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Abbie Against the Storm: The True Story of a Young Heroine and a Lighthouse
The dramatic true story of a young heroine who operated a lighthouse during a terrible winter storm in her father's absence, saving countless lives out at sea.
When seventeen-year-old Abbie Burgess and her family move to Maine where her father will be caring for a lighthouse, she is immediately fascinated by the lights. Abbie becomes her father's assistant, and when he is forced to make an emergency trip to the mainland, Abbie alone knows how to keep the lighthouse tower lit. Soon after he leaves, a massive storm arises, surging over the island and flooding their house. Will Abbie be able to care for her sick mother and younger sisters and make sure that the lighthouse guides ships safely through the treacherous waters?
This fictionalized account of a young girl's triumph over a savage storm as well as her own fears, is based on an actual incident that took place in the winter of 1856. Gorgeously illustrated with powerful oil paintings, young Abbie will inspire readers to face all storms as bravely.
When seventeen-year-old Abbie Burgess and her family move to Maine where her father will be caring for a lighthouse, she is immediately fascinated by the lights. Abbie becomes her father's assistant, and when he is forced to make an emergency trip to the mainland, Abbie alone knows how to keep the lighthouse tower lit. Soon after he leaves, a massive storm arises, surging over the island and flooding their house. Will Abbie be able to care for her sick mother and younger sisters and make sure that the lighthouse guides ships safely through the treacherous waters?
This fictionalized account of a young girl's triumph over a savage storm as well as her own fears, is based on an actual incident that took place in the winter of 1856. Gorgeously illustrated with powerful oil paintings, young Abbie will inspire readers to face all storms as bravely.
32 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1999
1 person is currently reading
79 people want to read
About the author
Marcia K. Vaughan
79 books13 followersMarcia Vaughan became a librarian in 1975 so that she could inspire children to read. After a short while, she began writing her own books. Her first two stories were never published but her third, ‘Wombat Stew’, illustrated by Pamela Lofts, was published in 1984. It might now be considered a classic of Australian children’s literature.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
April 13, 2018
Fictionalized story of true events; very exciting, with lovely paintings.
May 14, 2009
Based on the true story of lighthouse heroine Abbie Burgess, Abbie Against the Storm is an inspiring story of courage complimented by beautiful artwork.
When her family moves to Matinicus Rock Lighthouse in Maine, Abbie quickly becomes an invaluable assistant to her lighthouse keeper father. Abbie understands that keeping the beacon burning is a matter of life and death to sailors like her brother Ben.
When the supply ship does not arrive as scheduled, Abbie's father must head to the mainland for much-needed supplies and food for his family. He leaves Abbie in charge of the lights, knowing that she will be able to keep them burning in his absence.
As a violent storm threatens the area, Abbie's quick thinking and determination enable her to avert disaster. The young woman saves the family's hens just before the hen house is washed away. When the dangerous waves also claim the oil shed and fog bell, Abbie fears that the family's home will be destroyed next. After moving her family to the safety of the sturdy north tower, Abbie stays up all night to keep the lighthouse's beams shining through the storm.
The family's supply of food dwindles, and Abbie worries that her father may not return before the family starves. Despite the intense cold, hunger pangs, and an uncertain future, Abbie tirelessly tends the light until her father returns.
Farnsworth's vivid illustrations bring the daily duties of a 19th century lighthouse keeper to life. There is an especially striking illustration of Abbie polishing the lantern reflectors in the lighthouse tower.
Abbie Against the Storm is an excellent book for lighthouse enthusiasts of all ages.
When her family moves to Matinicus Rock Lighthouse in Maine, Abbie quickly becomes an invaluable assistant to her lighthouse keeper father. Abbie understands that keeping the beacon burning is a matter of life and death to sailors like her brother Ben.
When the supply ship does not arrive as scheduled, Abbie's father must head to the mainland for much-needed supplies and food for his family. He leaves Abbie in charge of the lights, knowing that she will be able to keep them burning in his absence.
As a violent storm threatens the area, Abbie's quick thinking and determination enable her to avert disaster. The young woman saves the family's hens just before the hen house is washed away. When the dangerous waves also claim the oil shed and fog bell, Abbie fears that the family's home will be destroyed next. After moving her family to the safety of the sturdy north tower, Abbie stays up all night to keep the lighthouse's beams shining through the storm.
The family's supply of food dwindles, and Abbie worries that her father may not return before the family starves. Despite the intense cold, hunger pangs, and an uncertain future, Abbie tirelessly tends the light until her father returns.
