What do you think?
Rate this book
Zenas and the Shaving Mill
A young Quaker boy relates how he eludes the ships of both the British and the rebels while sailing to Nantucket with supplies.
44 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1976
About the author
F.N. Monjo
30 books4 followersF.N. Monjo. Ferdinand Nicolas Monjo (1924-1978) was a children's novelist and editor. After graduating from Columbia University, he worked in editorial positions at several major children's publishing companies, including Simon & Schuster's Golden Books and American Heritage's Junior Library.
His grandfather, also named F.N. Monjo, was an Arctic furrier.
His grandfather, also named F.N. Monjo, was an Arctic furrier.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
October 30, 2021
Why is this not better known? The story is both educational and engaging. In fact, it's exciting, because not only does this peaceful Friend have to dodge both British and Americans, he's smuggling so his family doesn't starve, and he's doing so alone in a small sailboat in a shoal-ridden channel.
And the bit of history recounted is less well-known; I had never fully realized that these Nantucket whalers, being Friends, did not fight in our Revolutionary War, and were therefore despised by both main parties to it.
And the illustrations are appealing. And the author's note explains that this is all based on known history.
If I were an educator, home or classroom, I would definitely use Monjo's books. Even though I am not a fan of historical fiction, I will continue to read what works of his I can find.
And the bit of history recounted is less well-known; I had never fully realized that these Nantucket whalers, being Friends, did not fight in our Revolutionary War, and were therefore despised by both main parties to it.
And the illustrations are appealing. And the author's note explains that this is all based on known history.
If I were an educator, home or classroom, I would definitely use Monjo's books. Even though I am not a fan of historical fiction, I will continue to read what works of his I can find.
May 8, 2015
We don't swear oaths, and we don't bow down.
And we don't take our hats off for any man living.
For ain't I as good as thee ?
And we don't take up arms and go to war.
For how should I kill thee, my fellowman,
when I know thy life is as sweet to thee
as mine is dear to me ?
--- Zenas Coffin ---
Historical book is always my favorite kind of read. I usually read 'chunky' on this topic and I love it. This book, even as a relative short book (48 pages only) is still have that 'strong flavour of historic event.
I love female characters in this book, drawn as brave (Deborah Chase), pragmatic and witty (Aunt Keziah) and independent and courage (Keziah the cousin) by her remark that bring smile to my lips, "I's never let no ladies tell me who to marry, would thee ?
Most recommended for those who love history of the world.
And we don't take our hats off for any man living.
For ain't I as good as thee ?
And we don't take up arms and go to war.
For how should I kill thee, my fellowman,
when I know thy life is as sweet to thee
as mine is dear to me ?
--- Zenas Coffin ---
Historical book is always my favorite kind of read. I usually read 'chunky' on this topic and I love it. This book, even as a relative short book (48 pages only) is still have that 'strong flavour of historic event.
I love female characters in this book, drawn as brave (Deborah Chase), pragmatic and witty (Aunt Keziah) and independent and courage (Keziah the cousin) by her remark that bring smile to my lips, "I's never let no ladies tell me who to marry, would thee ?
Most recommended for those who love history of the world.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews