Clumsy, diffident Dick Mount and clever Maggie Gordon live in isolated clearings in New York’s Mohawk Valley. Both just sixteen, they are young and inexperienced—and unprepared for the tragedies that will befall them. When Dick’s brothers are killed by marauding Indians in the fall of 1777, and Maggie’s father falls desperately ill, they must turn to each other to face the perils of the time.
Based on the true story of the Mount boys who were killed by Indians, Wilderness Clearing is a rousing story well told by Newbery Medal winner Walter D. Edmonds.
In this classic short story, Newbery Medal–winning author Walter D. Edmonds tells the story of Uncle Ben, who, free of his domineering wife for a spell, finds a whale in the bay while out with his friend Henry. When they bring it back with them, they discover they can earn a little cash by turning it into a side show attraction.
An absorbing, deeply moving adventure story from the Newbery Medal–winning author of The Matchlock Gun
When John Haskell’s father dies, he leaves behind a mountain of debt for his family to overcome. John had never given much thought to his father’s financial iniquities, but now he finds himself faced with the responsibility of paying back those who are owed.
With the aid of an Indian trapper, John sets about the hard work of clearing his family’s name. Through two harsh winters he goes fur trapping—and emerges a man on the other side.
“His story has the quality of good homespun, a valuable quality in these days of sleazy fabrics. There is in it the same simplicity and craftsmanship, and the same durability.”—New York Times, 1943
This tale from Newbery Medal–winning author Walter D. Edmonds is based on a story found in Lydia Maria Child’s Letters from New York.
An adventuresome youth determined to travel the world, Tom Whipple leaves his mother in New York and signs up for sea duty on a ship bound for Russia. As he sails, he makes up his mind to see the czar—and to present him with a gift.
“His story has the quality of good homespun, a valuable quality in these days of sleazy fabrics. There is in it the same simplicity and craftsmanship, and the same durability.”—New York Times, 1943
“A story to be cherished because it illustrates the resourcefulness and the single-minded courage which are the heritage of the free-born.”—New York Times, 1942
In 1756, New York State was still a British colony, and the French and the Indians were constant threats to young Edward and his family. When his father was called away to watch for a raid from the north, only Edward was left to protect Mama and little Trudy. His father had shown him how to use the huge matchlock gun, an old Spanish gun that was twice as long as he was, but would Edward be able to handle it if trouble actually came?
Originally published in 1941, The Matchlock Gun is a timeless classic.
Cadmus Henry, mounted on one of the finest mares in Virginia and perfectly turned out from head to toe, dreams of charging intrepidly into battle under the orders of General Lee himself. Unfortunately, young Cadmus can write and is therefore assigned to a desk. But when an unexpected chance to volunteer for scout duty presents itself, Cadmus jumps at it. He learns too late that that, rather than riding into battle and proving himself a hero, he will be floating over enemy lines in a balloon. Despite his reservations, Cadmus sets out on what proves to be a fine adventure.
With plenty of excitement and tender moments, Newbery Medal winner Walter D. Edmonds’ Cadmus Henry is a well-crafted tale for readers young and old.
“Written with verve and insight, characterized by superior craftsmanship and sound historical knowledge, this story ranks among the best of the author’s works.”—New York Times
This collection features seven tales inspired by America’s colorful history, from colonial times to the early twentieth century, including the Newbery Medal winner The Matchlock Gun.
In The Matchlock Gun, young Edward must protect his family from marauding Indians when his father is called away. In Two Logs Crossing, John Haskell spends two harsh winters fur trapping with a wise Indian to pay off his father’s tremendous debt. And in Tom Whipple, an adventuresome youth leaves his mother in New York and signs up for sea duty on a ship bound for Russia, where he hopes to meet the czar. Other stories include Wilderness Clearing, Cadmus Henry, Water Never Hurt a Man, and Uncle Ben’s Whale.
