Christopher Hawkins and His Daring Escapes - by Jeanne B Becijos (Hardcover)

About the Book

A true story of the Revolutionary War. At age 12, Hawkins ran away to fight the English on a privateer. By 17 he was captured by the British and escaped 3 times, including from a deadly prison ship.

Book Synopsis

Christopher Hawkins and His Daring Escapes: A Revolutionary War Novel is the true story of a young sailor and patriot in the Revolutionary War. In 1777, the American Revolution is raging, and 12-year-old Christopher Hawkins runs away to join a privateer fighting against England. His ship is captured, but he later escapes from the British. At 17, Christopher again joins a privateer and once more is captured by the British. This time he is sent to the HMS Jersey, the war's deadliest prison ship. Armed with only courage, cunning, and a sense of humor, Christopher Hawkins faces death as he escapes twice more from his captors. This novel is expanded and adapted from Christopher Hawkins' memoir. The main character is the author's 4th great-grandfather. Hawkins' story has been recorded in several texts on the Revolutionary War, and his memoir is housed in Philadelphia's Museum of the American Revolution. This book is for children ages 9-14 and adults.

Review Quotes

Christopher Hawkins and His Daring Escapes is a story of grit, determination, courage, and the indomitable will to survive. Jeanne Brownlee Becijos draws upon the experiences of her great-great-great-great grandfather to tell an absorbing tale about a young man's quest to fight for his country's freedom. Readers' Favorite 5-star Review

This novelization is at turns harrowing and funny as its cycle of capture-and-escape gets twistier and ever-more surprising. Still, for all the sea-dog thrills, Hawkins never romanticizes or diminishes the tedium and horror of war. Escape and adventure in the age of sail, drawn from personal history. BookLife Reviews--Editor's Pick

A rare book that brings history alive in the most exciting way-full of memorable characters and real-life, harrowing adventures! Carol Cujec, award-winning author of REAL

Fans of war novels depicting young patriots will gravitate toward this novel. It will mostly be appreciated by young readers, but adults won't want to miss out. Strong and determined characters are the strength of this novel, and readers will root for their success.

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