When Ruben and Jeddy find a dead body in an evening suit washed up on the shore, they are certain it has to do with smuggling liquor. It is spring 1929, Prohibition is in full swing, and many in their community are involved. Soon the boys, along with Jeddy’s strong-willed sister, Marina, are drawn in, suspected by rival bootlegging gangs of taking something crucial off the dead man. Then Ruben meets the daring captain of the Black Duck, the most elusive smuggling craft of them all, and it isn’t long before he’s keeping dangerous company. Inspired by very real accounts of the Black Duck, a legendary rum-running boat that worked the New England shores during the era, Newbery Honor winner Janet Taylor Lisle has produced a colorful, original work of historical fiction.
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"This historical novel tells the story of a rumrunning ship in Rhode Island in 1929. It's based on a true story of a shooting on the ship and this story is told by an old man who lived during the events to a young man who wants to be a journalist. The story is exciting, interesting and well-told. It sheds light on the intricate workings of the liquor trade during Prohibition and how it wasn't always easy to tell who was right and who was wrong."
— Sue (4 out of 5 stars)
" This story is set in New England in the 1920s. During Prohibition, smuggling alcohol was a huge black market that otherwise respectable people participated in. When 14-year-old Ruben and his best friend Jeddy find a murdered body washed up on the beach, they become involved, too. "
— Stephanie, 2/16/2014" Great YA novel. Lots of mystery! "
— Julie, 2/6/2014" i read it and it was awsome. the ending was good and the story build up was better. read it "
— Joshua, 1/24/2014" I really liked the story. "
— Marge, 1/22/2014" I loved this book. It was interesting and had a lot of detail. I think the author did a good job showing what it would've been like living during the Prohibition era. I learned from this book that it is not good to break the law becuase people could get hurt or killed. The character that I relate to the most is Ruben because I like adventure. I reccomend this book to anybody who wants to read about the Prohibition. "
— Avery, 1/21/2014" It was an alright book. "
— Isaac, 1/18/2014" It's a pretty good book, but it only seems to get moving in the end. The beginning is kind of boring. "
— Diane, 1/15/2014" Woah there! Ruben and Jed find a dead body, a victim of prohibition gang wars, in a ditch. Soon, they can't help to get involved. A gripping historical novel. "
— Kate, 1/12/2014" This is a childrens book but I am really enjoyed it. Surprisingly it has enough suspense to keep me up for hours reading it! "
— Stephanie, 1/8/2014" Great little historical fiction about alcohol smuggling off of Rhode Island during Prohibition. Good characters. More bittersweet than some YA stuff--it's good for you. If you like YA historical fiction, I think you'll like this one. "
— Patrick, 1/3/2014" Such a great book for boy young adults, with a fast paced rum running theme. "
— Melissa, 12/31/2013Janet Taylor Lisle is the author of several acclaimed novels for young readers, including The Art of Keeping Cool, winner of the Scott O’Dell Award, and these five School Library Journal Best Books of the Year: Sirens and Spies, The Lampfish of Twill Forest, A Message from the Match Girl, The Lost Flower Children, and Afternoon of the Elves, a Newbery Honor Book. She lives with her family on the coast of Rhode Island.
David Ackroyd is an American actor who first came to prominence in soap operas such as The Secret Storm and Another World. He was born in Orange, New Jersey, a suburb of Newark.