CUTLASS IN THE SNOW

by Elizabeth Shub ‧ RELEASE DATE: March 17, 1986

For young readers, a simply told tale based on an incident which took place in the Campbell family of Long Island in 1797. On an expedition to Fire Island to pick holly for Christmas, Sam and his grandfather are delayed by bad weather and spend the night in their boat. During the night, they see lights moving about on the island. Come morning, they explore the area and discover first a pirate's cutlass embedded in the snow and then, using the cutlass to dig, a chest of gold. The author adds that the story of the discovery was handed down in the Campbell family till no one believed it anymore; then, in this century, one of the gold pieces and other evidence were discovered, proving the story true. A rather tame narrative, lacking both the excitement that might have given a pirate story wide appeal and the humor that marks Jean Fritz's historical biographies for this age level. Isadora's beautifully designed black and white illustrations echo the gentle tone of the story. Acceptable if more materials are needed at this level; of regional interest.

Pub Date: March 17, 1986

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: -

Publisher: Greenwillow

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Feb. 15, 1986

Categories: CHILDREN'S