We just finished up in our home school reading a truly amazing book. Though for young readers, I can attest to the fact that it’s entertaining–and inspiring–for any age.
Carry On, Mr. Bowditch is the Newbery Award-winning novel based on the life of Nathaniel Bowditch, a man who truly embodies the American dream. From a boy in poverty during the Revolution to a man of wealth, respect, and honor, Bowditch changed the world, and his own life, by nothing but sheer determination…and a fair dose of brilliance.
A quote from the book that had a profound impact on the character of Nat:
“When a ship is becalmed–the wind died down–she can’t move–sometimes the sailors break out their oars…oars are made of ash. So–when you get ahead by your own get-up-and-get–that’s when you sail by ash breeze.”
Some would have said Nat was becalmed when his father indentured him at the age of 12. But he pulled out his oars instead.
If you want to learn more about him, hop over to where I talk about he forever changed the world on Colonial Quills!
Roseanna M. White is a bestselling, Christy Award winning author who has long claimed that words are the air she breathes. When not writing fiction, she’s homeschooling her two kids, editing, designing book covers, and pretending her house will clean itself. Roseanna is the author of a slew of historical novels that span several continents and thousands of years. Spies and war and mayhem always seem to find their way into her books…to offset her real life, which is blessedly ordinary.