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Cleared for Action!: Four Tales of the Sea
novel
- GenresYoung ReadersFiction
600 pages, Paperback
First published June 1, 1940
1 person is currently reading
33 people want to read
About the author
Stephen W. Meader
67 books21 followersStephen W. Meader (May 2, 1892 – July 18, 1977) was the author of over forty novels for young readers. His optimistic stories generally tended to either concern young men developing independent businesses in the face of adversity, or else young men caught up in adventures during different periods in American history.
Meader graduated from Haverford College in Philadelphia in 1913, and initially worked in Newark, New Jersey as a cruelty officer with the Essex County Children's Aid Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children, and by 1915 was working for the Big Brother Movement. After working for a Chicago publishing house in 1916, he took a position with the Circulation Department of the Curtis Publishing Company in Philadelphia, eventually reaching the position of Editor of the Sales Division publications. His first novel, The Black Buccaneer, was the first juvenile publication of the newly founded Harcourt, Brace and Howe.
Meader graduated from Haverford College in Philadelphia in 1913, and initially worked in Newark, New Jersey as a cruelty officer with the Essex County Children's Aid Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children, and by 1915 was working for the Big Brother Movement. After working for a Chicago publishing house in 1916, he took a position with the Circulation Department of the Curtis Publishing Company in Philadelphia, eventually reaching the position of Editor of the Sales Division publications. His first novel, The Black Buccaneer, was the first juvenile publication of the newly founded Harcourt, Brace and Howe.
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
July 24, 2018
A book for young adults but I have to give it a solid 4 stars.
February 27, 2024
Great stories for a young reader
December 5, 2011
Book 1- Cleared For Action:
This book was a very enjoyable read. It doesn't really get exciting until half way through. And even than it's a rather mild read. But I really liked it. The characters also weren't quite a developed as I would have liked. I also got a little lost in the riggings and mainsails and all the ship talk. I would recommend this book for a long car ride, or a long weekend, but it's not something I would recommend if you are looking for thrilling adventure novel.
Book 2- Whaler Round the Horn:
I'm having deja vu. The outline of this book is nearly exactly the same as the first novel. Step one- young boy goes to sea. Step two- boy gets stranded on an island with one other boy. Step three- find a cave. Step four- find treasure. Step five- escape. Step six- live happily ever after.
In this book, Rod (the main character) meets Moby Dick. First he meets the author of the novel Moby Dick who helps him run away to sea and eventually Rod gets wrecked by the white whale himself.
Rod also gets engaged to an island girl who he obviously only likes because she's attractive. As a matter of fact he's only met her once before he asks her to marry him. This is the kind of romance I hate, and see no value in reading.
I liked this first novel, but this one seemed pointless. I didn't feel like I learned anything through reading this book.
Book 3- Not read.
Book 4- Not read.
This book was a very enjoyable read. It doesn't really get exciting until half way through. And even than it's a rather mild read. But I really liked it. The characters also weren't quite a developed as I would have liked. I also got a little lost in the riggings and mainsails and all the ship talk. I would recommend this book for a long car ride, or a long weekend, but it's not something I would recommend if you are looking for thrilling adventure novel.
Book 2- Whaler Round the Horn:
I'm having deja vu. The outline of this book is nearly exactly the same as the first novel. Step one- young boy goes to sea. Step two- boy gets stranded on an island with one other boy. Step three- find a cave. Step four- find treasure. Step five- escape. Step six- live happily ever after.
In this book, Rod (the main character) meets Moby Dick. First he meets the author of the novel Moby Dick who helps him run away to sea and eventually Rod gets wrecked by the white whale himself.
Rod also gets engaged to an island girl who he obviously only likes because she's attractive. As a matter of fact he's only met her once before he asks her to marry him. This is the kind of romance I hate, and see no value in reading.
I liked this first novel, but this one seemed pointless. I didn't feel like I learned anything through reading this book.
Book 3- Not read.
Book 4- Not read.
February 2, 2016
Excellent and accurate historical novel about the War of 1812. Stephen Meader's novels are not only entertaining, but educational.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews