Swallows and Amazons by Arthur Ransome
My name is Madeline. I am in middle school and enjoy playing the violin, ice skating and reading good books!
Swallows and Amazons, by Arthor Ransome, is an exciting, highly imaginative story of the lively escapades of children, who have an island to themselves.
When four siblings, John, Sarah, Titty and Roger, spend their summer holiday upon the shore of a large lake, they discover a small island at its end. They decide to spend the rest of their vacation on it, doing whatever they please. On the island, the children have many adventures: swimming, exploring, fishing and keeping camp. At first, they believe they have the island all to themselves, but soon find evidence that they are not alone.
One day, while in camp, the four are caught off guard. They are besieged by two self-proclaimed “pirate” girls, Nancy and Peggy, who claim ownership of the island. The six children immediately declare war on each other, none willing to give up ownership of the prized island. The war does not last long, however. It ends with the six children becoming friends joined together with one goal in mind: to unite against Nancy and Peggy’s mean uncle, Mr. Turner, whom they call Captain Flint, and get him to change his ways.
This book is cleverly written and entertaining as it tells the tale of six children’s unforgettable summer. I recommend this book for ages eight and up.