Farnsworth's vivid illustrations bring the daily duties of a 19th century lighthouse keeper to life. There is an especially striking illustration of Abbie polishing the lantern reflectors in the lighthouse tower.
Abbie Against the Storm is an excellent book for lighthouse enthusiasts of all ages.
January 13, 2020
Well written with vivid word choice and imagery.
May 16, 2025
Abbie's father moves his family to Mantinicus Rock as the new lighthouse keeper.
She learns from her father the importance of keeping the lights burning to save lives at sea, such as her older brother on a fishing boat.
Helping her father, Abbie gains knowledge on how the lamps work.
Abbie's mother is ill, and their supply delivery didn't come.
Her father leaves Abbie in charge while he goes for medicine and food.
A monster storm strikes.
The waves wash over the rock and into the house.
Abbie braves the winds and saves their chickens by bringing them inside.
Then she moves her mother and younger sisters up to the north tower, wrapping them in wool blankets.
She battles ice on the window panes outside, winds and waves pounding the house, oil in the lanterns, wick trimming, rationing one egg a day, and exhaustion.
Her father returns a month later due to the winds churning the sea, keeping him away.
Based on historical truth.
She saves countless lives from the worst storm in two hundred years.
Abbie stays on at Mantinicus Rock as an assistant to the new lighthouse keeper.
She falls in love with his son and marries.
She learns from her father the importance of keeping the lights burning to save lives at sea, such as her older brother on a fishing boat.
Helping her father, Abbie gains knowledge on how the lamps work.
Abbie's mother is ill, and their supply delivery didn't come.
Her father leaves Abbie in charge while he goes for medicine and food.
A monster storm strikes.
The waves wash over the rock and into the house.
Abbie braves the winds and saves their chickens by bringing them inside.
Then she moves her mother and younger sisters up to the north tower, wrapping them in wool blankets.
She battles ice on the window panes outside, winds and waves pounding the house, oil in the lanterns, wick trimming, rationing one egg a day, and exhaustion.
Her father returns a month later due to the winds churning the sea, keeping him away.
Based on historical truth.
She saves countless lives from the worst storm in two hundred years.
Abbie stays on at Mantinicus Rock as an assistant to the new lighthouse keeper.
She falls in love with his son and marries.
August 19, 2023
Seventeen-year-old Abbie Burgess helps her father maintain the lighthouse where they live; she becomes his assistant and learns how to maintain the lights. When her father has to leave to get supplies she has to maintain the lighthouse by herself - then a storm hits! Abbie must do the best she can to keep the lights on; while taking care of her sisters and sick mother. A powerful book about finding inner strength - beautiful art!
February 4, 2025
I’m trying to find a book I read in elementary school and this isn’t it but the illustrations are lovely and i have to believe there’s only one Abbie of lighthouses so I’m guessing the story was similar. But this one was first published in 1999 and I read the one I’m looking for in the late 80s early 90s
September 2, 2022
This is the same Abbie that “Keep the Lights Burning, Abbie” is about. The ( true) story is told slightly differently in this book, but just as well and has lovely illustrations.
October 30, 2012
An exciting and intense picture book based on a true story. Abbie lives with her family in a lighthouse on the Maine Coast in the mid 1800s. She helps her father tend the lights, and when he must leave the island to get food, he leaves Abbie in charge. A horrible storm strikes and Abbie shows her grit. A nicely illustrated look at maritime life and one brave little girl.
July 22, 2014
I love lighthouses and am amazed that people actually braved the lonely and harsh conditions to live in and tend to these beacons of safety. This was the story of a young woman who takes charge while her father must leave to the mainland for supplies. There is a once in a hundred years storm that she protects her family and the light through.
April 15, 2017
This was a sweet retelling of the true story of Abbie, who was left in charge of the lighthouse while her father was away. The artwork in this was beautiful and added a nice element to the story. It is a children's book I would hand to any child (unless they had a great fear of storms; in which case, the book may frighten them).
July 7, 2013
Feeling like a complete idiot because I am sitting at my desk about to burst into tears after reading this book. Such a beautiful true story. It makes me want to learn more about Abbie and her family. This is a wonderful book for Daddies to read to Daughters!
July 26, 2010
Its been a while since I've read this. It was ok. Awesome art though
September 30, 2014
Breathtaking survival story of Abbie Burgess, who became a local heroine after keeping the lights burning at Mantinicus Lighthouse during the worst storm off the Maine coast in 200 years.
October 13, 2014
AD560L
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews