The Young Man And The Sea (Paperback)

by Rodman Philbrick (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal
Grade 5-8--A 12-year-old protagonist replaces Ernest Hemingway's elderly Santiago in this takeoff on the classic novelette, set this time in coastal Maine. Skiff has lost his mother and, since her death, his father, once a hardworking fisherman locally known for his skills with a harpoon, has sunken into such deep, beer-soaked despair that his son can't seem to rouse him off the couch. As Skiff tries to single-handedly stem the rising tide of slovenly decay threatening to swamp what's left of his family, he also must contend with Tyler Croft, a bullying rich kid who sabotages his efforts to get ahead. Things seem entirely hopeless until the day he sees a giant tuna hauled in from offshore and sold for a large sum as a source for premium sushi. The fish literally and symbolically embodies all of Skiff's ambitions for a better life, and he decides to try to catch one using just a 10-foot plywood boat and a harpoon created by his father. As in The Old Man and the Sea, the ensuing adventure is told through an inner dialogue, one in which Skiff sometimes imagines he is speaking to his mother. This excellent maritime bildungsroman has all of the makings of a juvenile classic: wide-open adventure, heart-pounding suspense, and just the right amount of tear-jerking pathos, all neatly wrapped up in an ending that--unlike its namesake's--is purely triumphant. A great read-aloud, a natural for classroom use, and a must-have for all collections.--Jeffrey Hastings, Highlander Way Middle School, Howell, MI
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

From Booklist
Gr. 5-6. Philbrick, author of Freak the Mighty (1993), channels Hemingway but adds a more conventional happy ending in this mesmerizing boy-meets-big-fish tale. Of his recently dead mother's three rules--think smart, speak true, and never give up--Skiff Beaman has taken only the last two to heart. With his dad reduced to a grieving drunk and their fishing boat needing thousands of dollars in repairs, Skiff goes for death in the afternoon, chugging out into the Maine fog in a 10-foot skiff on a quixotic quest to harpoon a valuable bluefin. Thirty miles out to sea, he meets his monster tuna. In the best survival-story tradition, Skiff's account will leave readers as exhausted as he becomes; battling his quarry and then bringing it in takes every ounce of courage and endurance that he can muster. For seasoning, Philbrick adds a supportive cast of older neighbors and a bully, then demonstrates that the sun also rises by finishing Skiff's ordeal with the boy wrapped in his reformed father's arms. A moveable feast for fans of Gary Paulsen, or nautical adventures in general. John Peters
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 9-12
  
• Paperback: 192 pages
• Publisher: Scholastic Paperbacks (May 1, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0439368308
• ISBN-13: 978-0439368308
• Product Dimensions: 7.4 x 5.1 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars See all reviews (32 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #244,236 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Young Man and the Sea, June 14, 2006

By	Drama/English teacher "RD" (Orlando, FL) - See all my reviews

After reading this book almost a year ago (and rating it a 4 star book), then discussing it in my classes and letting it ferment a while in my noggin, I am moving my rating to 5 stars. This book resonates.

This may, in fact, be a good introduction to young adult novel for boys (especially those who do not like to read). The characters are relatively familiar, but still new. The writing style is superb throughout.

If I were one of those Hollywood producers for, let's say Nickelodeon Films, I would acquire the rights to this one immediately. It deserves to be made into one of those low budget, character-driven pieces than tell a personal story of a boy having to accomplish something personally significant to himself.

I heartily recommend this book.

9 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Young Man and the Sea, September 1, 2004

By	English teacher (Rhode Island) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Young Man And The Sea (Hardcover)

As an English teacher of 12 years, I have read countless books and I can truly say that this is an excellent, well written novel! My young son, who loves fishing and the ocean, loved this book. I was impressed with the quality of writing. The very first sentence of the book hooks you in. This is the ONLY book my son actually read w/o me having to tell him it was time for reading practice. (My son is in 3rd grade and the book was fine. It would also be good for anyone; I enjoyed it!)

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars The Young Man And The Sea, December 21, 2006

A Kid's Review

Skiff Beaman is in a boatload of problems. First, his mom dies, His dad is as lazy as a sack of potatoes, and to top it all of his boat sinks, so little Skiff goes on a mission to turn his whole life around.
All is well, until he runs into a problem with money. The Young Man and the Sea is by Rodman Philbrick. Never did he give away the amazing ending.
Little Skiff has to find a way to get the money he needs for the engine of his boat. One day while Skiff is at the dock, he finds a man that just caught a giant tuna for millions of dollars. All he has to do is catch a giant tuna, bring back to town, and sell it. The only thing stopping him is Tyler Croft.
The next night, Skiff sets out in his 10-foot boat to catch the biggest fish in the world. While On his way he runs into many problems, in fact he comes close to death. All Skiff is doing, is praying he doesn't become the fish food.
Will Skiff be the richest kid in town? Will he even make it back home with a giant tuna at 30 miles out to sea with a bucket of bait, a harpoon, and three PB&J sandwiches?
This book is mostly for boys, and tells you; never let anyone put you down. It is a very adventures book, and I highly recommend it to readers everywhere.