This entertaining and informative book gives life to the true memories of Paul Stedman, a boy who lived in the Rose Island Lighthouse (Newport, Rhode Island) in the 1930s with his grandfather, the lighthouse keeper. In this second book of The Rose Island Lighthouse Series, charming short stories about Paul’s adventures are adeptly intermixed with factual chapters, whimsical paintings, and historical photographs. Written to be enjoyed by readers of all ages or shared with young children, The Island Adventures of Paul Stedman provides a fascinating peek at life in a New England lighthouse early in the Twentieth Century.
This entertaining and informative book gives life to the true memories of Paul Stedman, a boy who lived in the Rose Island Lighthouse (Newport, Rhode Island) in the 1930s with his grandfather, the lighthouse keeper. In this second book of The Rose Island Lighthouse Series, charming short stories about Paul’s adventures are adeptly intermixed with factual chapters, whimsical paintings, and historical photographs. Written to be enjoyed by readers of all ages or shared with young children, The Island Adventures of Paul Stedman provides a fascinating peek at life in a New England lighthouse early in the Twentieth Century.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this fascinating account of Paul Stedman and his life at the Rose Island Lighthouse, located in Rhode Island. Heitzmann takes us through the functions of the lighthouse and also nine entertaining and true stories. In between each story is factual information with historical photographs. The juxtaposition with the historical information is invaluable and lends depth to the narrative as told through the child’s eyes.
Paul Stedman is not the first child the lighthouse has seen; the first book in this series covers the stories of a child who lived at the lighthouse between 1910 to 1916. The Island Adventures of Paul Stedman is the second book in a series about the Rose Island lighthouse, providing a history of the lighthouse in the 1930s.
I greatly appreciate the vibrant art by Robin Roraback throughout the book. It is sure to capture the attention of children as they listen to Paul's adventures. In addition to the stories, the book covers such lighthouse topics as how a fresnel lens works and the purpose of a fog signal. It also provides historical insight into life during the 1930s, the role of the Newport News Torpedo Station, and the Fall River Line.
From a teacher's point of view, I find it effective to have this type of living book to use as an educational tool. Looking at history through the lens of living at a lighthouse resonates with students and causes them to view lighthouses differently going forward. This is especially the perfect read before going to visit the Rose Island Lighthouse.