First published 2004
Hank can barely contain his excitement when Ms. Adolph announces the overnight field trip to a three-mast sailing ship docked in New York Harbor. This beats every other class trip by miles. When the ship's captain selects Hank as first mate, his excitement reaches new heights. Finally, someone recognizes his potential for leadership and adventure. But the captain's enthusiasm for authentic maritime experience goes way beyond what Hank bargained for. The man takes his role seriously, maybe too seriously, and expects his first mate to follow suit. What started as the most anticipated school event of the year quickly turns into Hank's personal nightmare. Trapped on the water with nowhere to escape, Hank must figure out how to survive this ordeal and make it through the night.
Genres: fiction, adventure, contemporary
Vibes: fast-paced, thought-provoking, whimsical
Tropes: fish-out-of-water, survival
Setting: New York Harbor
160 pages · Paperback · Grosset & Dunlap