The Invasion of Sandy Bay

October 1, 2008
Grades 5-8 Since his fathers death made farming impractical, Lemuel and his mother have lived in a Massachusetts fishing village, but he still feels like an outsider there. When a British frigate pulls into Sandy Bay, the events that follow call upon his courage andhis common sense. Readers need no background in the War of 1812 to recognize the threat presented by a large warship approaching a small town or to understand the fears and hopes that drive Lemuels choices, both good and bad. Clearly Sanchez has researched the period well, but the history never overwhelms the narrative. Instead, details of daily life make the story more believable. In a very readable nine-page afterword, Sanchez separates truth from fiction and discusses the novels historical background as well as her research. A source bibliography is appended. History buffs will enjoy reading a war story that is so well grounded in actual events.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2008, American Library Association.)