Abigail Takes the Wheel
illus. by Don Bolognese
HarperCollins, 1993
out of print; look for this book at your favorite library or used bookstore
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What’s this book about?
Collision in the Harbor! Abigail and her brother, Tom, travel to school every day aboard their father’s freight boat, the Neptune. One day, two ships collide in the Narrows, and Abigail’s father goes to their aid—leaving Abigail to take the Neptune’s wheel. Can she and Tom steer the freight boat through the crowded and dangerous waters of New York Harbor alone?
Story Behind the Story
I’ve long been fascinated by the history of writing for young people. This included an interest in St. Nicholas Magazine. Founded in 1873 and edited by Mary Mapes Dodge (She wrote Hans Brinker and the Silver Skates) it lasted until the 1940s. The magazine was enormously successful as it brought fine children’s literature into American homes as never before. Its list of contributing authors is quite astounding. There are too many to list here. Go to St. Nicholas Magazine for a lot more information about this vital publication. St. Nicholas also fostered writing and art by young people, and it’s captivating to see who was first published there.
Reviews
“Abigail is a spunky heroine cast in a sturdy story; the suspense will hold readers just ready for chapter books.” (Kirkus Reviews)
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