REVIEWS+

The Lifesaving Adventure of Sam Deal, Shipwreck Rescuer

by Charles M. Wetterer
32p. 978-0-76136-177-0.
COPY ISBN
Gr 2—4—These books provide exciting glimpses into the past, with just the right amount of tension and intensity to capture readers' attention. Each volume shows how even young children can have their lives change from ordinary to extraordinary in just a matter of moments. Readers will dash into the ocean with young Sam Deal as he rescues victims of a shipwreck. Then they will bite their fingernails while the tension builds as Abbie Burgess tries to keep the lighthouse lit and save her family as well. In yet another entry, kids can witness the strange snowy world of Milton Daub as he traverses his neighborhood, helping all in need after a blizzard. The texts are a tad stilted at times and the illustrations slightly flat, so they might not be appealing to older kids, but they will serve as good introductions to graphic novels and historical fiction for early readers. Added bonuses are the brief yet informative introductions and afterwords providing more facts about the settings.—Carol Hirsche, Provo City Library, UT
These cartoon-panel biographies (with awkward invented dialogue) highlight real-life children and teens facing potential disaster and emerging as heroes. From fashioning snowshoes in order to brave a blizzard to helping rescue shipwrecked sailors to saving a family--and the family's chickens--from being washed out to sea, the subjects' exploits are noteworthy. Somewhat stiff and overly cheery cartoons illustrate the tales. Reading list, websites. Review covers these Graphic Universe: History's Kid Heroes titles: The Lifesaving Adventure of Sam Deal, Shipwreck Rescuer, The Stormy Adventure of Abbie Burgess, Lighthouse Keeper, and The Snowshoeing Adventure of Milton Daub, Blizzard Trekker.
Reviewed by Carol Hirsche , Mar 01, 2011

Be the first reader to comment.

Comment Policy:
  • Be respectful, and do not attack the author, people mentioned in the article, or other commenters. Take on the idea, not the messenger.
  • Don't use obscene, profane, or vulgar language.
  • Stay on point. Comments that stray from the topic at hand may be deleted.
  • Comments may be republished in print, online, or other forms of media.
  • If you see something objectionable, please let us know. Once a comment has been flagged, a staff member will investigate.

RELATED 

More
ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?

We are currently offering this content for free. Sign up now to activate your personal profile, where you can save articles for future viewing

ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?