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Calvert the Raven in the Battle of Baltimore
You think history is boring?
Baltimore kid Daniel does--until a chance encounter with a magical talking raven named Calvert sends him flying back to 1814, where he finds his home city under siege by a British army on the verge of defeating the United States of America in the War of 1812.
Amidst the fire of muskets, the thunder of cannons, and the dark approach of the British armada, Daniel discovers just what it took for a young nation to endure the Battle of Baltimore. He witnesses firsthand the bombardment of Fort McHenry.
"History," Calvert tells Daniel, "is watery." And maybe the star-spangled banner won't survive this time.
The beautifully illustrated pages of Calvert the Raven in the Battle of Baltimore, the first book of the Flying Through History series, are as close as you can get to the Battle of Baltimore without going back in time yourself.
Author and illustrator J. Scott Fuqua takes you on a harrowing journey through a history of near misses, narrow escapes, and brave soldiers with no idea what tomorrow would bring.
When you're flying through history, history is never boring.
Baltimore kid Daniel does--until a chance encounter with a magical talking raven named Calvert sends him flying back to 1814, where he finds his home city under siege by a British army on the verge of defeating the United States of America in the War of 1812.
Amidst the fire of muskets, the thunder of cannons, and the dark approach of the British armada, Daniel discovers just what it took for a young nation to endure the Battle of Baltimore. He witnesses firsthand the bombardment of Fort McHenry.
"History," Calvert tells Daniel, "is watery." And maybe the star-spangled banner won't survive this time.
The beautifully illustrated pages of Calvert the Raven in the Battle of Baltimore, the first book of the Flying Through History series, are as close as you can get to the Battle of Baltimore without going back in time yourself.
Author and illustrator J. Scott Fuqua takes you on a harrowing journey through a history of near misses, narrow escapes, and brave soldiers with no idea what tomorrow would bring.
When you're flying through history, history is never boring.
32 pages, Paperback
First published October 10, 2012
1 person is currently reading
6 people want to read
About the author
Jonathon Scott Fuqua
16 books12 followersJonathon Scott Fuqua has written the highly praised and Alex Award-winning novel, The Reappearance of Sam Webber, as well as the critically acclaimed and recently published book, Gone and Back Again.
He is also the author of three much lauded, award-winning young adult novels: King of the Pygmies, DARBY, and The Willoughby Spit Wonder.
For teenagers and adults, he penned a groundbreaking graphic novel, In the Shadow of Edgar Allan Poe. All of his published books are available nationally and internationally.
Most recently, Fuqua published his children's book, Calvert The Raven in the Battle of Baltimore. The first installment in his Flying Through History Series, the book commemorates the Battle of Baltimore in the war of 1812, which led to the retreat of the British Armada and inspired the United States national anthem, "The Star-Spangled Banner."
Fuqua has received two Maryland State Arts Council Awards for fiction writing, and is the writer-in-residence at the Carver Center for the Arts. Both his writings and paintings have appeared in newspapers, magazines, books, on book covers, posters, limited edition prints, postcards, and stationery. A teacher of fiction writing, literature, and art, he lives in Baltimore with his wife and daughter.
He is also the author of three much lauded, award-winning young adult novels: King of the Pygmies, DARBY, and The Willoughby Spit Wonder.
For teenagers and adults, he penned a groundbreaking graphic novel, In the Shadow of Edgar Allan Poe. All of his published books are available nationally and internationally.
Most recently, Fuqua published his children's book, Calvert The Raven in the Battle of Baltimore. The first installment in his Flying Through History Series, the book commemorates the Battle of Baltimore in the war of 1812, which led to the retreat of the British Armada and inspired the United States national anthem, "The Star-Spangled Banner."
Fuqua has received two Maryland State Arts Council Awards for fiction writing, and is the writer-in-residence at the Carver Center for the Arts. Both his writings and paintings have appeared in newspapers, magazines, books, on book covers, posters, limited edition prints, postcards, and stationery. A teacher of fiction writing, literature, and art, he lives in Baltimore with his wife and daughter.
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
December 5, 2012
History is boring. Or at least that’s what Daniel believes, and he expresses that opinion in a school-assigned paper. Needless to say, his teacher is not pleased and Daniel suspects his parents will not be, either. Daniel meets a magical raven named Calvert, who shrinks the boy and takes him back in time to the Battle of Baltimore.
July 1, 2013
Ever received a bad grade for a paper in school and dreaded telling your folks about it? Well, that’s exactly how the Baltimore schoolboy, Daniel, feels about his essay on the War of 1812 being graded “Terrible!” by his teacher. In Calvert the Raven in the Battle of Baltimore: Flying through History, illustrated with full-page watercolors by the author, Daniel is transported back in time to the Battle of Baltimore in order to see how learning about history can be fun—it all depends on one’s imagination and whether one can cultivate a sense of empathy with those living at the time.
