Carry On, Mr. Bowditch

by Connie S on 2011-03-18
Carry on Mr. Bowditch is a classic true story based on the life of Nathaniel Bowditch on land and at sea. The reason this book is my favorite is because every page keeps you wondering and excited to read more. The romance of Old Salem, sailing ships, and the many adventures of life at sea made this story very appealing. The story centers around Nat Bowditch and his persistence to get an education. He was self taught and had a passion for learning, especially mathematics. In Nathaniel Bowditch's life he accomplished many things, such as owning his own sailboat, ultimately graduating from Harvard, and writing the famous book called The American Practical Navigator, which is still in use today. This book teaches you that even if you fail at a lot of things, keep trying until you succeed. Christian S. age 13

by AMBER S on 2010-06-29
This book made me (who never passed Algebra 1/2) interested in math. Never have I seen the relevance in many of the formulas I was taught in school until this book. Our whole family was inspired as we read. Inspired to learn as never before...about Math, sailing, astronomy, Latin and Greek. We explored for the rest of the school year. One of my all time favorites.

by RAINA J on 2010-04-12
This book had my 8yo son and I hanging on every word. We were both sad today to get to the end of it! It has it all; it's beautiful, exciting, and funny! Definitely a favorite here!

by LISA S on 2010-03-05
It is a great book even the second time around.

by VALERIE A on 2009-05-19
This is my 12 yo son's favorite book in this curriculum! And he can be hard to please (needs to be challenged and have a lot of action in his books).

by PETER & JOY B on 2009-04-24
One of our favorite books. The theme of overcoming, despite many setbacks in life is inspirational.

by JILL B on 2009-02-17
My favorite book of the year, so far, was Carry On, Mr. Bowditch, by Jean Lee Latham, illustrated by John O’Hara, published by Houghton Miffin Company, Boston, in 1955. At age twelve, Nathaniel Bowditch was indentured to a ship chandlery as an apprentice for nine years. During his time as an apprentice, he taught himself how to read Latin, how read and speak French, and advanced mathematics. After he was released, he started going on voyages as second mate. On these voyages he taught the crew navigation and figured out a new way to work lunars. I enjoyed this book because of the humor and suspense. My favorite part is Mrs. Pintard’s math problem. She gave him a complex math problem, and he figured it out in less than two minutes. She was dumbfounded. You should read this book because it has something for everyone. Sarah B. Age 10

by TRICIA C on 2008-12-14
Carry on Mr. Bowditch, by Jean Lee Latham has won the John Newberry Medal and for good reason. Mr. Bowditch is a young smart man who wants to go to Harvard College but because of misfortune he becomes an indentured servant instead. I loved when Nat Bowditch found 5,000 errors in Moore's tables. This book made me feel appreciative for all the good fortune most people are able to have. I think you'll love this book becasue all the characters are fantastic . The book is also full of thrilling twists and turns. Madison C. age 11

by ELEANOR R on 2008-11-21
Though we loved this book, my 8-year-old got tired of "EVERYONE dying" (as he put it.) It was during the reading of this book that I also realized I needed to tell him whether I was reading fiction or non-fiction. He had assumed through all his years, that every book I read to him was "real", because I wouldn't lie to him. We have great memories with this book.

by MICHELLE L on 2008-08-25
I have recommended this book to at least 10 people since we've started reading it. I love the example Nathaniel Bowditch is in this book - his acceptance of his indenture, his discipline and joy in learning, his determination and discipline.