Sink or Swim : African-American Lifesavers of the Outer Banks

by Carole Boston Weatherford, Brad Tholen (Produced by)

This audio version of Sink or Swim- African-American Lifesavers of the Outer Banks was produced, directed, and engineered by Brad Tholen for Ziplow Productions, Inc., winners of the Publishers Weekly Listen Up Award, the Mark Time Award from ASFSCA, and the Golden Headset Award from Audio World.

Genres: History

Audio Cassette

First published December 1, 1999

About the author

Carole Boston Weatherford is a children's book author and poet who mines the past for family stories, traditions, and struggles. A number of CAROLE's books tell the stories of African-American historical figures such as Harriet Tubman, Jesse Owens, and Billie Holiday. Other books recount historical events such as the Greensboro Sit-ins and the bombing of the Sixteenth Street Baptist Church in Birmingham. CAROLE's books have received a wide variety of awards, including a Caldecott Honour for “Moses: When Harriet Tubman Led Her People To Freedom”.

Reviews

[Maura · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a wonderful book that I read on the ferry from Hatteras to Ocracoke Island, NC. However, you don't need to be on an Outer Banks trip to appreciate the valor, discipline and excellence shown by Richard Etheridge and his crew. Even as a lifelong NC resident I had no idea that there were so many shipwrecks off the Outer Banks, and that they had lifesaving crews to bravely meet shipwrecks and save everyone possible. This book details a shipwreck of nine people, all of whom were rescued successfully by the Pea Island station headed by Etheridge and his all-Black crew. These people deserved recognition far beyond any they got. Definitely a must-read, and you can read it at any age.

[LaSheba Baker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome! Richard Etheridge (1842-1900) was born into slavery, served in the Union Army and was promoted from Surfman to Keeper in the U.S. Lifesaving Service. He managed the all-black crew of Pea Island Station, North Carolina. The heroic deeds of these brave men are showcased in this book that will inspire middle-school readers and adults alike.

[Artie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A quick but informative read, intended for children but worth reading at any age.

[wildct2003 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book about Richard Etheridge

[Jessi Waugh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well written and thorough, just what you need if this is a topic of interest. Appropriate for both older kids (middle-high) and adults.

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Perfect for eighth grade NC history - a short, well-researched account of African American lifesavers on the Outer Banks. It could definitely be expanded but luckily the author has a bibliography, so you can hunt down more information.