Cromwell's Boy

By Erik Christian Haugaard

Book Overview

It's 1643, and almost a year has passed since King Charles raised his standard at Nottingham and turned all England into a battlefield. For the orphaned boy Oliver Cutter the army of Parliament is now his home, and the struggle of his hero Oliver Cromwell's forces against the King has become his life. Though he is only 13, Oliver is Cromwell's trusted messenger. Two things make him invaluable to Parliament's cause: he can ride like the wind, and he knows how to hold his tongue. Thus it is that Oliver goes about his business, a boy spy in the camps of determined men, trusting his life to his wits and his horsemanship.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0395272033
• ISBN13: 9780395272039
• Release Date: August 1970
• Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company
• Length: 224 Pages
• Weight: 0.95 lbs.
• Age Range: 12 years and up
• Grade Range: Grade 7 and higher

Customer Reviews

Clever, fast-paced

Having recently returned to teaching 8th graders after practicing law for many years, I'm trying to catch up on what is available. I'm sure my reluctant readers would not not care for this book - but I certainly did, and I'll recommend it to my more adventurous readers. The historical background is essentially accurate, and deals with a time period and event little known or studied in today's classrooms. The action is fast-paced; the quality of expression superb. I encourage my college-bound students to supplement their studies with quality historical fiction - this fills the bill.

The story continues

The sequel to A Messenger for Parliament, Cromwell's Boy continues the story of Oliver Cutter, a young boy during the English Civil War. Again, Haugaard tells an exciting tale with his vivid descriptions and well developed characters. You again meet the original Faith, Jack, Ezra, and many more. This story is action packed and you won't be able to put it down.