Powder Monkey by Donna M. McDine

Written By: Donna McDine

Illustrated by: K.C. Snider

Publication Date: May 20, 2013

Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc

Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, eBook



Genre: Historical Fiction/Children's Fiction (Ages 8-12)







Forced into a life at sea by the Royal Navy Press Gangs, 12-year-old Tommy Kitt finds himself in a floating sea of misery. Poor living conditions and beatings occur daily. Despite his small size, Tommy must summon the courage and physical ability to prevail in a situation he cannot escape.



Suggested age range for readers: 8-12. Free Educator Guides Available.

My review:

Four Stars

Received from Historical Fiction Virtual Book Tours for an honest review

I really enjoyed "Powder Monkey" by Donna M. McDine.  I had never heard of the "powder monkey" before and used this book as an incentive to do some research about what they actually did.  Just like the story, young children were often taken from their parents homes and sent to see to perform these terrifying and very dangerous jobs.  We see the terrifying conditions through the experience of Tommy Kitt who is also taken from his home and sent to see to become a powder monkey.  Tommy's  experience is very scary but portrays a very convincing journey about the life of these young people.  I enjoyed this story but I did find it to be a little dark.  The age recommendation is 8-12 any younger would not be appropriate.  The illustrations were very well done and helped reinforce the story.  Overall, I enjoyed and recommend this book.

Praise for Powder Monkey

"Danger. Hardship. Cannon blasts. And whips. Stolen violently into service as a boy who delivers powder to the cannons during a battle, young Tommy never sees his parents again. What adventures await him? Donna M. McDine's book, Powder Monkey, moves quickly through tense action scenes to portray realistic life during this dangerous era on the high seas." ~ Nancy I. Sanders, bestselling and award-winning children's author of Challenge on the Hill of Fire and Frederick Douglass for Kids ~ nancyisanders.com



"The saga of an age gone by, Donna McDine's Powder Monkey, ably captures the essence of what some young boys endured as impressed sailors. With pathos and honesty, this historically accurate account of Tommy Kitt's struggle to stay alive at sea, is a testimony to the author's prowess as a storyteller." ~ Nancy Stewart, Award-winning and Amazon best-selling children's author ~ http://nancystewartbooks.com



"Powder Monkey by Donna McDine, illustrated by K.C. Snider, is a heart wrenching historical fiction. The story chronicles the lives of two brothers during British naval history. The brothers are taken and forced to run powder to the cannons during battles at sea. K.C. Snider’s artwork transports the reader back to a world where innocent boys endured many hardships. Parents and teachers can certainly use the book to teach many valuable lessons about life and how it should not be taken for granted. ~Reviewed by Nicole Weaver, Award-winning Children’s Author ~ http://mysisterismybestfriend.blogspot.com/2013/11/book-review-powder-monkey-by-donna.html



"The richly detailed illustrations, by well known artist and illustrator K.C Snider, drew me back into a time when the theme of this historical novel would have been played out – press gangs kidnapping young boys for service at sea. This tale of 14 year old farm boy Tommy, and his older brother, is well told. It has the right feel. The author’s research shines through on every page. Action scenes, and well crafted tense moments pulled me into the story, and the ending was true to life in those times. This is a book that boys and tomboys will enjoy. Teachers and home schooling parents will appreciate its authentic background and vivid details: an exciting and action packed read. I recommend Powder Monkey as a book that will definitely HOOK Kids on Reading." ~ Reviewed by Margot Finke, children’s author ~ http://margotfinke.com

Buy the Book

Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc.

Amazon (Print)

Autographed Copies

Wholesale Orders

About the Author

Donna McDine is a multiple award-winning children's author, Honorable Mention in the 77th and two Honorable Mentions in the 78th Annual Writer's Digest Writing Competitions, A Sandy Grave ~ Story Monster Approved and Beach Book Festival Honorable Mention 2014, The Golden Pathway ~ Literary Classics Silver Award & Seal of Approval Recipient Picture Book Early Reader, Readers Favorite 2012 International Book Awards Honorable Mention, Global eBook Awards Finalist Children's Picture Book Fiction, and Preditors & Editors Readers Poll 2010 Top Ten Children's Books.



Her interest in ocean life resulted in writing and publishing A Sandy Grave (January 2014). Other books by McDine, Powder Monkey (May 2013), Hockey Agony (January 2013) and The Golden Pathway (August 2010). A fifth book is in the publishing pipeline with Guardian Angel Publishing. She writes and moms from her home in the historical hamlet Tappan, NY. McDine is a member of the Society of Children's Book Writers & Illustrators.



For more information please visit Donna McDine's website. You can also connect with her on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, Pinterest, and Goodreads.

Powder Monkey Blog Tour

Monday, August 25

Spotlight at So Many Precious Books, So Little Time



Wednesday, August 27

Interview & Giveaway at Let Them Read Books



Monday, September 1

Spotlight at What Is That Book About



Tuesday, September 2

Review at Book Nerd



Thursday, September 4

Review at A Leisure Moment



Monday, September 8

Review at Bookish



Tuesday, September 9

Interview at Closed the Cover



Wednesday, September 10

Review at Historical Tapestry



Thursday, September 11

Review at Impressions in Ink



Friday, September 12

Review at Just One More Chapter



Friday, September 19

Review & Giveaway at Peeking Between the Pages