I absolutely loved this book. From the artful writing style, to the interesting themes, the truthful insights, the admirable loveable characters, the captivating storyline, the kind, perhaps profound atmosphere of it all - there is everything to like about this book.

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Margi Preus did an excellent job of bringing a fascinating true story to the modern reader. It is good and proper that she has won a Newbery Medal for this work. Indeed, if all books for young people were this good I would not have needed to bother making this website.

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One of the themes it handles expertly is racial prejudice. It shows it for what it really is in its various facets (I will not spoil it for you by saying more), and it shows how it can be overcome - by working together and growing to respect one another. It shows the importance of each individual's character as well as the importance of our group identity.

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Two very different cultures come together aboard a ship, but the two cultures really meet in the hearts of two persons. A young boy, honest conscientious respectful, curious, and a  kind hearted captain, perceptive, honest and magnanimous. We see two people meet across differences and benefit from one another because of their open hearts and minds. The story depicts the 'special space' that is a friendship, where two people really meet and enrich one another.

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A piece of historical writing about a fascinating person. Beautifully written, always balancing the heart-breaking deep sadness of leaving your home with the adventure and intrigue of seeing a new world and meeting new people/frontiers. This is a book that brings history to life, full if humanity and wisdom. It has the bitter sweet sadness of real life about it.

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A good true story well-told is more wonderful than a fictional one. This is one of those. A book good enough to transcend the age. It is written for children but it is just as good a book for adults.

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It is a very poetic book.

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