Oliver's Surprise: A Boy, A Schooner, and the Great Hurricane of 1938, revised

by Carol Newman Cronin, Laurie Cronin (Illustrator)

Historical young adult fiction on the Storm of '38 by Olympic sailing superstar. Longing to feel closer to his favorite grandfather, Oliver skips school on a sparkling September afternoon and hides out on a tired schooner. When he wakes up on the ways of his grandfather's boatyard and realizes he's been transported back to 1938, he must decide what to do before the dangerous hurricane he'd been studying in school hits. While the main character is a 12-year old boy, Oliver's story, and the story of a powerful weather event, is more than appropriate for an adult audience. September 2009 marks the 71th anniversary of the storm. Includes glossary, history of Hurricane of 1938 and NEW history of coastal schooners as well as maps and photographs. Nicely captures the look and feel of coastal New England in the early part of this century. A Teacher's Guide is available from the publisher at no cost to instructors. See website

Genres: Childrens

150 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 2008

About the author

All of my novels share three common elements: a coastal setting, boats, and a happy ending. In other words, #coastalfiction! I’m represented by April Eberhardt Literary, and my next book, Ferry to Cooperation Island, comes out in June 2020.

I’ve also written several award-winning stories about boating adventures and waterfront personalities. To learn more, and to receive a weekly post about Where Books Meet Boats, visit http://www.carolnewmancronin.com. Thanks for reading!

Reviews

[Randy]

A wonderful book for kids or adults. It's great for the time travel (I ALWAYS love time travel!) the information about the Hurricane of 1938, and simply a delight to get to know Oliver. Perfect way to learn about sailing, also.

[Randy]

A wonderful book for kids or adults. It's great for the time travel (I ALWAYS love time travel!) the information about the Hurricane of 1938, and simply a delight to get to know Oliver. Perfect way to learn about sailing, also.

[Rusty]

What a delightful read from an innovative and fluent author! Carol Newman Cronin sent a copy of this little tale to review and share with my grandchildren. I do so gladly. Cronin is knowledgeable about sailing vessels and the New England area. Knowing little about the hurricane of 1938 that devastated the area in September ot that year, I found the historical blurb about what happened succinct and to the point. In addition, I loved her discussion about coasters, those lovely sailing vessels that served our coasts prior to the invention of motor driven vessels. Oliver's time travel is an charming and appealing way to provide a look into life of that period and how weather affected those who lived on that coast. Great tale to share with a child or to give to she/he to read for themselves.

Merged review:

What a delightful read from an innovative and fluent author! Carol Newman Cronin senta copy of this little tale to review and share with my grandchildren. I do so gladly. Cronin is knowledgeable about sailing vessels and the New England area. Knowing little about the hurricane of 1938 that devastated the area in September ot that year, I found the historical blurb about what happened succinct and to the point. Oliver's time travel is an appealing way to provide a look into life of that period and how weather affected those who lived on that coast. Great tale to share with a child or to give to she/he to read for themselves.