1 of 1 copy available
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Creators
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Publisher
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Release date
June 1, 2017 -
Formats
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OverDrive Listen audiobook
- ISBN: 9781338250015
- File size: 250126 KB
- Duration: 08:41:05
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Languages
- English
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Levels
- Lexile® Measure: 620
- Text Difficulty: 2-3
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Reviews
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January 6, 2014
Billy Bartram is excited when his father invites him to join an epic expedition across 1750s North America. But Billy gets more than he bargained for when the party encounters Native Americans, rival explorers, and a bear-wolf. Narrator McWade makes the journey a smooth one for listeners, and his passionate delivery ensures a memorable trip. McWade’s subtle performance may fool listeners at first—he offers only slight shifts in tone and pacing to interpret most of Kirby’s colorful characters. But the narrator has plenty of surprises up his sleeve, throwing in several over-the-top character renditions. The result is an entertaining listening experience that will whisk listeners to another time and place where danger lurks at every corner and mystery abounds. Ages 8-12. A Scholastic hardcover. -
July 8, 2013
Continuing to explore new ground and ideas, Kirby (Icefall) mixes American myth with characters based on historical figures in an imaginative story set in 1750s North America. Billy Bartram is thrilled when his father allows him to come along on a westward expedition, but he never dreamed the journey would involve a secret philosophical society, a flying vessel crewed by geniuses, and a mythical kingdom founded by an ancient Welsh prince, which could hold allies against the encroaching French. The trip doesn’t go as planned, though, with a suspected traitor aboard, the French in hot pursuit, hostile Native Americans on the ground, and a deadly bear-wolf stalking them. While taking some liberties, Kirby skillfully draws on 18th-century beliefs, legends, and personages to construct a historical fantasy that touches on the scientific disciplines of the era to create wonders both natural and manmade. The only drawback is a necessary adherence to less-than-admirable views toward women and minorities on the part of certain characters, but even this serves to push both the story and Billy forward. Ages 8–12. Agent: Stephen Fraser, Jennifer DeChiara Literary Agency. -
An alternate history adventure features a steampunk addition. Billy is excited to be joining his father and the members of his philosophical society on a search for a lost civilization by airship. Narrator Charlie McWade reflects the author's thoughtful prose with a pensive tone. He takes his time with the narration, building the sense of adventure with his contemplative voice. McWade gives distinct voices to the wide range of characters, from young and childlike to older and playful. A fun-filled adventure for the whole family will especially engage young listeners with its rich detail and history. S.B.T. (c) AudioFile 2013, Portland, Maine -
December 1, 2013
Gr 4-9-In 1753, Billy Bartram and his naturalist father John, members of the American Philosophical Society, set out to find the lost Kingdom of Madoc, a centuries-old settlement rumored to be on the frontier. They encounter more danger than expected on their journey. Flying across the frontier in the airship di Terzi, they meet a young George Washington, but also a dangerous group of French troops who want to take over their airship. To make matters worse, they also encounter incognitum (mastodons), bear-wolves, and a possible traitor onboard. Will Billy and his father find the Kingdom of Madoc? Will they figure out who the traitor is before it's too late? Narrator Charlie McWade masterfully draws listeners into Kirby's tale (Scholastic, 2013). His unique character voices are skillful, and sound effects and music enhance the story. This one's for fans of steampunk, historical fiction, and adventure as well as Scott Westerfeld's "Leviathan" trilogy.-Jessica Moody, Olympus Junior High School, Holladay, UT
Copyright 2013 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.
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