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Powder Monkey
Forced into a life at sea by the Royal Navy Press Gangs, 12-year-old Tommy Kitt finds himself in a floating sea of misery. Poor living conditions and beatings occur daily. Despite his small size, Tommy must summon the courage and physical ability to prevail in a situation he cannot escape. Suggested age range for 8-12
- GenresMiddle Grade
24 pages, Hardcover
First published May 1, 2013
4 people want to read
About the author
Donna M. McDine
6 books56 followersMulti award-winning children’s author, Donna McDine’s creative side had laid dormant for many years until her desire to write sparked in 2007. With six children’s picture books to her credit:
• Angel's Forever Home ~ March 2019 ~ Mascot Books
• Dee and Deb Off They Go Kindergarten First Day Jitters (Purple Dragonfly Book Award Honorable Mention & The Story Monster Approved 2015 Award);
• Sandy Grave (Purple Dragonfly 2014 Award First Place Picture Books 6+, Story Monster Approved and Beach Book Festival Honorable Mention 2014);
• Powder Monkey (Purple Dragonfly 2015 Award First Place Historical Fiction and Story Monster Approved 2014);
• Hockey Agony (Purple Dragonfly 2015 Award Honorable Mention Picture Books 6 & Older and New England Book Festival Honorable Mention 2014 and Story Monster Approved 2014);
• The Golden Pathway (Literary Classics Silver Award & Seal of Approval Recipient Picture Book Early Reader 2011 and Readers Favorite 2012 International Book Awards Honorable Mention) and;
McDine’s adventures continue as she ignites the curiosity of children through reading while she writes and moms from her home in the historical hamlet Tappan, NY. McDine is a member of the SCBWI, New York State Reading Association and Family Reading Partnership.
• Angel's Forever Home ~ March 2019 ~ Mascot Books
• Dee and Deb Off They Go Kindergarten First Day Jitters (Purple Dragonfly Book Award Honorable Mention & The Story Monster Approved 2015 Award);
• Sandy Grave (Purple Dragonfly 2014 Award First Place Picture Books 6+, Story Monster Approved and Beach Book Festival Honorable Mention 2014);
• Powder Monkey (Purple Dragonfly 2015 Award First Place Historical Fiction and Story Monster Approved 2014);
• Hockey Agony (Purple Dragonfly 2015 Award Honorable Mention Picture Books 6 & Older and New England Book Festival Honorable Mention 2014 and Story Monster Approved 2014);
• The Golden Pathway (Literary Classics Silver Award & Seal of Approval Recipient Picture Book Early Reader 2011 and Readers Favorite 2012 International Book Awards Honorable Mention) and;
McDine’s adventures continue as she ignites the curiosity of children through reading while she writes and moms from her home in the historical hamlet Tappan, NY. McDine is a member of the SCBWI, New York State Reading Association and Family Reading Partnership.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
October 22, 2014
Originally posted at: http://www.peekingbetweenthepages.com...
Powder Monkey is the second book by Donna McDine that has taken me on a journey to the past. This 23 page book for young readers packs an emotional punch that holds you in its grip from the first word to the last and the beautiful illustrations by K.C. Snider really bring the story to life.
Twelve-year-old Tommy Kitt and his older brother are forcibly taken from their parents and the only life they’ve ever known by the Royal Navy Press Gangs and forced into hard labour on a ship at sea. Tommy is understandably overwhelmed and scared and that feeling is only reinforced by the often harsh treatment of the young boys. Tommy learns quickly though that the best way to stay out of trouble is to do your work without complaint. For Tommy his days consist of cleaning toilets and the mangers below deck where he most likes to be as it is peaceful. However they also have to train for battle and finally that day comes and Tommy follows his role as a powder monkey running back and forth to bring gun powder to the sailors. Most certainly this isn’t the life Tommy wants but he’s determined to stay alive and do that he knows he has to follow the rules.
Powder Monkey may be short but it tells such a poignant story in those few pages. I felt Tommy’s fear and hopelessness and also his hope at a better future down the line. The book is recommended for 8-12 year old kids but I think I’d put it towards the 12 year age range only because it is more of a dark tale and maybe a harder read for the younger ones. Yet at the same time it’s important for young children to learn about history and how much different life was for some kids in times past. For me it was enlightening as I’d never heard of the Royal Navy Press Gangs or the term powder monkey so I was able to learn something that led me to wanting to know more.
