" is a wonderful youth classic which I read this week in preparation for next Monday's GWU Hour. Jean Latham's book is an example of a math and science classic or as Charlotte Mason calls it: a living book. Living books are engaging books for children which teach a concept or series of lessons.Nathaniel Bowditch grew up in the sailing town of Salem, Massachusetts in the late 1700s. He was indentured as a bookkeeper at the age of twelve. Nat watched as his brothers and other men sailed the seas and he stayed home. Meanwhile, he "sailed by ash breeze" (sheer tenacity) and became an educated man by reading and studying mostly on his own during the evenings. The books goes on to tell of his life of nautical navigation and mathematics.
There are many opportunities to teach children math, science and geography as you read the book together. This is also an inspiring book for the parent/mentor because Nat teaches through freedom and sees the fruits of an education through increased peace and opportunity in the lives of those he touches.
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