Carry On, Mr. Bowditch facts for kids
First edition cover
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| Author | Jean Lee Latham |
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| Cover artist | John O'Hara Cosgrave II |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
| Series | none |
| Genre | Children's novel, biographical |
| Publisher | Houghton Mifflin |
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Publication date
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9 September 1955 |
| Media type | Print (hardback & paperback) |
| Pages | 251 |
| ISBN | 0-395-06881-9 |
| OCLC | 15814480 |
Carry On, Mr. Bowditch is an exciting book written by Jean Lee Latham. It won a special award called the Newbery Medal in 1956. This book tells the true story of Nathaniel Bowditch, a brilliant sailor and mathematician. He created a huge and important guide for sailors called The American Practical Navigator. Get ready for an amazing adventure filled with learning and discovery!
Contents
The Story of Nat Bowditch
The story begins in Salem, Massachusetts, during the time of the American Revolutionary War. We meet a young boy named Nat Bowditch. He is the smallest in his family, but he has a huge talent for math. His schoolteacher is amazed by how good he is with numbers.
Early Life and Challenges
Nat dreams of going to Harvard University one day. However, his family faces tough financial times. This means Nat has to leave school early. He starts working in his father's cooperage, making barrels.
Even this hard work is not enough for his family. So, Nat's family arranges for him to become an indentured servant. This means he has to work for nine years as a clerk in a ship supply store, called a chandlery. He won't get paid much, but his family will get money upfront.
A Thirst for Knowledge
Nat is determined to keep learning, even as a servant. During his nine years as a clerk, he teaches himself many subjects. He studies advanced math like trigonometry and calculus. He also learns languages like Latin and French. He uses every spare moment to read and learn.
Life at Sea
After his time as a servant ends, Nat gets a job as a surveyor. Soon, he becomes an officer on merchant ships. He also works as a supercargo, managing the ship's cargo. His voyages take him to many different ports around the world.
Sometimes, his journeys bring him close to the wars happening in the newly formed United States. As a navigator, Nat notices something important. Many of the navigation books used by sailors have serious mistakes. These errors could be very dangerous at sea.
Creating a New Guide
Nat decides he must create a new, more accurate book of navigation data. He uses his own experiences to make it better. He also helps educate the sailors working under him. He adds information to his book that helps sailors with less schooling learn navigation.
Eventually, Nat becomes a ship captain. He faces his biggest navigation challenge yet. He uses his knowledge and his new book to guide his ship safely. His work helps countless sailors find their way across the vast oceans.
