Heroes of the Surf

Illustrated by Nancy Carpenter
$7.99 US
Penguin Young Readers | Viking Books for Young Readers
On sale May 10, 2012 | 978-1-101-64733-2
Age 4-8 years
Reading Level: Lexile 690L
Sales rights: World
Adventure on the high seas!

WHAM! The Pliny jolts as if Black Beard himself has just punched her in the belly. Pedro and I slide and smack--bang--into the bulwark.

"We're grounded," cries the first mate. "We've hit a shoal!"


In May of 1882, a large steamship ran aground off the coast of New Jersey. Elisa Carbone imagines what it was like for two boys on that ship: waking up in the middle of the night, waves crashing over the side, the storm too big to lower the lifeboats. And then the flashing of light from shore--the surfmen, true "heroes of the surf," come to rescue them. The award-winning author's meticulous research combined with Nancy Carpenter's spectacular illustrations make this thrilling adventure on the high seas one not to be missed!
Praise for Heroes of the Surf by Elisa Carbone:

"Carbone ... writes an exciting first-person narrative here, with plenty of sensory details ... and a consistently boy-like perspective. Shaded with colors, lines, and crosshatching, Carpenter's drawings ... capture intense emotions in a series of beautifully composed, often dramatic scenes." —Booklist, starred review

"Riveting" —Kirkus, starred review

"Boys, especially, will be captivated by the story of a sea rescue in the early days of the Coast Guard." —School Library Journal

"... [a] spirited introduction to historical fiction." —Horn Book

“The high interest subject and simple words create a good read for younger students.” —Library Media Connection

About

Adventure on the high seas!

WHAM! The Pliny jolts as if Black Beard himself has just punched her in the belly. Pedro and I slide and smack--bang--into the bulwark.

"We're grounded," cries the first mate. "We've hit a shoal!"


In May of 1882, a large steamship ran aground off the coast of New Jersey. Elisa Carbone imagines what it was like for two boys on that ship: waking up in the middle of the night, waves crashing over the side, the storm too big to lower the lifeboats. And then the flashing of light from shore--the surfmen, true "heroes of the surf," come to rescue them. The award-winning author's meticulous research combined with Nancy Carpenter's spectacular illustrations make this thrilling adventure on the high seas one not to be missed!

Praise

Praise for Heroes of the Surf by Elisa Carbone:

"Carbone ... writes an exciting first-person narrative here, with plenty of sensory details ... and a consistently boy-like perspective. Shaded with colors, lines, and crosshatching, Carpenter's drawings ... capture intense emotions in a series of beautifully composed, often dramatic scenes." —Booklist, starred review

"Riveting" —Kirkus, starred review

"Boys, especially, will be captivated by the story of a sea rescue in the early days of the Coast Guard." —School Library Journal

"... [a] spirited introduction to historical fiction." —Horn Book

“The high interest subject and simple words create a good read for younger students.” —Library Media Connection