About This Book
Reach for this book when your child is standing on the precipice of a new challenge and needs to see that bravery is something you build, not something you are born with. It is a perfect fit for a young reader who feels small in a big world or who is beginning to crave more independence and responsibility. Set against the backdrop of a 19th-century whaling expedition, the story follows Otis as he transitions from a nervous beginner to a capable member of a ship's crew. It balances the grit of historical labor with the wonder of the natural world. Through Otis's eyes, children learn that being scared is a natural part of any great adventure and that perseverance is the key to finding one's place in a community.
What Parents Should Know
Sensitive Topics
The book addresses the hunting of whales with historical accuracy. The approach is secular and realistic. While it depicts the danger of the sea and the reality of the whaling industry, the tone remains appropriate for the 7 to 9 age range, focusing more on the labor and survival than on graphic violence.
