Water Rat [Hardcover]

Marnie Laird (Author), Andrea Shine (Illustrator)

Book Description

In 1748 fourteen-year-old Matt, orphaned, crippled, teased by other boys and abused by the man he works for, seeks refuge with a surgeon's family and finds that he is well-equipped to help protect them from pirates on Delaware Bay.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 7-9-Matt, a 14-year-old orphan in Colonial America, is forced to work for an abusive tavern owner. Because of his bad leg and love of the marshes, people give the boy the nickname "Water Rat." His situation changes when he saves the life of Dr. Campbell's wife. At the first opportunity, he runs away to collect on the woman's offer of help. Living in the good doctor's house, the boy experiences similar abuse from the couple's son, who thinks Water Rat is a thief and unworthy to be there. In the course of events, Matt's Indian friend is murdered and the boy survives a pirate attack on the Campbells' Delaware farm. Although he constantly has to prove his trustworthiness, Matt's indomitable spirit and emotional reactions are moving and believable. Laird creates a real sense of place and time through well-crafted prose and vivid descriptions. A good choice for readers who love plenty of action, a solid story, and a sympathetic main character.
Bram Handwerger, Brewster High School, NY
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 185 pages
• Publisher: Winslow Pr; 1st edition (October 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1890817082
• ISBN-13: 978-1890817084
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.6 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,049,425 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Water Rat, February 8, 2002

By 

Kim Burdick (Wilmington, DE) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Water Rat (Paperback)

Every child in Delaware and beyond should own a copy of this book. We have all grown up hearing about the pirates that threatened Delaware's River and Bays. Here is an exciting adventure story about Mat Burton, a young orphan who, after accidently observing a tavern keeper rob a patron, runs away to live with a prosperous family. Mat protects his new family from pirates and discovers the secret that links his old boss to the pirates. Great story with accurate 18th century details. Takes place along what is now known as "The Coastal Heritage Greenway."

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars GREAT!, February 1, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Water Rat (Hardcover)

I loved this thoughtful and touching story of the young boy on the river. It brought you right to the time in which it took place.

3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars a real pager turner, May 17, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Water Rat (Hardcover)

Characters the reader really cares about; an action driven plot; good conquers evil. These are the ingredients that make for a great book to read. It is faced paced but carefully crafted to give the reader a flavor of life in 1748 British colonies, not yet known at the United States. We can expect much from Marnie Laired for this is her first book for young readers.