Night Raiders Along the Cape (Mysteries in Time)

Waters, John Frederick

ISBN 10: 1881889858 ISBN 13: 9781881889854

Publisher: Silver Moon Pr, 1997

When British raids off the coast of New England become more frequent, young Asa must row through the night to warn his friends on the Massachusetts coast of an impending attack.

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From School Library Journal:

Grade 3-5AYoung Asa Slocumb becomes embroiled in the War for Independence when British war parties roam the New England coast, raiding towns and farms for supplies. Upon learning of a British plan to burn Falmouth and capture Woods Hole, MA, Asa undertakes the harrowing and dangerous task of rowing from his home on Naushon Island through the night, past British warships, in order to warn the Patriots of the impending attack. The transition between chapters is smooth and carefully executed, with the plot developing at a gradual, steady pace, never overpowering readers with tedious or mundane information. The action intensifies as the boy desperately rows toward shore. His concerns for the safety of his family and friends are genuine and sincere. Other characters are one-dimensional caricatures of British and American soldiers, who provide the necessary backdrop for Asa to react to the situation at hand. Waters maintains a heightened sense of suspense throughout much of the book, but falters when events conclude rather abruptly. Black-and-white drawings appear throughout, and the print is large and accessible. Though lacking depth, this historically motivated story of a young boy's heroic act is a pleasure to read.AJanet Gillen, Great Neck Public Library, NY
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist:

Gr. 3^-5. Living on Naushon Island off Woods Hole, Massachusetts, in the 1770s, Asa's family tries to avoid the growing conflict between Royal Navy raiding parties and the Falmouth militia. When the family learns of a British plot to torch the mainland settlements, however, they risk their lives to warn their friends. Asa rows through rough waters under cover of darkness, only to find the settlers reluctant to believe a mere boy with an unlikely and unwelcome story to tell. Large type, widely spaced, gives this chapter book an unintimidating look, reinforced by 10 illustrations. The dialogue is sometimes stiff with information and purpose, but the characters are likable, and the adventure will appeal to young readers. Recommended especially for libraries seeking short historical fiction. Carolyn Phelan

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