Once again Donna McDine highlights a time in history with the Royal Navy Press Gangs and how children were affected by it. A recommended read for parents and children that could lead to some really important discussions and life lessons.
Powder Monkey is the second book by Donna McDine that has taken me on a journey to the past. This 23 page book for young readers packs an emotional punch that holds you in its grip from the first word to the last and the beautiful illustrations by K.C. Snider really bring the story to life.
Twelve-year-old Tommy Kitt and his older brother are forcibly taken from their parents and the only life they’ve ever known by the Royal Navy Press Gangs and forced into hard labour on a ship at sea. Tommy is understandably overwhelmed and scared and that feeling is only reinforced by the often harsh treatment of the young boys. Tommy learns quickly though that the best way to stay out of trouble is to do your work without complaint. For Tommy his days consist of cleaning toilets and the mangers below deck where he most likes to be as it is peaceful. However they also have to train for battle and finally that day comes and Tommy follows his role as a powder monkey running back and forth to bring gun powder to the sailors. Most certainly this isn’t the life Tommy wants but he’s determined to stay alive and do that he knows he has to follow the rules.
Powder Monkey may be short but it tells such a poignant story in those few pages. I felt Tommy’s fear and hopelessness and also his hope at a better future down the line. The book is recommended for 8-12 year old kids but I think I’d put it towards the 12 year age range only because it is more of a dark tale and maybe a harder read for the younger ones. Yet at the same time it’s important for young children to learn about history and how much different life was for some kids in times past. For me it was enlightening as I’d never heard of the Royal Navy Press Gangs or the term powder monkey so I was able to learn something that led me to wanting to know more.
Once again Donna McDine highlights a time in history with the Royal Navy Press Gangs and how children were affected by it. A recommended read for parents and children that could lead to some really important discussions and life lessons.
September 10, 2014
I read both Powder Monkey and The Golden Pathway (another book by this author/illustrator pair which I will be reviewing tomorrow) along with my 9 year-old son. At first glance he thought it was going to be an easy read but we were both pleasantly surprised by the depth of the story and the vocabulary used. Finding a book to keep my son's attention can be tricky but Powder Monkey was action-packed from page one and presented a realistic and vibrant account of what a young boy living in Tommy's times and circumstances could have gone through without sugar-coating it. The story had my son asking many follow up questions as we turned the pages ("Why would someone kidnap these boys and make them work so hard on a boat?", "Was Tommy a real person?") which allowed us to discuss these situations that he had never heard about before. I asked my son if he was happy he didn't live in a time when someone could simply come and take children away from their parents and make them work so hard without having any way getting away and I was presented with a resounding "Um, Yeah!".
While my son wasn't as captivated by the illustrations as he was by the story I thought the pictures were beautiful. Every other page was a full page illustration and helped visually advance the storyline. The pictures of the turbulent and unpredictable open sea were my favorite!
Overall, Powder Monkey was a very exhilarating if sad story that my son seemed to very much enjoy and had him thinking what he would do in the same situation. While the story made him sad (he seemed genuinely upset at the idea that Tommy and the other boys wouldn't be able to see their parents again) it opened up a discussion on the history behind boys forced into this sort of work and how different our lives are today. We read it in one sitting which, when dealing with my son's short attention span, is always an accomplishment in itself!
While my son wasn't as captivated by the illustrations as he was by the story I thought the pictures were beautiful. Every other page was a full page illustration and helped visually advance the storyline. The pictures of the turbulent and unpredictable open sea were my favorite!
Overall, Powder Monkey was a very exhilarating if sad story that my son seemed to very much enjoy and had him thinking what he would do in the same situation. While the story made him sad (he seemed genuinely upset at the idea that Tommy and the other boys wouldn't be able to see their parents again) it opened up a discussion on the history behind boys forced into this sort of work and how different our lives are today. We read it in one sitting which, when dealing with my son's short attention span, is always an accomplishment in itself!
