The Journal of Brian Doyle: Greenhorn on an Alaskan Whaling Ship, The Florence, 1874

My Name Is America

by Jim Murphy

In Jim Murphy's newest MNIA, Jonathan Dodge runs away from home to escape his father's anger. He joins the crew of a whaling ship headed for Alaska's frozen seas, where he finds danger and adventure.

Jim Murphy once again writes an exciting story of a young boy on the cusp of a great, and sometimes violent, world. Jonathan Dodge has run away from his father's house, fleeing his father's wrathful punishments. He signs on as a "greenhorn," a sailor on an Alaskan whaling ship. On the high seas Jonathan finds more adventure and danger than one boy could have hoped for.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Middle Grade, Fiction, Young Adult, Historical, Diary, Childrens

192 pages, Hardcover

First published April 1, 2004

About the author

An American author of more than 35 nonfiction and fiction books for children, young adults, and general audiences, including more than 30 about American history. He won the Margaret Edwards Award from the American Library Association in 2010 for his contribution in writing for teens. Jim lives in Maplewood, New Jersey, in a hundred-year-old house with his wife Alison Blank, a children’s TV producer and children’s book author and editor, his two talented musician sons, a regal mutt, an African water frog that will live forever, and a house vast collection of books..

Reviews

[kaotickitten · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was an ok book. If your looking for a clean read it is not one. While the curses were not spelled out they are there. It usually was the first and last letter with a line between them. Also God’s name was spelled the same way. But often times it was used as a curse word. There were parts of it that were trying to talk about religion but the attitudes toward the one doing so were rough. In one part some one even ripped a page out of the Bible and threw it away. There was also fighting and general lack of respect on the ship. While I know that probably took place it felt like it would be for an older person not a 10-14 year old. This showed the harshness of the way of life but with less of a telling what happens on a Whaling Ship. I guess they felt men fighting and cursing was more appropriate than telling of the killing of whales.

[Molly]

This entire series is a wonderful way to learn history or teach it to adolescents. I find today's generations seem to recall more when they learn through other people (pop songs, celebrity gossip, etc.), so what better way to teach history than through someone else's perspective? Yes, "authentic" diaries would be "better", but would the language really hold the modern student's attention? Did the diary writer know what WOULD be important in the context of history? Probably not.

[Raechel Lenore · Rating 4 out of 5]

Got this from the library on a nostolgic whim - I used to love the whole Dear America series and their related series. Well, I still rather do. :)
This was an easy, light read, which is why I chose it - needed a bit of a break from heavy, deep books, and this worked well. Not to mention it was quite interesting, learning a bit more about whaling.
There were some swear words mentioned, but they were never spelled out; just the first and last letter, and never said by the diary keeper himself, if that makes sense. :)
There was a very subtle inclusion of faith too, which I found interesting. Ended with a Bible verse too.

All in all, I enjoyed it indeed. :)

[Janet · Rating 2 out of 5]

I finished this one because I started it. I thought it would be a much more compelling read with well described adventurous writing. Brian, nicknamed Wolf by his crew mates has signed onto a whaling ship to escape an abusive father. Lots of the narrative focuses on Brian thinking of the brother he has left behind as well as writing in his notebook. I wanted more info on the actual act of catching the whales, processing them, and rending of the oil.
I did learn that many times a crew member stripped completely down and went inside the whale to perform part of the processing.

[Tori · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really had to force myself to read this one because the subject matter is not for me. I definitely skimmed over the parts that were actually about whale hunting. The rest of it felt like Lord of the Flies, but on a boat or the ice.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is 168 pages of pure sailor drama…and I’m here for it.

In all seriousness, these books are honestly always so well written. They’re always very informative without being dry and this book was no exception.

[Z. Zoe · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. Very adventurous!

[Meghan · Rating 3 out of 5]

If a graphic description of whale hunting would bother you, you might feel uncomfortable at certain parts of this story. I’d say that the story is overall average. One thing I did not like was that the epilogue used Brian’s nickname instead of just Brian.

[Patrice · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm not a big fan of stories on a cramped ship trapped in large ocean.

[Ben Brulz]

I lked it