour -- was bound for an astonishing adventure. Captained by James Cook, Endeavour was on a secret mission to discover an unknown continent at the bottom of the globe. During his three-year voyage, Nick encountered hardship and was awed by new discoveries; he weathered danger and proved himself brave when disaster struck; he earned the respect and trust of the gentlemen on board; he made a friend for life. And he made history.

An eleven-year-old boy named Nicholas Young really did stow away on Cook's Endeavour. Based on exhaustive historical research and illustrated with evocative drawings by Robert Andrew Parker, Stowaway is Newbery winner Karen Hesse's extraordinary fictional account of the real Nicholas's journey.

BOOK REVIEWS

Media Reviews

Good  School Library Journal
Grades 5-9. The author's subtle yet thorough attention to detail creates a memorable tale that is a virtual encyclopedia of life in the days when England ruled the seas.

Good  Kirkus Reviews
In a lucid, readable style, free of excessive nautical jargon, Hesse simultaneously takes readers along on one of history’s greatest enterprises, and introduces them to one of history’s most prodigious natural leaders.

Good  Publisher's Weekly
Sparkling with humor, poignancy and adventure, ..... Hesse's impeccable research buttresses the narrative with a wealth of detail.

Recent Reader Reviews

Rated 4 of 5 of 5 by Nia Fertil
jackson ville
It is cool and smart reading.



Rated 5 of 5 of 5 by Amiri
Great Book
This is a great book that many young adults can relate. There are times when Nicholas is feeling down, happy, in pain, and more. Kids nowadays look for something that things have in common. This will let people know that they aren't alone out there...   Read More

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