December 1, 2014
Imagine being twelve years old and forced to work like a slave. Imagine fearing for your life if you failed to obey orders. This was the fate of twelve-year-old Tommy Kitt, many years ago.
In POWDER MONKEY, Award Winning Author Donna M. McDine’s historical novel for MG readers, Tommy and his fourteen-year-old brother, James, are taken from their home by the press gang, along with other boys, to a ship. Unable to escape, Tommy learns quickly to do what he’s told, whether it’s cleaning the ship or in battle.
Historical fiction is one of my favorite subjects, and I’ve done quite a bit of research on different time periods. Donna M. McDine’s novel introduced me to an era of American history I was not familiar with, however. The author describes how little value was placed on the lives of these boys that were forced into service aboard the ship. If they fell overboard, no one seemed to care. The novel left me wanting to know more about this period in history and about Tommy, who lost his family and his freedom. I’d love to see this story expanded with more details and information, perhaps about Tommy as he grows older.
Lovely, full page, color illustrations by K. C. Snyder add to the imagery as we see the expressions on the boys’ faces as they’re cast into a new world, never to see their families again. POWDER MONKEY is a story about accepting life’s challenges with courage. It is a story about family and loss and growing up fast. This novel would make a great addition to school libraries and classrooms for discussions and history lessons. And be sure to pick up a copy for your own personal library. Learning more about the history of America can help us understand the pain and hardships our founding fathers suffered to build a new land. We should remember the price they paid for our freedom.
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August 25, 2014
A story of endurance, survival and hardship, Powder Monkey pretty much left me breathless. This 24-page-long historical fiction for children made a huge emotional impact on me - even bigger than some of the adults novel I've read this year. I will be reeling from it for a very long time.
It's a sad and heart-wrenching tale about a boy, little Tommy, who is brutally ripped away from his parents and, together with his older brother and a group of other children, forced by the Royal Navy Press Gangs into a miserable life on board of a ship. Robbed of his childhood, lonely, scared and often times starved, Tommy has to obediently follow the rules and do whatever the seamen order him to do, including scrubbing toilets and cleaning the manger of the live stock. Or, in case of a battle, fetching the bags with gun powder. He's terrified to the point he's physically ill, but he's smart and determined to stay alive.
This is a bleak and emotionally gutting tale, perhaps a bit too mature and depressing for young children, though I do believe that between happy and fluffy stories, every child should also find time for this powerful and affecting tale. It will expand their world view and teach them about history. It will also make for a fabulous lesson about courage, hope and enduring hardships. I would, however, recommended this for a slightly older audience - closer to the age of 12 perhaps - and not, as suggested for readers ages 8 and up.
Ultimately, Powder Monkey is a very moving and important story that carries a huge emotional load and some interesting life lessons. It's very sad and riveting, but it ends on a hopeful note, which makes it a great addition to your child's collection.
It's a sad and heart-wrenching tale about a boy, little Tommy, who is brutally ripped away from his parents and, together with his older brother and a group of other children, forced by the Royal Navy Press Gangs into a miserable life on board of a ship. Robbed of his childhood, lonely, scared and often times starved, Tommy has to obediently follow the rules and do whatever the seamen order him to do, including scrubbing toilets and cleaning the manger of the live stock. Or, in case of a battle, fetching the bags with gun powder. He's terrified to the point he's physically ill, but he's smart and determined to stay alive.
This is a bleak and emotionally gutting tale, perhaps a bit too mature and depressing for young children, though I do believe that between happy and fluffy stories, every child should also find time for this powerful and affecting tale. It will expand their world view and teach them about history. It will also make for a fabulous lesson about courage, hope and enduring hardships. I would, however, recommended this for a slightly older audience - closer to the age of 12 perhaps - and not, as suggested for readers ages 8 and up.
Ultimately, Powder Monkey is a very moving and important story that carries a huge emotional load and some interesting life lessons. It's very sad and riveting, but it ends on a hopeful note, which makes it a great addition to your child's collection.
September 17, 2013
Powder Monkey by Donna McDine, illustrated by K.C. Snider, is strong historical fiction. It tells a story of a harsh period in British naval history that is not for the faint of heart. Two brothers are taken by the Royal Navy Press Gang and impressed into service aboard a warship. These boys, aged twelve and fourteen, are destined to run powder to the cannons during battles at sea.