Calvert the Raven is Daniel’s personal talking time machine, from whose back he looks down at the Battle of Baltimore unfolding beneath him. The boy is able to relate both to the heroism and to the heavy toll that armed combat in yesteryear took on those who were involved in such conflict. Gaining insight into the leading personages involved in a decisive moment in the War of 1812 fills Daniel with “memories of brave men and tattered flags” that he can’t wait to share with his family when he returns safely home.
The humorous interaction between the narrator, Calvert, and his passenger enliven the telling of an exciting account of this snapshot of history. A snippet of their interchange reads: ‘“…Who knows, Daniel? When I deliver ya back home, the country of America might not exist anymore.” “Really?” “Really, dude.”’ The laid-back tone of the banter between the two provides light relief to the seriousness of the action unfolding beneath them.
In Calvert the Raven in the Battle of Baltimore one is introduced to such key players in the Battle as the American commanders Major General Samuel Smith, who prepared the defence of Baltimore, and Commodore John Rodgers, who led the naval assault on the British forces, captaining the vessel the USS President that captured twenty-three British ships. Jonathon Scott Fuqua’s description of Calvert and Daniel’s sighting of Francis Scott Key, the composer of ‘Defence of Fort McHenry’, which later became ‘The Star-Spangled Banner,’ as he views the Battle through a spyglass is so enthralling that even a non-American child should become excited by the thought—plus, it opens up an opportunity, as does much of this book, for fun activities that can be embarked upon in relation to the text, making Calvert the Raven in the Battle of Baltimore an excellent classroom reader.
Although teachers in junior grades would really benefit from having this work in their own classroom collection, the work would also fit well with any public or school library collection. The nicest thing about what Daniel experiences here is that any child can relive the experiences of those who have endured to victory in the past, while becoming aware of the indominitable spirit of the human race—all that it really requires is having the capacity to read, or to listen, to stories that are told in a lively and informative manner, as one is in Calvert the Raven in the Battle of Baltimore: Flying through History.
Calvert the Raven is Daniel’s personal talking time machine, from whose back he looks down at the Battle of Baltimore unfolding beneath him. The boy is able to relate both to the heroism and to the heavy toll that armed combat in yesteryear took on those who were involved in such conflict. Gaining insight into the leading personages involved in a decisive moment in the War of 1812 fills Daniel with “memories of brave men and tattered flags” that he can’t wait to share with his family when he returns safely home.
The humorous interaction between the narrator, Calvert, and his passenger enliven the telling of an exciting account of this snapshot of history. A snippet of their interchange reads: ‘“…Who knows, Daniel? When I deliver ya back home, the country of America might not exist anymore.” “Really?” “Really, dude.”’ The laid-back tone of the banter between the two provides light relief to the seriousness of the action unfolding beneath them.
In Calvert the Raven in the Battle of Baltimore one is introduced to such key players in the Battle as the American commanders Major General Samuel Smith, who prepared the defence of Baltimore, and Commodore John Rodgers, who led the naval assault on the British forces, captaining the vessel the USS President that captured twenty-three British ships. Jonathon Scott Fuqua’s description of Calvert and Daniel’s sighting of Francis Scott Key, the composer of ‘Defence of Fort McHenry’, which later became ‘The Star-Spangled Banner,’ as he views the Battle through a spyglass is so enthralling that even a non-American child should become excited by the thought—plus, it opens up an opportunity, as does much of this book, for fun activities that can be embarked upon in relation to the text, making Calvert the Raven in the Battle of Baltimore an excellent classroom reader.
Although teachers in junior grades would really benefit from having this work in their own classroom collection, the work would also fit well with any public or school library collection. The nicest thing about what Daniel experiences here is that any child can relive the experiences of those who have endured to victory in the past, while becoming aware of the indominitable spirit of the human race—all that it really requires is having the capacity to read, or to listen, to stories that are told in a lively and informative manner, as one is in Calvert the Raven in the Battle of Baltimore: Flying through History.
May 15, 2013
It is sad, but true, most modern day kids lack the desire to learn anything about historical events from the past. It's not always their fault as a lot of history taught is taught in an antiquated way. History is presented to them through lists of boring facts, dates and teachers who "pile it on" by referencing out-of-date and boring textbooks that are twenty or thirty years old. Who wouldn't want to go home and play video games, listen to your iPod or text on your cell?
Then along comes J. Scott Fuqua and sees the dilemma that we are in. He ingeniously invents a tuned-out, boy character named Daniel, who lives in Baltimore, a disgraced history paper that the teacher had scrawled, "Terrible" on, and a talking, wise-cracking raven, named Calvert to save the day. Calvert had been watching Daniel's antics; his lack of caring and lack of effort towards his history assignment and the raven decides it is time to fly in and change that indifferent attitude. He makes contact with the boy, shrinks him down to size to fit on his back, and time-warps him back right into the midst of 1814 and the Battle of Baltimore where the British Army and Navy are attacking Fort McHenry. Daniel becomes an eye witness to the battle and sees first hand the emotions of the men involved and the stark reality of war plus the possibility that perhaps the United States may not come out the winner. He observes the grimy, gritty lifestyle of the battle and understands better the fears and risks that the soldiers took to save their fragile young republic. The survival of the fort and its flag become a turning point in the war and was the inspiration of the United States national anthem, "The Star Spangled Banner." The seriousness of the situation is balanced beautifully with the humour and wit of Calvert. The illustrations are detailed and magnificent. The watercolours are dramatic and enrich the storyline greatly.
