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Sackets Harbor Powder Monkey: The War of 1812
It's 1811 and eleven-year-old Rankin McMullin has joined the warship ONEIDA to fight the British and end the laws that force New York farmers to smuggle their postash across Lake Ontario to Canada in order to survive. As a powder boy on the the brig, his job is to carry gunpowder to the carronades. Eventualy the shooting war begins. How the first battle ends surprises Rankin and everybody else.
114 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2011
About the author
Hope Irvin Marston
36 books15 followersHope Irvin Marston was the founder of the Black River Valley Writers Club and the founder and director of the North Country Children's Writers and Illustrators Workshop. She has taught creative writing workshops at Jefferson Community College and the Jefferson-Lewis Teacher Center for many years. She has also been on staff at Christian Writers Conferences at Hephzibah Heights (MA), Montrose Bible Conference (PA), and a St. Davids Christian Writers Conference at Beaver Falls, Pa. Hope is a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators.
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
April 25, 2013
The story begins with a ten year old boy named Rankin sneaking out of bed to catch a glimpse of the warship sent to guard Lake Ontario from imminent attack by the British. The embargo prevents the local farmers from trading with the Canadians preventing the Americans from smuggling potash in for sale. Rankin, his brother Will, and his Pa risk arrest every time they cross the river. Rankin is enthralled by the warship and is determined to find a way to enlist in the fight. Will convinces his parents to allow them to try. Captain Woolsey is impressed with the boys' enthusiasm and astounded that they can write. Rankin will become a powder monkey, which means he will be transporting the gun powder to the cannons. Will,who had been an apprentice with a gunsmith, will be an armourer working with weapons aboard the ship.
Marston does an excellent job of portraying the emotions of these two boys. The glamor soon wears off as Rankin must swab the bilge and Will spends hours cleaning rust off the old cannons. Much to their dismay their ship is dispatched to catch smugglers; friends and family trying to sell potash just as they had done. Rankin is becoming despondent. Finally, one year later in 1811, war is officially declared.
Their ship, the Oneida, is no match for the British fleet. How will they and the hard working families of Sackets Harbor face the overwhelming odds? Can they succeed in defeating the British?
The author provides lots of resources to help the reader fully comprehend the historical events. There is a map of the area, a list of the historical characters, a glossary of time period and naval terms, an annotated bibliography including internet resources, how to visit the battlefield, and even the local folklore associated with it. Teachers and homeschooling parents will be able to take this story and use it as a springboard for discussion and activities in many other areas of the curriculum.
Marston does an excellent job of portraying the emotions of these two boys. The glamor soon wears off as Rankin must swab the bilge and Will spends hours cleaning rust off the old cannons. Much to their dismay their ship is dispatched to catch smugglers; friends and family trying to sell potash just as they had done. Rankin is becoming despondent. Finally, one year later in 1811, war is officially declared.
Their ship, the Oneida, is no match for the British fleet. How will they and the hard working families of Sackets Harbor face the overwhelming odds? Can they succeed in defeating the British?
The author provides lots of resources to help the reader fully comprehend the historical events. There is a map of the area, a list of the historical characters, a glossary of time period and naval terms, an annotated bibliography including internet resources, how to visit the battlefield, and even the local folklore associated with it. Teachers and homeschooling parents will be able to take this story and use it as a springboard for discussion and activities in many other areas of the curriculum.
April 10, 2014
This was a wonderful book. I love reading historical fiction. The author has done a lot of research into the War of 1812. As a teacher I can tell you we don’t teach a lot about this war. I was surprised at how much I learned. I didn’t know what a powder monkey was. To think that young boys, around the age of 11 served on these war ships and gave their lives at such a young age was surprising. A powder monkey had to be fast and agile. Their main job was to run up and down the ladders from the deck, bringing gunpowder to the cannons. For that reason alone they were often targeted. If the person firing the cannons couldn’t get the powder from below then they couldn’t fire their cannon.
I couldn’t understand why Rankin was so set on joining the battle. He seemed almost fearless. His older brother William signed on and was trained to fire the cannon. One reason they were both signed on was because they could read and write. Most boys of that time, unless their parents were wealthy were unable to read and write. The bibliography and glossary helped a lot. For those people like me who want more information the bibliography was perfect.
I couldn’t understand why Rankin was so set on joining the battle. He seemed almost fearless. His older brother William signed on and was trained to fire the cannon. One reason they were both signed on was because they could read and write. Most boys of that time, unless their parents were wealthy were unable to read and write. The bibliography and glossary helped a lot. For those people like me who want more information the bibliography was perfect.