Tommy, the younger brother, is witness to the brutality of the press gang against his parents, who try to save their boys. He sees other boys, his neighbors, also taken into service. These farm boys have to learn to survive as servants of the crown, at the beck and call of the sailors they serve. These “powder monkeys” experience violence, and must perform the vilest duties aboard ship.
K.C. Snider’s artwork captures the agony and horror suffered by those boys at that time in history. The haunting images she creates take us back to that awful period. We see the smoke, the filth, and the danger in these boys’ lives. It’s a wonder any of them lived through such an awful experience.
Tommy’s will to survive overcomes his terrible circumstances, his pain, and his losses. He learns what he needs to do and does it. Although he never sees his parents again, he does become an able bodied seaman, and that’s as close to a happy ending as we get in this story.
There is a lot to discuss here with students, especially those who might want to complain about their situation now. All they need to do is look at what happened to those boys back then. History lessons can be hard to hear – and harder to learn -- but these stories must be told.
Tommy, the younger brother, is witness to the brutality of the press gang against his parents, who try to save their boys. He sees other boys, his neighbors, also taken into service. These farm boys have to learn to survive as servants of the crown, at the beck and call of the sailors they serve. These “powder monkeys” experience violence, and must perform the vilest duties aboard ship.
K.C. Snider’s artwork captures the agony and horror suffered by those boys at that time in history. The haunting images she creates take us back to that awful period. We see the smoke, the filth, and the danger in these boys’ lives. It’s a wonder any of them lived through such an awful experience.
Tommy’s will to survive overcomes his terrible circumstances, his pain, and his losses. He learns what he needs to do and does it. Although he never sees his parents again, he does become an able bodied seaman, and that’s as close to a happy ending as we get in this story.
There is a lot to discuss here with students, especially those who might want to complain about their situation now. All they need to do is look at what happened to those boys back then. History lessons can be hard to hear – and harder to learn -- but these stories must be told.
September 11, 2014
Source: Free copy from Donna McDine, and Historical Fiction Virtual Book Tour, in exchange for a review.
Summary:
Time period 18th Century (this is a guess).
Brothers James and Tommy Kitt, are abducted from their English family farm, by the feared Royal Navy Press Gang. They are pressed into service at sea. There is no choice. Family cannot rescue them. Life at sea is laborious and hazardous.
My Thoughts:
The first thing I disliked about the book is there are no page numbers.
A second thing I disliked about the book is I don't believe age eight or even nine is appropriate for the book. I have a grandson that is eight years old, he would not understand the term "pistol-whipped"and frankly I'm not interested in him have this mental image in his head at his age. Middle school ages eleven through fourteen I feel is the more appropriate age for the book.
What I liked about the book are the illustrations. When I look at illustrations in a children's book, I pay close attention to the facial expressions of the people. I feel the illustrations told a story all on their own.
I love reading sea adventure books. A life at sea aboard a ship is hard work, the work probably never ends, the cycle is repeated each day unless the men on ship are at war, and then there is a different cycle. Life for them is often brief. Their families at home may never see them again. I admire them, but they are also a mystery.
Powder Monkey gave a sober view of life aboard ship for a lad, this includes the manner in which the young sailors were treated, and during a time of war.
Summary:
Time period 18th Century (this is a guess).
Brothers James and Tommy Kitt, are abducted from their English family farm, by the feared Royal Navy Press Gang. They are pressed into service at sea. There is no choice. Family cannot rescue them. Life at sea is laborious and hazardous.
My Thoughts:
The first thing I disliked about the book is there are no page numbers.
A second thing I disliked about the book is I don't believe age eight or even nine is appropriate for the book. I have a grandson that is eight years old, he would not understand the term "pistol-whipped"and frankly I'm not interested in him have this mental image in his head at his age. Middle school ages eleven through fourteen I feel is the more appropriate age for the book.
What I liked about the book are the illustrations. When I look at illustrations in a children's book, I pay close attention to the facial expressions of the people. I feel the illustrations told a story all on their own.