I personally love the idea of bringing history into the 21st century so our kids will be motivated and inspired to find out about the past. Fuqua is planning more rich tales as the Flying Through History Series unfolds.
Then along comes J. Scott Fuqua and sees the dilemma that we are in. He ingeniously invents a tuned-out, boy character named Daniel, who lives in Baltimore, a disgraced history paper that the teacher had scrawled, "Terrible" on, and a talking, wise-cracking raven, named Calvert to save the day. Calvert had been watching Daniel's antics; his lack of caring and lack of effort towards his history assignment and the raven decides it is time to fly in and change that indifferent attitude. He makes contact with the boy, shrinks him down to size to fit on his back, and time-warps him back right into the midst of 1814 and the Battle of Baltimore where the British Army and Navy are attacking Fort McHenry. Daniel becomes an eye witness to the battle and sees first hand the emotions of the men involved and the stark reality of war plus the possibility that perhaps the United States may not come out the winner. He observes the grimy, gritty lifestyle of the battle and understands better the fears and risks that the soldiers took to save their fragile young republic. The survival of the fort and its flag become a turning point in the war and was the inspiration of the United States national anthem, "The Star Spangled Banner." The seriousness of the situation is balanced beautifully with the humour and wit of Calvert. The illustrations are detailed and magnificent. The watercolours are dramatic and enrich the storyline greatly.
I personally love the idea of bringing history into the 21st century so our kids will be motivated and inspired to find out about the past. Fuqua is planning more rich tales as the Flying Through History Series unfolds.
May 18, 2016
This fantasy book is for Elementary children grades 1st through 5th grade. This author has about 5 award wining books. However, this book is not an award winning book. The book is about a young boy who had gotten "Terrible" as a grade for his history paper and afraid to let his parents see. Then, a Raven appeared and took him back in time to see different that actual happened in history. I rated the book 4 stars because the book has awesome graphic and the story was pretty good. Visually the images look so real and detailed. Also, the language used in the book was clear and with simple small word that can be easy to read for young children. I liked how the plot of the story started from something he was really unclear about(which was history) , but led him to an adventure of clarity. The author showed the young boy emotion of the experience related to things a child might ask, that I found interesting. In addition, this book would be appealing to younger reader because they would want to know or a curious about the history of Baltimore. Pictures in the book would grasp their attention too. Overall, it's a good book with very interesting adventure fun of history.
December 7, 2013
Calvert the Raven in the Battle of Baltimore is a historical fiction book. The book is intended for ages
Daniel is a young boy who has written a history paper, but had not done so well on the writing and now his grade will not be a good one. In Daniel's own imagination, he soars off with Calvert, the talking Raven. They travel back into time and the year is 1812. What do you think happened along their flight? What do you think Daniel saw and heard. How do you think this flight helped Daniel to write a better paper. Read the story great presentation from the author in my opinion.
Daniel is a young boy who has written a history paper, but had not done so well on the writing and now his grade will not be a good one. In Daniel's own imagination, he soars off with Calvert, the talking Raven. They travel back into time and the year is 1812. What do you think happened along their flight? What do you think Daniel saw and heard. How do you think this flight helped Daniel to write a better paper. Read the story great presentation from the author in my opinion.
April 25, 2013
See complete review on SoImFifty.blogspot.com
This is a great jumping off point for anyone trying to teach the history of this important battle. Discussing what Daniel saw, what he didn't see and why they are fighting, all serves to bring the significant details into view. I highly recommend this as a companion to teaching history to 3rd—6th graders.
This is a great jumping off point for anyone trying to teach the history of this important battle. Discussing what Daniel saw, what he didn't see and why they are fighting, all serves to bring the significant details into view. I highly recommend this as a companion to teaching history to 3rd—6th graders.
February 27, 2014
This one really did nothing for me. It was very dialogue-heavy, which can sometimes be a good thing, but it didn't really do much for me. Maybe because the dialogue wasn't all that good?
Anyway, this book relied too heavily on the talking Raven making snide comments to Daniel, and not enough on actual key facts.
Anyway, this book relied too heavily on the talking Raven making snide comments to Daniel, and not enough on actual key facts.
January 28, 2014
I am always looking for history books for my nephew. Not sure I'd pass this one along. I don't know that there was much substance, mostly a few names and places, but nothing that would make someone unfamiliar with the Battle of Baltimore more enlightened.
June 17, 2013
Pretty lame; better art than writing.
July 24, 2013
Better artwork than story.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews