Danger in the Harbor: Grain Riots Threaten Boston

American Adventure #6

by JoAnn A. Grote

When Queen Anne's War leaves Boston with major problems such as food shortages and riots, ten-year-old Beth and her family struggle to survive peacefully

Genres: Historical Fiction, Middle Grade, Childrens, Christian, Historical

137 pages, Hardcover

Published January 1, 1998

About the author

JOANN GROTE lives in Minnesota, where she grew up. She uses the state for most of her story settings, and like her characters, JoAnn seeks to serve Christ in her work. She believes that readers of novels can receive a message of salvation and encouragement from well-crafted fiction. She has over 35 books to her credit, including novels, "The American Adventure" series for children, and the "Heartsong Presents Inspirational Romance" series. She captivates and addresses the deeper meaning between life and faith.

Reviews

[Libby · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had fun reading this out loud to my daughters. I can’t remember if this was recommended somewhere or if I got it accidentally but I like the concept of this series- enough to go back to the first book and work our way through. Definitely a “living” way to learn about specific events in American history- this one about the grain shortage and riots in Boston in pre-revolution, American colonial times. It’s cute that the next story is later on in the life of a character who appears as a toddler in this one. My 10 and 12 year old likes it and requested that I get more from the series. It’s very wholesome and Christian, which I wasn’t expecting. I appreciate that they touch on the opinions of both sides of the grain riot, not making one side seem obviously right or wrong, allowing the reader to consider for themselves.

[Daniel Gaul · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beth's POV on the events of Boston were quite interesting!

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the sixth book in The American Adventure series. This series tells about the lives of children from many generations of a fictional family throughout American history, from the settling of Plymouth by the Pilgrims through the end of World War II.

It's 1713, and Queen Anne's War is finally almost over after eleven long years, but for twelve-year-old Beth Smith, her family, and the other residents of Boston, life remains difficult. A fire destroyed much of the town a year and a half ago, and many people have lost their homes and businesses. The Smith family was lucky that their home was not destroyed, but times are still hard, and they do not have as much money as they once did. Life is even harder for Beth's best friend Martha. Her mother was widowed in the war, and is having difficulty supporting Martha and her little brother. Beth resents that she must do chores and care for Robert, her widowed older sister's little son, but she knows her life is easy compared to Martha's. When grain shortages cause riots in Boston, will the peace everyone waited so long for be destroyed?

Young readers who enjoy historical fiction set in colonial times, or who enjoyed other books from the American Adventure series, will most likely enjoy this book. It brings to life the everyday life of a young girl in Colonial Boston. I look forward to reading more books from this series. I really like how all the books in this series feature characters from the same family, and make references to events of previous books.

[Marius B · Rating 3 out of 5]

Previously in the series: Queen Anne's War (#5)

Set in 1713, Danger in the Harbor chronicles the continuing journey of the Smith family,
-of their picking up the pieces after a fire swept through Boston
-of their watching riots due to grain shortages occur close to home,
-and of their living through the end of the eleven year long Queen Anne's War.

You again follow the views of the two youngest Smith children - Will (14) and Beth (12). Will and Beth go through relatable struggles of dealing with responsibility, obedience, and worry.

Historical figures involved/mentioned in the story include Queen Anne of England and a few easter eggs...

Up next in the series: Smallpox Strikes! (The American Adventure #7)

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

Riots because of no flour to make bread....could it happen again?