July 28, 2019
I hadn't re-read this story since it was rewritten as a stage production and produced by the students at Sackets Harbor High School a year after the book was published. Yesterday I had time on my hands while visiting the Sackets Harbor Battlefield, so I re-read it. I enjoyed that reading, but if it were a simple matter to do so, I would edit my first chapter to conform to today's standards for good writing.
January 14, 2013
Do you know what a “powder monkey” is? Could it be a simian that helps your mother to put on her makeup? No, Rankin McMullin is a powder monkey, a boy who carries gunpowder from the hold to the guns on deck. It is the fall of 1810, and ten-year-old Rankin, soon to be eleven, lives in Sackets Harbor, NY, at the eastern end of Lake Ontario, with his Pa, a farmer, Ma, and older brother Will. Hearing rumors of a coming war with England, Rankin desperately wants to join the crew of the U. S. Brig Oneida which has been sent to protect Sackets Harbor from an invasion by the British. His wish is to help fight the British and end the unjust laws which force New York farmers to smuggle their potash across the lake in order to survive, as his father used to do.
Will signs up as an armourer, and Captain Woolsey agrees to take on Rankin as a powder monkey. The new crew spends a year training and learning the ropes before war is declared against England. When that finally occurs, will the British attack Sackets Harbor? If they do, what will happen? Who will win the battle? In contrast to the American Revolution, the Civil War, and even World War II, there is very little good children’s literature about the War of 1812. Although Sackets Harbor Powder Monkey: The War of 1812 is a work of fiction with invented dialogue added to dramatize the action, the historical events portrayed and the persons named are real. The book is made more realistic by the inclusion of obscure, early nineteenth century nautical terms like "binnacle" and "carronade."
A glossary of definitions in the back, an Afterword containing further explanation about the battle, and a time line of historical events, all will increase the educational value of this exciting story. The First Battle of Sackets Harbor occurred on July 19, 1812. Youngsters will learn a lot about the background of reasons and events leading up to the war. Aside from a few common euphemisms and references to rum, I am sorry to report that Will uses some bad language, namely forms of the “d” word a couple of times. However, if you are looking for a tale of adventure which will bring the War of 1812 to life for middle grade readers through the eyes of a young boy eager to help in the fight, you’ll find it here.
Will signs up as an armourer, and Captain Woolsey agrees to take on Rankin as a powder monkey. The new crew spends a year training and learning the ropes before war is declared against England. When that finally occurs, will the British attack Sackets Harbor? If they do, what will happen? Who will win the battle? In contrast to the American Revolution, the Civil War, and even World War II, there is very little good children’s literature about the War of 1812. Although Sackets Harbor Powder Monkey: The War of 1812 is a work of fiction with invented dialogue added to dramatize the action, the historical events portrayed and the persons named are real. The book is made more realistic by the inclusion of obscure, early nineteenth century nautical terms like "binnacle" and "carronade."
A glossary of definitions in the back, an Afterword containing further explanation about the battle, and a time line of historical events, all will increase the educational value of this exciting story. The First Battle of Sackets Harbor occurred on July 19, 1812. Youngsters will learn a lot about the background of reasons and events leading up to the war. Aside from a few common euphemisms and references to rum, I am sorry to report that Will uses some bad language, namely forms of the “d” word a couple of times. However, if you are looking for a tale of adventure which will bring the War of 1812 to life for middle grade readers through the eyes of a young boy eager to help in the fight, you’ll find it here.
April 9, 2013
Rankin McMullin, 11, lives in Sackets Harbor with his mother and father and older brother, Will. His greatest wish? To sail on the ship Oneida.
As a powder monkey, Rankin's young life is quickly filled with truth, though the danger must wait. Along with his brother, the crew aboard the Oneida and Captain Woolsey, Rankin experiences sea life and soon discovers it's not completely the dream he first realized.
Action? Not yet.
The opportunity to fight the British?
Of course. But the "fetid air" below deck, the "rats" and "swabbing" duties do little to create excitement for Rankin as this quote indicates:
"Rankin scuttled away from the stink hole and clambered up the ladder behind the others. When he reached the deck, he gulped in the fresh air. Weary and nearly blinded by the light, he collapsed."
Saved by Will, Rankin begins his duties as a powder boy, working by his brother. But menial tasks are still awarded him and Rankin wonders when the action will begin.