I love reading sea adventure books. A life at sea aboard a ship is hard work, the work probably never ends, the cycle is repeated each day unless the men on ship are at war, and then there is a different cycle. Life for them is often brief. Their families at home may never see them again. I admire them, but they are also a mystery.
Powder Monkey gave a sober view of life aboard ship for a lad, this includes the manner in which the young sailors were treated, and during a time of war.
September 20, 2013
My Review: The Press Gangs came to young Tommy’s village to take young boys to work aboard their ship. His parents were worried that Tommy and James will be taken and plan on hiding the boys.
As the day approached the Press Gangs came to his parents’ farm, he watched as his brother was dragged into the waiting wagon. His father was no match for the men as they pistol whipped his father and threw his mother to the ground. Tommy screamed and rushed toward the man but he was no match for him and was tackled and thrown into the back of the wagon and bound by a rope with his brother and they drove off. On the way more young boys where tossed into the wagon. They were taken aboard a warship to do several chores.
Back in the day, young boys were stolen from their families and pressed into service on ships to work in horrible conditions. Tommy was determined to survive and to do that he had to listen and do his duties each day.
The illustration by K.C. Snider helps tell the story.
Disclaimer: As per FTC guidelines, I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest review. I received no monetary compensation. All opinions expressed here are mine and mine alone.
As the day approached the Press Gangs came to his parents’ farm, he watched as his brother was dragged into the waiting wagon. His father was no match for the men as they pistol whipped his father and threw his mother to the ground. Tommy screamed and rushed toward the man but he was no match for him and was tackled and thrown into the back of the wagon and bound by a rope with his brother and they drove off. On the way more young boys where tossed into the wagon. They were taken aboard a warship to do several chores.
Back in the day, young boys were stolen from their families and pressed into service on ships to work in horrible conditions. Tommy was determined to survive and to do that he had to listen and do his duties each day.
The illustration by K.C. Snider helps tell the story.
Disclaimer: As per FTC guidelines, I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest review. I received no monetary compensation. All opinions expressed here are mine and mine alone.
September 12, 2014
My second book by Donna McDine and another enjoyable one. It appears that she has connected with her targeted age range here (8-12 year olds) with another look at the past. The illustrations are wonderful and really bring this book to life. Though the book does not mention where it is taking place or the time period it was still interesting. Dark at times, it might frighten younger readers.
I had never heard of the Royal Navy Press Ganges before or the term Powder Monkey, so this reader got a history lesson. Tommy is only 12 years when taken by force from his family, he is scared, smart but also determined that he will survive. I read this book is one sitting and would have liked the ending to have gone on a little longer. It ended rather abruptly and it would have been nice to see what happened to Tommy. I guess that is a sign that the author created a bond with her readers.
In a classroom setting or with parent/child reading it could open a door to questions and bringing history to life.
I had never heard of the Royal Navy Press Ganges before or the term Powder Monkey, so this reader got a history lesson. Tommy is only 12 years when taken by force from his family, he is scared, smart but also determined that he will survive. I read this book is one sitting and would have liked the ending to have gone on a little longer. It ended rather abruptly and it would have been nice to see what happened to Tommy. I guess that is a sign that the author created a bond with her readers.
In a classroom setting or with parent/child reading it could open a door to questions and bringing history to life.
September 2, 2014
Copy received from Historical Fiction Virtual Book Tour for an honest review.
I really enjoyed "Powder Monkey" by Donna M. McDine. I had never heard of the "powder monkey" before and used this book as an incentive to do some research about what they actually did. Just like the story, young children were often taken from their parents homes and sent to see to perform these terrifying and very dangerous jobs. We see the terrifying conditions through the experience of Tommy Kitt who is also taken from his home and sent to see to become a powder monkey. Tommy's experience is very scary but portrays a very convincing journey about the life of these young people. I enjoyed this story but I did find it to be a little dark. The age recommendation is 8-12 any younger would not be appropriate. The illustrations were very well done and helped reinforce the story. Overall, I enjoyed and recommend this book.
