  | Lost kingdom Author: Kirby, Matthew J. | |
| Price: $6.50 | ||
Summary:
On the eve of the French and Indian War, Billy Bartram and his naturalist father travel into the American wilderness in an airship--pursued by a party of French soldiers and haunted by a terrifying bear-wolf--on a quest to find the lost kingdom of the Welsh prince Madoc.
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| Accelerated Reader Information: Interest Level: MG Reading Level: 4.30 Points: 11.0 Quiz: 161200 | Reading Counts Information: Interest Level: 3-5 Reading Level: 3.50 Points: 16.0 Quiz: 60357 | |
Common Core Standards
Grade 3 → Reading → RL Literature → Texts Illustrating the Complexity, Quality, & Rang
Grade 4 → Reading → RL Literature → Texts Illustrating the Complexity, Quality, & Rang
Grade 5 → Reading → RL Literature → Texts Illustrating the Complexity, Quality, & Rang
Grade 6 → Reading → RL Literature → 6.RL Range of Reading & Level of Text Complexity
Grade 5 → Reading → RL Literature → 5.RL Range of Reading & Level of Text Complexity
Reviews:
Kirkus Reviews (07/15/13)
School Library Journal (11/01/13)
Booklist (09/15/13)
The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books (A) (00/10/13)
Full Text Reviews:
Booklist - 09/15/2013 In 1753, noted American naturalist John Bartram and his son Billy join an expedition to search the frontier in the di Terzi, a flying ship powered by “vacuum balloons” and wind. Their mission is to find the centuries-old Kingdom of Madoc, a Welsh settlement rumored to be on the frontier. Along the way they encounter the young George Washington, hostile French troops, a herd of enormous incognitum (mastodons), and a terrifying bear-wolf. Though his father mistrusts their guide, who is part Indian, Billy finds himself increasingly convinced that the man is true to his word. This alternate-history story, propelled by scenes of suspense and rousing action, traces Billy’s growing independence from his beloved father. As the stakes grow higher, he comes to rely increasingly on his own judgment. Billy’s first-person narrative offers insights into varied colonial American views on a number of topics. Inspired by history and legend, this inventive novel takes flight as a grand adventure with elements of fantasy and steampunk. - Copyright 2013 Booklist.
School Library Journal - 11/01/2013 Gr 5–9—In the growing but still relatively small genre of steampunk alternative history comes this adventure of a group of naturalists, scientists, and explorers heading west just prior to the French and Indian War. Famous figures such as George Washington and Ben Franklin make appearances, but most of the plot hinges on the search for a lost kingdom of the Welsh prince Madoc, a flying ship, threats from a dangerous bear-wolf, and French soldiers who pursue the travelers. The daughter of one of the men of the Philosophical Society that sponsors the search provides a tiny hint of diversity of gender roles, but this is a mostly male world. The main character is Billy Bartram, of an unknown age, but on the cusp of manhood. He is learning from all of the specialists, which provides a device for many of the explanations that are needed. He also is an accomplished artist able to depict the exciting natural world and thus contributes to the expedition in a way that requires him to be an observer. It becomes clear that someone is a traitor to the ideals of the group, adding a suspenseful element. Leaving open the possibility of a sequel, Kirby also provides some helpful notes on what he has changed from actual history. An engaging entry into colonial history and westward expansion.—Carol A. Edwards, Denver Public Library, CO - Copyright 2013 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.