Boys will enjoy this historical fiction story written with a good balance of action and dialogue. They will be fascinated with learning the meaning of new terms like: bilges, potash, carronade, gangways and binnacle. (This reader did). The 114 page novel is informative and, in moments, deep in its delivery.
"Thoughts of that final trip when they had eluded a customs...cutter chilled Rankin, like a fall through the ice. He blanched at the thought of Oneida pursuing one of their neighbors."
Even before the war starts, Rankin experiences much of sea life, which contributes to his strength and courage when it finally comes to pass.
"As Oneida sailed back and forth across the bay, Woolsey watched the oncoming fleet's maneuverings. A stiff breeze chilled the back of his neck. The enemy was slowly but steadily closing the distance. Without a doubt, an attack on Sackets Harbor was about to take place."
Sackets Harbor Powder Monkey includes later battle developments, battle folklore, a bibliography, and a hefty list of books to read to learn more.
Book is rated PG for a little language.
As a powder monkey, Rankin's young life is quickly filled with truth, though the danger must wait. Along with his brother, the crew aboard the Oneida and Captain Woolsey, Rankin experiences sea life and soon discovers it's not completely the dream he first realized.
Action? Not yet.
The opportunity to fight the British?
Of course. But the "fetid air" below deck, the "rats" and "swabbing" duties do little to create excitement for Rankin as this quote indicates:
"Rankin scuttled away from the stink hole and clambered up the ladder behind the others. When he reached the deck, he gulped in the fresh air. Weary and nearly blinded by the light, he collapsed."
Saved by Will, Rankin begins his duties as a powder boy, working by his brother. But menial tasks are still awarded him and Rankin wonders when the action will begin.
Boys will enjoy this historical fiction story written with a good balance of action and dialogue. They will be fascinated with learning the meaning of new terms like: bilges, potash, carronade, gangways and binnacle. (This reader did). The 114 page novel is informative and, in moments, deep in its delivery.
"Thoughts of that final trip when they had eluded a customs...cutter chilled Rankin, like a fall through the ice. He blanched at the thought of Oneida pursuing one of their neighbors."
Even before the war starts, Rankin experiences much of sea life, which contributes to his strength and courage when it finally comes to pass.
"As Oneida sailed back and forth across the bay, Woolsey watched the oncoming fleet's maneuverings. A stiff breeze chilled the back of his neck. The enemy was slowly but steadily closing the distance. Without a doubt, an attack on Sackets Harbor was about to take place."
Sackets Harbor Powder Monkey includes later battle developments, battle folklore, a bibliography, and a hefty list of books to read to learn more.
Book is rated PG for a little language.
September 6, 2012
What eleven-year-old boy wouldn’t love to live on a ship? Rankin McMullin gets the chance of a lifetime in this children’s book about a battle during the War of 1812. Rankin’s routine life in Sackets Harbor becomes much more exciting when he and his brother are recruited to become crewmates on the Oneida, a wind-powered warship sailing Lake Ontario which defends the United States. When British Canadian ships make a strike at Sackets Harbor and the Oneida, Rankin, his brother, and the whole town pitch in to repel the invaders. Marston’s research is thorough and the included index will add to any young person’s understanding of common ship terms and life aboard a sailing vessel.
Susan Uttendorfsky
Owner, Adirondack Editing
Susan Uttendorfsky
Owner, Adirondack Editing
March 15, 2014
Sackets Harbor Powder Monkey by Hope Irvin Marston gives us a glimpse into the war of 1812 from the perspective eleven year old Rankin, who was determined to help fight the British in a naval battle. I really enjoyed this book and learning more of the local war history.
I live near Lake Ontario,have been to Sackets Harbor many times, and have seen the reenactments. This made it easy and fun to envision the scenes of the story. It was very interesting learning about life on the lake in those days, and how even young boys contributed to the naval effort as 'powder monkeys' and more, a very dangerous job. This would be a great story to share with children or to have them read as an integrated literacy-history unit.
I live near Lake Ontario,have been to Sackets Harbor many times, and have seen the reenactments. This made it easy and fun to envision the scenes of the story. It was very interesting learning about life on the lake in those days, and how even young boys contributed to the naval effort as 'powder monkeys' and more, a very dangerous job. This would be a great story to share with children or to have them read as an integrated literacy-history unit.
December 6, 2012
I normally like historical fiction, but was not drawn into this story at all. I was too busy trying to wade through the vocabulary to care much about the characters or story.
October 17, 2016
A wonderful historical fiction. Very well researched and written.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews