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John Ross
He was just a boy when he ran away to Africa. He never expected to change history.
Thirteen-year-old John Ross leaves behind everything he knows in Scotland, determined to earn money in Africa to pay for his mother’s treatment. But the journey ahead is more dangerous than he could ever imagine. Shipwrecked. Hunted. Captured by Zulu warriors. John finds himself face-to-face with the mighty Shaka, ruler of a vast and feared kingdom.
But instead of death, John finds something unexpected—respect. He must learn a new language, navigate strange customs, and prove his courage again and again. Along the way, he builds friendships, changes hearts, and discovers who he truly is.
John Ross is a thrilling and emotional historical novel based on the incredible true story of a boy who crossed continents and cultures—and made history along the way.
Thirteen-year-old John Ross leaves behind everything he knows in Scotland, determined to earn money in Africa to pay for his mother’s treatment. But the journey ahead is more dangerous than he could ever imagine. Shipwrecked. Hunted. Captured by Zulu warriors. John finds himself face-to-face with the mighty Shaka, ruler of a vast and feared kingdom.
But instead of death, John finds something unexpected—respect. He must learn a new language, navigate strange customs, and prove his courage again and again. Along the way, he builds friendships, changes hearts, and discovers who he truly is.
John Ross is a thrilling and emotional historical novel based on the incredible true story of a boy who crossed continents and cultures—and made history along the way.
268 pages, Paperback
Published August 22, 2025
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March 9, 2026
The cover is great--a red-haired white boy dressed as a Zulu warrior (spoiler alert--he is never in that apparel). Set in a small Scottish village, aboard a ship traveling the African coast, and then in the savannah of southern Africa, John Ross is based on a true incident. The author makes clear what is historically known, but then fills in the story from his imagination.
John Ross is a sturdy and honorable boy determined to save his mother by working on a ship. That leads him to his adventure in Africa while his alcoholic father at home has to come to terms with his life and make some decisions.
Well-written and compelling. A great story with a wonderful ending.
John Ross is a sturdy and honorable boy determined to save his mother by working on a ship. That leads him to his adventure in Africa while his alcoholic father at home has to come to terms with his life and make some decisions.
Well-written and compelling. A great story with a wonderful ending.
Displaying 1 of 1 review