 In the days of the sailing ships, South Street in New York City bustled with the business of merchant offices, ship supply shops and sailmakers’ lofts. The bowsprits and jibbooms of the tall ships stretched above the street. South Street was the place for a boy like Adam to dream of going to sea on a trim three-master. But Adam’s father said it was hopeless to want to be a sailor when yur left leg was too short and you walked wit a limp. Pa is wrong, Adam told himself, I can be a sailor! Still, as he and his friend Titus watched a big packet ship loading, her square white sails shining in the sun, he doubted that he would ever go to sea. But Titus knew how to help—with his African wishing charm. In 1818, South Street was a place of action and adventure. There mjust have been many boys growing up on the Street of Ships who were caught up, like Adam, in the excitement and drama of ships and the sea. In an unusual adventure story, Marietta Moskin portrays a boy caught up in the dreama of ships and the sea. Striking illustrations by Joseph Scrofani highlight the excitement and bring out the times with vividness and authenticity. |
