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Children's Fiction General

The Last Voyage of the Scotian

by (author) Bill Freeman

Publisher
James Lorimer & Company Ltd., Publishers
Initial publish date
Jan 1998
Category
General
Recommended Age
8 to 13
Recommended Grade
3 to 8
Recommended Reading age
8 to 13
  • Paperback / softback

    ISBN
    9780888621122
    Publish Date
    Jan 1976
    List Price
    $6.95
  • Paperback / softback

    ISBN
    9781550286441
    Publish Date
    Jan 1998
    List Price
    $9.95

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Description

In the spring of 1873, Meg and John Bains are ready to return home from a winter working in a lumber camp when they are lured into a trap and shanghaied as crew on a leaky old square-rigged sailing ship in Quebec City.
The windjammer is under-manned and the captain is a tyrant, making the voyage a difficult one. But danger is balanced by the excitement of travelling first to Jamaica to take on sugar cane and then to Liverpool. The crossing is dramatic and the trip back to Halifax is even more adventurous as the captain makes a deal to carry 350 immigrants to the new world. It takes five weeks before the crew of the Scotian find themselves safe upon the shores of Nova Scotia.

About the author

Bill Freeman is an award-winning author who has written historical fiction for young adults, film scripts, documentaries, theatrical plays, educational videos, and non-fiction books. He specializes in writing about Canada and the Canadian experience.

In the 1960s and '70s Bill lived, worked, and studied in Hamilton. The play Glory Days is part of his exploration of the life of the city and its fascinating history. Bill is perhaps best known as the author of novels for young adults set in Canada in the latter part of the nineteenth century called the Bains Series. He is also well known for his books of popular history. His most recent work, Hamilton: A Peopleâ??s History, surveys the cityâ??s often turbulent history. Many of his books have received high critical acclaim and a number of awards. In recent years Bill has worked in the film industry as a writer and historical consultant. He has been on the creative team of many film projects as writer, narrator, and consultant. The projects include a science series for high school students and Mighty Machines II, a made-for-television project for preschool children. Bill Freeman lives on Toronto Island with his partner Paulette.

Bill Freeman's profile page

Awards

  • Winner, Vicky Metcalf Award for Children's Literature

Editorial Reviews

"Freeman has succeeded in balancing a suspenseful plot with a sensitive play of characters."

Books in Canada

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