“Rich and alluring…With exceptional skill, Fleischman evokes an aura of days gone by through a series of interrelated vignettes. Offering lyrical prose, resonant themes, and a tragicomic tone, this story will captivate those who seek a challenging and enlightening read.” Publishers Weekly
Description
It is December 1681, and the words of Mr. Baggot, the tithingman, terrify young William. William is living a strange double life. By day he is a printer's apprentice living in a white man's house. By night, he is Weetasket of the Narraganset tribe who must risk Baggot's wrath to search for his lost brother. Then comes the winter celebration of the Saturnalia—the ancient Roman holiday on which masters and slaves trade roles. Will William's secrets be revealed? And what dark deeds of others will be brought to light on this fateful night?
Praise
“Rich and alluring…With exceptional skill, Fleischman evokes an aura of days gone by through a series of interrelated vignettes. Offering lyrical prose, resonant themes, and a tragicomic tone, this story will captivate those who seek a challenging and enlightening read.” Publishers Weekly
“Melodious writing, revealing images, and a colorful, outlandish cast characterize this unusual novel that revels in surprises.” School Library Journal
“Delightful…Fleischman’s entertaining caricatures of such colonists as the piggish wigmaker and his devious, brazen manservant will bring many chuckles as the plot moves seriously through one narrow escape from danger after another. Readers enjoying a challenge will read straight through this short book and learn of prejudice in colonial life as well as bravery and character.” Children’s Literature
Details
| Language | English |
|---|---|
| Release Day | May 31, 2013 |
| Release Date | June 1, 2013 |
| Release Date Machine | 1370044800 |
| Imprint | Blackstone Publishing |
| Provider | Blackstone Publishing |
| Categories | Children's Books, Geography & Cultures, History, Children/YA, Children 8-12, Fiction - All, Fiction - Child |
Author Bio
Paul Fleischman has written more than twenty-five books for children and young adults. He received a Newbery Medal for Joyful Noise and a Newbery Honor for Graven Images. His novel Whirligig was named a Best Book of the Year by Publishers Weekly, School Library Journal, and Booklist. His Breakout was a finalist for the National Book Award.
Narrator Bio
Charlie Thurston is an actor and Earphones Award–winning narrator. He holds an MFA in acting from Brown University / Trinity Rep and has appeared on stages across the country with Trinity Repertory Company, Chautauqua Theater Company, Creede Rep, and at Riverside Theatre and Redmoon Theater, among others. His favorite roles include Edgar in The Completely Fictional—Utterly True—Final Strange Tale of Edgar Allan Poe, Stephen in The Long Christmas Ride Home, Tuzenbach in The Three Sisters, and Tony in You Can’t Take It with You.
Overview
It is December 1681, and the words of Mr. Baggot, the tithingman, terrify young William. William is living a strange double life. By day he is a printer's apprentice living in a white man's house. By night, he is Weetasket of the Narraganset tribe who must risk Baggot's wrath to search for his lost brother. Then comes the winter celebration of the Saturnalia—the ancient Roman holiday on which masters and slaves trade roles. Will William's secrets be revealed? And what dark deeds of others will be brought to light on this fateful night?
Reviews
Write Your Own Review