I really enjoyed "Powder Monkey" by Donna M. McDine. I had never heard of the "powder monkey" before and used this book as an incentive to do some research about what they actually did. Just like the story, young children were often taken from their parents homes and sent to see to perform these terrifying and very dangerous jobs. We see the terrifying conditions through the experience of Tommy Kitt who is also taken from his home and sent to see to become a powder monkey. Tommy's experience is very scary but portrays a very convincing journey about the life of these young people. I enjoyed this story but I did find it to be a little dark. The age recommendation is 8-12 any younger would not be appropriate. The illustrations were very well done and helped reinforce the story. Overall, I enjoyed and recommend this book.
December 14, 2013
Again, Award Winning Children’s Author Donna M. McDine Shines “Powder Monkey (Ages 8-12)—Tense Action Scenes To Portray Realistic Life!
November 15, 2015
Powder Monkey by Donna M. McDine is a heartrending, powerful story of survival and perseverance.
Tommy is taken by the press gang and forced into servitude for the Royal Navy. It is a tough life for a farm boy, but he learns to survive by being willing to do the jobs many of the other boys do not like to do.
This is a book for middle grade readers that shares a part of British history that is about as attractive as the years the United States was divided by slavery. It's not a light story for youngsters to enjoy. Instead, it's a story to teach children about the difficulties in our past and what they can learn from them.
Tommy's story is brought to life by McDine's captivating story and the stunning illustrations of K.C. Snider--one of my favorite artists. The emotions Snider captures in this book are so realistic you can't help but be touched by them; especially the two at the end of the book. This author and artist should collaborate often.
Powder Monkey would make a great addition to any school or home library.
Tommy is taken by the press gang and forced into servitude for the Royal Navy. It is a tough life for a farm boy, but he learns to survive by being willing to do the jobs many of the other boys do not like to do.
This is a book for middle grade readers that shares a part of British history that is about as attractive as the years the United States was divided by slavery. It's not a light story for youngsters to enjoy. Instead, it's a story to teach children about the difficulties in our past and what they can learn from them.
Tommy's story is brought to life by McDine's captivating story and the stunning illustrations of K.C. Snider--one of my favorite artists. The emotions Snider captures in this book are so realistic you can't help but be touched by them; especially the two at the end of the book. This author and artist should collaborate often.
Powder Monkey would make a great addition to any school or home library.
August 24, 2015
I received a free ecopy of this book for an honest review.
Powder Monkey is a very short historical fiction book for children. It says it is for children 8 to 12 but, because of the content, I wouldn't recommend it for children under 10.
This story is about a time when the Royal Navy Press Gangs took boys from their homes and put them to work on ships. They were treated poorly and many died. It's a horrible story based on fact and I think it would be a good idea for parents to read it with their children the first time so that they can discuss it.
For each page of text there is a colorful illustration which children will enjoy.
This is a good book for children to learn about a terrible time in history and how it affected both children and their families.
Powder Monkey is a very short historical fiction book for children. It says it is for children 8 to 12 but, because of the content, I wouldn't recommend it for children under 10.
This story is about a time when the Royal Navy Press Gangs took boys from their homes and put them to work on ships. They were treated poorly and many died. It's a horrible story based on fact and I think it would be a good idea for parents to read it with their children the first time so that they can discuss it.
For each page of text there is a colorful illustration which children will enjoy.
This is a good book for children to learn about a terrible time in history and how it affected both children and their families.
December 15, 2015
This is not the first book that I’ve read by author Donna McDine. Her creativeness to storylines is truly impressive. This little book is packed with lots of details and action...
To read the rest of the review and to learn more about the author, simply follow the link: http://www.aleisuremoment.com/2014/09...
November 9, 2015
This is a tale for both teens and adults. it stars two brothers, age 12 and 14 who are stolen from their family by the press gang.
Forced to become pirates, although called sailors, this emotionally wrenching tale is a story of survival and brutal conditions.
It is a test of family loyalty and personal strength.
The writing is amazingloy descriptive and the illustrations add much to the experience.
I was given an e- copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Forced to become pirates, although called sailors, this emotionally wrenching tale is a story of survival and brutal conditions.
It is a test of family loyalty and personal strength.
The writing is amazingloy descriptive and the illustrations add much to the experience.
I was given an e- copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews