Keep the Lights Burning, Abbie

by Connie Roop and Peter Roop

Book Overview

Abbie was afraid.

She had never had to keep the lights burning by herself. But many lives depended on the lighthouse, and Papa was depending on Abbie. This is the exciting true story of Abbie Burgess, who in 1856 single-handedly kept the lighthouse lamps lit during a tremendous storm off the coast of Maine.

"The Roops have done an excellent job of putting a fascinating tale into simple language...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0876144547
• ISBN13: 9780876144541
• Release Date: August 1985
• Publisher: First Avenue Editions (Tm)
• Length: 40 Pages
• Weight: 0.88 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.1" x 6.4" x 8.4"
• Age Range: 7 to 10 years
• Grade Range: Grades 2 to 5

Customer Reviews

Great book demonstrating heroines

Found this book recommended in Great Books for Girls: More Than 600 Books to Inspire Today's Girls and Tomorrow's Women This story is about a real girl who rises to meet a challenge that would frighten any adult. My kindergartner now holds this book near/dear as she sees it as a model of courage/bravery to aspire to. Even more exciting is that this story is based upon a real event in a real girl's life.

Great Learning Tool

This book gives you an idea of what it was like to operate a lighthouse in the mid 1800's. Sure doesn't sound fun. In that sense the book is very educational, and it give hero status to a deserving individual that most people have never heard of. The only real flaw it has is in the format of its printing. I can't tell where one paragraph starts and another ends, so if I were trying to narrate this thing I would have a hard time knowing where to stop and start as far as the vocal intonation goes. I also think the introduction gives away the whole story on the first page, so it should really be put at the end of the book.

A Great Example of Children's Historical Fiction

Keep the Lights Burning, Abbie is a well-written piece of historical fiction based on Abbie Burgess' own accounts and other historical sources. This information is provided in the note by the authors at the beginning of the book. All incidences appear to be very representative of the life of the time depicted. Abbie's character is developed well. The reader is able to see that Abbie is a strong young girl who does not want to let her family, especially her father, down. She faces the conflict of person vs. self and also person vs. nature is evident in the book. The theme evident in the book is bravery and strength. Abbie had to be brave to keep the lights lit. She needed the strength to overcome her fears and to live up to her father's expectations. The illustrations were beautiful watercolors that set the mood of the story.

A great book to remember Abbie Burgess

I remember watching this book on Reading Rainbow when I was little and I had to have it. I got the Audio casatte and Loved it I recommmed this book to anyone! Highy!!