The 290 - Hardcover

Scott O’Dell (1898–1989), one of the most respected authors of historical fiction, received the Newbery Medal, three Newbery Honor Medals, and the Hans Christian Andersen Author Medal, the highest international recognition for a body of work by an author of books for young readers. Some of his many books include The Island of the Blue Dolphins, The Road to Damietta, Sing Down the Moon, and The Black Pearl.

Gr 4-6-Jim Lynne has fallen in love with the unique, speedy ship that he has been helping to build. The 290, built secretly for the Con-federate Navy, is a raiding ship intended to help turn the tide of the Civil War. When Jim has the opportunity to join the 290's crew, he can't pass up the opportunity. During the course of the story, Jim discovers that his father, a prominent trader, is actually a slave trader, carrying human cargo. Jim must reconcile his own hatred for slavery with his position in the war and his love for the 290, christened The Alabama. O'Dell has done a nice job of combining suspense and intrigue with interesting characters and historical facts in his novel (Houghton Mifflin, 1976). Mar Vietor does a solid job of carrying the action along with his well-paced narration. His voices are engaging and each one is unique enough to allow listeners to easily follow the story. For fans of sea stories and historical fiction, particularly listeners looking for a less-common glimpse into the Civil War.-Deanna Romriell, Salt Lake City Public Library, UTα(c) Copyright 2011. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.