Attack of the Turtle [Paperback]

Drew Carlson (Author), David A. Johnson (Illustrator)

Book Description

Age Level: 9 and up | Grade Level: 4 and up

Its 1776, and the Revolutionary War is raging. Fourteen-year-old Nathan Wade is a patriot, but hes too young to join the fight. Then his cousin David Bushnell comes to town with a secret. David has designed a water machine that can explode bombs underwater. And his mission is to launch it against the British warships in New York harbor. Nate reluctantly agrees to help David build the weapon of war - dubbed the American Turtle. Although hes terrified of water and worried about getting caught, when unlikely circumstances put Nate at the center of the action, he must face the murky waters of his fears head-on. Based on actual historical events, this adventure story captures the drama of the first submarine used in naval warfare and the struggles of a teenager overcoming self-doubt.

Editorial Reviews

From Booklist

At the story's opening in 1776, 14-year-old Nate fears two things: a swaggering local bully and (despite being a fisherman's son) water. When David Bushnell asks his help in building a secret weapon for the Continental army, Nate readily agrees, although he dreads crossing the Connecticut River to their hidden workshop each night. They finally journey to New York to deliver Bushnell's invention, the Turtle--a submarine designed to attach bombs to ships' hulls. There Nate tests his mettle under fire and even underwater. Sensitive, fine line drawings appear at chapter headings. As Carlson discusses in the appended author's note, the novel is based on actual events: although Nate's story is fictionalized, Bushnell did invent and construct the Turtle, the first submarine to be used in warfare. Though Nate makes for a sympathetic character and the plot is well constructed, the actual tale of the Turtle is quite involving, too. Readers intrigued by the history may also enjoy Arthur Lefkowitz's Bushnell's Submarine (2006) and Sally M. Walker's Secrets of a Civil War Submarine (2005). Carolyn Phelan
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

About the Author

Drew Carlson is a former magazine columnist, newspaper reporter, corporate writer, and editor who currently works as the director of public affairs for the Federation of State Medical Boards in Dallas, Texas. Drew says his fascination with obscure facts from American history led him to write Attack of the Turtle, which is his first published novel.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 9 and up
  
• Paperback: 149 pages
• Publisher: Eerdmans Books for Young Readers (February 2, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0802853382
• ISBN-13: 978-0802853387
• Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 6 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #314,643 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #90 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Children's Books > People & Places > Biographies > United States

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Attack of the Turtle: A Great Read and Much More!, April 11, 2007

By 

B. Brandt "Reader and Teacher" (Houston, Texas United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Attack of the Turtle (Hardcover)

I am an adult who happens to love children's literature and also history. Consequently, I read Attack of the Turtle. It is similar to the American Girls historical novels but for boys of the same age group, something that has not been available thus far. (Girls will also enjoy the book, however!) Turtle is well written, interesting, and engaging. When I had finished the book, I found myself wanting to know more--both about the characters the author created so well and about the historical events represented. I have a young niece who also read the book, and she agreed that, afterward, she wanted to know more. An author who encourages people of all ages to want MORE has created something magical, in my opinion. I hope Mr. Carlson has many more stories in mind!

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Teacher's Grade: A-, August 1, 2009

By 

N. Bilmes "bookaholic" (Vernon, CT United States) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Attack of the Turtle (Paperback)

For anyone who likes history, "Attack of the Turtle" is going to be a treat. Drew Carlson has crafted an exciting story around the creation of the first submarine ever used in battle, and his use of historical detail and figures from history (including Ben Franklin & George Washington) during the Revolutionary War is well-done and believeable. The main character is not based on any real-life person, but provides a recognizable anchor for any kids reading this book. The battle scenes are good, the dialogue is excellent, and 'Attack of the Turtle' is a good book to either read aloud, or have 4-7th graders read on their own.

5.0 out of 5 stars love it !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!, January 26, 2012

By 

Ethan - See all my reviews

This review is from: Attack of the Turtle (Hardcover)

this book is awsome I have mixed emonitons when Nate joins the army at 14 that it is crazy who munch i love this book I mean the auther did a fantactic, fabuals and incradible job!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! and i havent finshed the book yet im at the part where joins the army i love it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!