The Schooner's Revenge

by Robert Sutherland

Fourteen-year-old Ben Random has always been drawn to the ships that skim the blue waters of Lake Ontario off the shores of York, the capital of Upper Canada. But his dream of serving on a Royal Navy vessel is dashed by a gut-wrenching Ben is too terrified of heights to see himself scaling any war ship’s mast. But Ben’s anxiety is the last thing on his mind when on April 26, 1813, a flotilla of American ships invades York and his father is asked to lead a rescue mission to save a key fort on Lake Michigan. Now Ben is thrilled to take part in an impossibly daring plan to outwit the Americans and deliver supplies to Fort Mackinac—before its inhabitants are captured or die from starvation. Blinding blizzards, crushing ice floes and daring cat-and-mouse manoeuvres around the enemy challenge Ben’s strength and determination. But when he’s suddenly called upon in the ultimate test to save a critical supply ship, the Nancy, his fear looms as large as the hopes of those who are desperately counting on him.

Based on a little-known episode during the War of 1812, The Schooner’s Revenge is an action-packed adventure, crackling with plot twists, explosions, treachery and courage—destined to be a hit with middle readers everywhere.

176 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 31, 2008

About the author

Robert Sutherland is one of Canada's most successful YA novelists, having already published 13 novels. He has received numerous nominations and prizes for his fiction. His novels have been translated into French, Norwegian, Swedish, German and Korean. "Survivor's Leave" developed from his experience during WWII when he served as an anti-aircraft gunner on a Loch Class frigate (HMCS Loch Morlich). When his ship was in dry dock in London for repairs, he experienced the German V-1 bombing.

Reviews

[Christine Stobbe · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book about a little-known event during the War of 1812, where outgunned and outnumbered Canadians used ingenuity, skill, and a little luck to defeat American besiegers in an attempt to deliver supplies to Fort Mackinac. Real historical characters and fictional ones blend well to tell the story with a bit of humor and a lot of action.

There were some point of view issues with this book, which meant I couldn't give five stars, but overall, a fun, exciting read, and my 12-year-old son enjoyed it, as well, which says a lot, because he's not a huge reader.

I recommend this book as a good read for upper-elementary, junior high. A valuable look at a Canadian historical event your kids probably won't hear about in school.