A Sailor Returns

by Theodore Taylor

Book Overview

Eleven-year-old Evan Bryant's life is changed forever when a letter arrives from his grandfather, who has been presumed dead for thirty years. This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0439248809
• ISBN13: 9780439248808
• Release Date: May 2002
• Publisher: Scholastic Signature
• Length: 160 Pages
• Weight: 0.25 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.5" x 5.3" x 7.5"
• Age Range: 8 to 12 years
• Grade Range: Grades 3 to 7

Customer Reviews

A Sailor Returns

After 30 years, and long thought to be lost at sea, 11 year old Evander Bryant's grandfather, Tom "Chips" Pentreath, finally returns. Both Evan and Tom have foot problems. Evan has a clubfoot, and Tom had a broken ankle that healed incorrectly. They both walk with a limp. At their first dinner, Evan's dad, Howard, asks where the old sailor has been for the past 30 years. Tom did not want to talk about it. Therein lies a deep dark secret that is hard for Tom to discuss with them. Howard doesn't trust Tom, and tells him that he can stay for only one week. Tom is a veteran sailor, and Evan wants to know all about his time at sea. He tells Evan and his best friend, Buddy, about the ships, countries, and good times he had out at sea. But not all of the times were good ones. Evan has some problems of his own. He is getting bullied at school. He asks his grandfather for advice, and Tom said to kick the bully where it hurt. Evan also asks his grandfather to help him to build a boat so they can go fishing together. Evan's mom, Jane, gives them the money needed for the build. The rowboat leaked at first. But, after the wood expanded, the "Chips" was christened. When it was time to leave, Tom left promising Evan and Buddy that he would come back and take them fishing. Tom only stayed at Evan's house for a short time, but Evan wanted him to stay forever. Tom said, "That wouldn't be fair to your mother." After that, he got on a ferry and left. Would Chips Pentreath keep his promise and come back? And what is the deep dark secret the old sailor carries with him?

A Sailor Returns

After 30 years, and long thought to be lost at sea, 11 year old Evander Bryant's grandfather, Tom "Chips" Pentreath, finally returns. Both Evan and Tom have foot problems. Evan has a clubfoot, and Tom had a broken ankle that healed incorrectly. They both limp when they walk. During their first dinner, Evan's dad, Howard, asks where the old sailor has been for the past 30 years. Tom did not want to talk about it. Therein lies a deep, dark secret that is hard for Tom to discuss with them. Howard doesn't trust Tom, and tells him he can only stay for one week. Tom is a veteran sailor, and Evan wants to know all about his time at sea. Tom tells Evan and his best friend, Buddy, about the ships, countries, and good times he had out at sea. But, not all of the times were good ones. Evan has soom problems of his own. He is getting picked on at school. He asks his grandfather for help, and Tom said to kick the bully where it hurt. Evan also asks his grandfather to help him to build a boat. The boat took five days to finish. When it was time to leave, Tom promised Evan and Buddy that he would come back and take them fishing. Tom only stayed at Evan's house for a short time, but Evan wanted him to stay forever. Tom said, "That wouldn't be fair to your mother." After that, Tom got on a ferry and left. Would Chips Pentreath keep his promise and come back? And, what is the deep, dark secret the old sailor carries with him?

A Sailor Returns

The book that I read is called A Sailor Returns.It is about a kid who is 11 years old and is bullied alot at school.He has a dad who is involved in his work too much to do anything with his son. Then his granpa, a sailor, came and hung with him. He taught him a lot of stuff and helped him with some of his problems.Then his granpa helped him build a boat. Then they went fishing something that he had always wanted to do with his dad. I really liked reading this book if you want to find out what happened you should check this book out. you might even learn a lesson how to get rid of your bullying problems. There is another great reason to check out this book.

About what it means to have a grandparent in the world

A grandfather who long abandoned the family and who was believed dead attempts new contacts with Evan and his mother, earning the resentment of their stepfather. Why has his grandfather returned home at this time, and how can he fit into their new family? Evan discovers an unusual bond exists as he learns what it means to have a grandparent in the world.