
Reach for this book when your child expresses a desire for independence or feels intimidated by a massive goal. It is an ideal pick for the middle-grade reader who loves history but finds dense textbooks uninspiring. Through the immersive and atmospheric format of a graphic novel, Matt Phelan brings to life three true stories of Victorian-era adventurers who set out to circle the globe. The book explores the internal grit required to face the unknown. From Thomas Stevens on his high-wheel bicycle to Nellie Bly's race against time and Joshua Slocum's solitary voyage, the stories highlight resilience and the quiet moments of doubt that accompany great courage. It is a sophisticated yet accessible work that encourages children to see the world as a place of endless possibility, while validating the loneliness and fear that often come with being a pioneer.
Joshua Slocum deals with aging and the loss of his former life at sea.
The approach is realistic and secular. It touches on loneliness, the physical toll of travel, and historical prejudices (such as Bly encountering poverty or Stevens facing hostile crowds), but these are handled with a gentle, observational tone. The resolution for all three is hopeful and grounded in personal achievement.
A 10-year-old who feels "stuck" or small and needs to see how individual willpower can shrink the world. It is also perfect for visual learners who enjoy cinematic storytelling with minimal dialogue.
The book can be read cold. Parents should be prepared to discuss the historical context of the late 1800s, particularly how much more disconnected the world felt before the internet. A parent might choose this after hearing their child say, "I can't do this, it's too hard," or seeing a child struggle with the isolation of starting a new, daunting project.
Younger readers (age 9) will focus on the physical adventure and the "cool factor" of the vehicles. Older readers (12-13) will likely resonate more with the internal struggles, such as Slocum's grief and aging or Bly's defiance of gender norms.
Unlike many historical graphic novels that are text-heavy, Phelan uses a "silent film" aesthetic. The watercolor art conveys more emotion and geography than words ever could, making the vastness of the world feel tangible.
The book is divided into three distinct but tonally linked narratives following real historical figures at the end of the nineteenth century. Thomas Stevens crosses continents on a penny-farthing bicycle, facing harsh terrain and local suspicion. Nellie Bly, a determined journalist, attempts to beat the fictional record of Phileas Fogg, battling Victorian societal expectations as much as the clock. Joshua Slocum, a retired captain, seeks a new sense of purpose by sailing solo around the world in a small sloop.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
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