From Windmills to Waves: Gerard, Little Dutch Sailor

Author J. R. Hathaway takes readers along on a journey around the globe in her children's adventure . Hathaway shares the story of Gerard, an eleven-year-old Dutch boy who yearns to live the life of his father, sailing to exotic ports and meeting interesting people around the globe. Finally, he gets the chance to join his father and the crew of a full-rigged sailing vessel trading spices as they visit Chile, Hong Kong, Indonesia, and other remote locations. He'll ride horses, chase kangaroos, and hunt tigers on exciting shore excursions. He'll also have to grow up fast when the crew helps recover bodies and debris after an explosion on the volcanic island of Krakatoa in the Indian Ocean. Through it all, Gerard wins his father's respect and proves that he's ready to become a sailor. In , Hathaway adeptly retells a story told to her by her grandfather. Coupled with Hathaway's thorough research into her family's Dutch heritage, this book is sure to both inspire and educate. Set at a fourth-grade reading level, this rich story can be shared in elementary libraries or given as a gift.