The Great Quest facts for kids
The Great Quest is an exciting adventure novel for children written by Charles Boardman Hawes. It was published in 1921 and features illustrations by George Varian. In 1922, the book was recognized as a Newbery Honor recipient, which is a special award for excellent children's literature.
Story Summary
The adventure begins in 1826 in a made-up town called Topham, located in Massachusetts. A man named Cornelius "Neal" Gleazen, who used to be friends with Seth Woods when they were kids, suddenly comes back to town. Neal convinces Seth and his 20-year-old nephew, Josiah "Joe" Woods, to join him on a risky sea trip. They are told they will be looking for a hidden treasure.
Seth's two store clerks, Arnold Lamont and Sim Muzzy, also join the group. So does a farmer named Abraham Guptil. Neal had forced Seth to take Abraham's farm because Abraham couldn't pay his loan. This was done to get money for the trip.
When the travelers arrive in Cuba, they discover there is no treasure. Instead, Neal's real plan is to take people from Guinea in Africa and force them into a life of servitude. Joe, Seth, and the others finally get a chance to take control of the ship from Neal when they reach Africa. While there, they help a missionary's daughter who is in danger. She is with a local person from the Fantee group. Both of them join the crew on their journey back to Massachusetts, traveling through South America. However, Arnold Lamont decides to stay behind in Valparaiso.
Awards and Recognition
The Great Quest was given a special mention by the Newbery committee in 1922. This was the very first year the Newbery Award was given out. The Newbery Award celebrates the best children's books published in America.
At first, a group of children's librarians voted for the award. The book The Story of Mankind by Hendrik van Loon won that year with 163 votes. The Great Quest came in second place with 22 votes. Later, in 1971, all books that were runners-up like The Great Quest were officially changed to "Honor Awards."
