The Three Gold Doubloons

by Edith Thacher Hurd

Tom drew back into the shadow of the wall, for at that moment, the gate opened and two of the governor’s black horses appeared pulling a large wagon behind them. Tom could just make out the dark forms of several men crouching low on the seat. The horses’ hoofs must have been padded, for they scarcely made a sound even on the cobblestones of the courtyard.

This wonderful tale follows the adventures of a printer's apprentice, Tom Cartwright, in colonial Williamsburg. Not only is Tom caught up in an exciting historical time period, but also in an engaging plot. With skillful writing, the author weaves in inspiring messages, such as how kind actions to those who don't deserve them can come back to bless you in the most unexpected ways.

"When I read this book, I knew it was one that needed to be brought back to the world. It has everything that makes a worthy high literary, moral, educational, and entertainment value. If you are a parent that likes to feed your child's minds with literature that uplifts and teaches, this book is a wonderful choice."

Recommended for ages 13-18/Grade 7-12

The Mission of The Good and the Beautiful Library
-To bring back wholesome, high-quality books that were previously hard or impossible to find
-To offer new, uplifting literature and clean-language versions of worthy classics
-Give parents a place to buy books that are always clean, uplifting, and of the highest value

Genres: Historical Fiction, American History

133 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1954

Reviews

[Victoria (hotcocoaandbooks) · Rating 2 out of 5]

Uhh. There felt like the story didn't really have much of an ending at all. This was not that great of a book, though it had some deep historical stuff in it, so I suggest reading this to kids who are 10 and older (which mine are, so they got it). I feel the story had too many holes in it and the plot was weak. I had to read this to my sons with their curriculum and it was definitely one that made us all yawn a bit. It wasn't a fun children's book, I'll put it that way.

[★Ashli★ · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read it as a recommendation for our history term. It was a good fictional book placed in a nonfictional setting of the country claiming its independence. More perhaps could have been added but it was a good way to get into the mindset of that era and did provide perspectives not always seen in textbooks. I did like how it showed how some people were against America gaining its independence from Britain because it always is presented as if everyone here wanted free from "tyranny" but that is not true. There are two sides to every story. In the end of course they all for the most part want freedom but I have been interested lately in the other side especially with our current times. This book only briefly touched on an aspect of it. It held my child's attention.

Recommend for:
- Ages 7+
- homeschool
- history study: America, the revolution

[Nicole Thomas · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this with my kids for American History class. There were things I really liked about the book, especially that history was woven into a story form so it was entertaining for the kids. They did like it for the most part & asked to read more each night. For me I felt like the story line fell short & could have been better written. The ending especially felt inconclusive. The book could have gone on a bit longer to finish off the story. Did Mr. Purdie die? Did Tom take over the print shop? Did Tom have to fight in the Revolutionary War? Did Tom & James ever make amends? The story could have had more climax & excitement, and definitely a better ending.

[Danielle Jackson · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 rounded up. I read this to my boys. I love learning about history through reading stories like this. So much better than from a history book. This story made it fun and exciting to learn about some of the things that led up to the signing of the declaration of Independence.

Entertainment value: 4
Moral value: 4
Educational value: 5
Literary value: 3

[Tranylle · Rating 3 out of 5]

Way too much of an info dump for my elementary kids. The language used was also too advanced so I’d have to stop and explain it to them often. Really difficult to keep their interest when it seemed like the main storyline was just background for the historical info.

[Bridget · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great Revolutionary War era historical fiction that drops you in colonial Williamsburg before the war as seen through the eyes and experiences of a printer’s apprentice. Highly recommend for learning more about this time period along with your children/students!

[April · Rating 2 out of 5]

There was a little bit of mystery, but honestly, it felt lacking. Didn't really give us a good feel for what colonial Williamsburg was like. This book seemed like every time it was about to get interesting, that was it and nothing more was said.

[Tonya · Rating 2 out of 5]

I read this aloud to my kids as part of their history curriculum. It was an ok book. Nothing overly exciting or terribly boring. For such a short book, it took us a long time to get through it. And thank goodness we finally finished.

[Jaden Collins · Rating 2 out of 5]

I liked this book although I would've liked a different ending possibly. And I wish there was more mentioned of his mother. Mrs. Peachy is probably my favorite she is sweet and kind. Over all a good book a fictional story in a nonfictional setting. the only other thing is I wish there was just a bit more details in the book especially about the print making process I think it would've been cool to explore that a bit more.

[Anna Murdock · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this with the twins, we all liked it, there was a lot of history, and some good messages.

[Inspiration Station · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great message of forgiveness and 2nd chances. A little slow at times, but Patrick Henry's stirring speech really came alive for me while reading this aloud to my son.

[Stephanie VanAlmen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such an enjoyable look at Colonial Williamsburg and the beginnings of the American Revolution.

[Mary · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a read aloud for our homeschool history course. It was okay - I like the idea of weaving historical events into a fictional story, but the storyline was kind of clumsy.

[Holly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read for history with my kids. Great resource for learning about the late 1800s, especially about the print shop. The pacing is a little slow.

[Sydney · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book had so much detail that I could imagine tom right next to me. Well Done!