For young adventurers fascinated by history and naval journeys, this book transports readers to the high seas during a tumultuous period, exploring duty and discovery.
A parent might reach for this book when their adventure-loving child is ready for historical fiction that grapples with more complex moral questions. It's a perfect fit for readers fascinated by ships, the ocean, or the Civil War who are looking for a story with both action and substance. This novel follows Jim, a young English shipyard apprentice who helps build and later joins the crew of the CSS Alabama, a notorious Confederate warship. The story vividly portrays life at sea and the realities of naval warfare, exploring themes of loyalty, duty, and coming-of-age amidst conflict. Scott O'Dell's classic adventure provides a unique perspective on the Civil War and is a compelling gateway to discussions about history and the difficult choices people make during wartime.
Protagonist serves on a Confederate warship, which requires historical context and discussion.
Sad ThemesMild
The story includes the loss of friends and the destruction of the ship the protagonist loves.
Sensitive Topics
The book deals directly with the violence of war. Naval battles, destruction of property, and character deaths are portrayed, though not graphically. The approach is realistic and historical. The most sensitive topic is the protagonist's willing service to the Confederacy. The book focuses on his personal loyalty to the ship and crew rather than the political cause of slavery, a crucial point for adult-led discussion. The resolution is realistic and historically accurate, ending with the ship's defeat, which is hopeful for Jim's survival but somber in its losses.
Ideal Reader
This is for the 10-13 year old reader, often a boy, who devours adventure and survival stories and is ready for more historical context and weight. They are likely interested in how things work (ships, cannons) and are intrigued by stories of war, but can benefit from a narrative that explores its human side beyond simple heroics.
Parent Prep
Parents should be prepared to provide context about the American Civil War, particularly the Confederacy's cause and the international politics that allowed a British yard to build their warship. A conversation about why a person might fight for a cause they don't fully align with (due to loyalty, adventure, or circumstance) would be beneficial. The book can be read cold, but historical context enriches it significantly. A parent sees their child showing a deep interest in military history or the Civil War, perhaps through other media, and wants to introduce a thoughtful, character-driven book on the topic. The child might be asking questions like, "What was it really like on one of those old ships?"
Age Experience
A younger reader (9-10) will primarily connect with the thrilling adventure: life on a massive ship, the thrill of the chase, and the action of the battles. An older reader (11-14) is more likely to pick up on the moral nuances, the leadership of Captain Semmes, the historical significance of the events, and the bittersweet nature of Jim's coming-of-age journey.
What Makes It Special
Its primary differentiator is its unique perspective. While most Civil War youth fiction focuses on the land war within the United States, 'The 290' offers an international, naval viewpoint. By placing a non-American protagonist on a Confederate ship, it sidesteps simple patriotism and focuses on more universal themes of personal loyalty, duty, and the experience of war itself, making it a uniquely compelling and thought-provoking read.
Read plot summary
Sixteen-year-old English apprentice Jim Lynne helps construct a mysterious, swift vessel in a British shipyard, known only as 'Hull 290'. When it is launched as the Confederate raider CSS Alabama, Jim's loyalty to the ship he built compels him to join its crew. Under the command of the famous Captain Raphael Semmes, Jim participates in the Alabama's two-year campaign across the Atlantic, capturing and destroying Union merchant ships. The narrative charts his journey from an excited boy to a seasoned young man who understands the human cost of war, culminating in the historic and fateful battle between the Alabama and the USS Kearsarge.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
Discussion Prompts
1
Jim is English, not American, yet he chooses to fight for the Confederacy. Why do you think he makes this choice? Is it for the cause, for adventure, or for loyalty to the ship and its captain?
2
Captain Semmes is portrayed as a skilled and respected leader. How does the book show both the 'glory' of his victories and the human cost of his actions? Does this make him a hero, a villain, or something more complicated?
3
The ship itself, the 290, is almost a character. How did you feel during the final battle between the Alabama and the Kearsarge? Were you rooting for the Alabama, even though it was a Confederate ship? Why or why not?
4
At the end of the book, Jim has survived, but he has lost his ship and many friends. Do you think he regrets his decision to join the crew? What do you think he learned from his experiences?
