Seal Boy — Ken Catran

A thrilling young adult historical adventure novel about a boy on a ship forced to survive the elements as well as the ruthless crew.

Set in the 1840s, Seal Boy tells the story of Emmet Tyler, a 14-year-old from the US port of Boston whose privileged upbringing has brought him a life of education and fine manners. So imagine his surprise and horror when he is attacked by thugs while on a visit to the wharves with his grandfather, and wakes up on board a whaling vessel bound for the South Pacific - on a voyage that could last three years!

Emmet's journey of discovery begins as he learns the ways of the whaling ship and earns the respect of the crew. Upon arrival in Kororareka (Russell) in the Bay of Islands, he is ready to transfer to a home-bound ship, but the sacking of the town by local Maori forces him to make a hasty escape - into yet deeper trouble.

He finds himself aboard a disreputable sealing ship, headed for the deep south. When its crew discover Emmet's identity and the reward offered for his return home - dead or alive - he finds himself among the hunted, stranded on a desolate island with only a family of seals for company.

He must not only survive the winter but also outwit the ruthless men who think nothing of killing for money.