Powder Monkey

Thirteen-year-old Sam Witchall has always dreamed of being a sailor, but he never realized how dangerous and gruesome life at sea could be until he is pressed into service aboard HMSMiranda. Beginning his naval career as a Â"powder monkeyÂ"Â--assisting the gun crews on the warshipÂ--Sam learns the ropes of sailing and how to cope with enemies both foreign and onboard theMirandaherself. With enough battles, storms, and shipwrecks to thrill young fans of the Master and Commander series, this rousing historical adventure introduces a new generation to an exciting era, when a lowly powder monkey could grow up to be a hero.

A former editor, Paul Dowswell is the author or co-author of over 50 acclaimed nonfiction books for children on historical and scientific topics. This is his first work of fiction. He lives in Wolverhampton, England, with his wife and daughter.