Manning the Light

Rain, Fog, Hardship, Grief and Friendship Greet Readers of Manning the Light By Terry Webb Reviewed by RM McCall for The Best Book Bin It is the turn of the 20th century. The place is Maine. Louie is a young boy who has recently lost his grandfather and then his father. A recurrent dream haunts him, night after night. Now Ma has to worry about getting a job. Without his Pa and Grandpa it doesn't seem like he has a real family. It is only the two of them, so they will have to take care of each other. His mother gets a job manning the lighthouse on Two Tree Island and that is when the adventures begin. Ms. Webb brings this story of grief, friendship and hard times to life with her New England dialect and depiction of life as a lighthouse keeper in the early 1900's. She introduces maritime words and defines them at the end of chapters, throughout the book. Although, Louie and his friend Charlie are both 13 year old boys, young girls should equally enjoy reading about Louie's life on the island and how he makes friends with a very smart seagull. This is the first book of Ms. Webb's four book series. For ages 8-12 years old.

As a parent, Manning the Light was a refreshing step back in time that maintains family values and spiritual foundations that are important in my family's life today. The story incorporates peer pressure, loss, addiction and lonliness with renewed hope, support, love, and forgiveness. Readers will be encouraged by the positive male role models that assist this single parent family in the early 1900's. My son especially enjoyed the relationship between Louie and his mother.Having grown up on an island across from a working lighthouse, the story brought back fond memories of the sounds and sights of the lighthouse. Island life and lighthouse manning will add a depth of interest and education for all readers.Although my ten year old son found a common bond with the 13 year old main character's growth rate and clothing issues, I would recommend this book for the twelve and up age group. As a homeschooling mom, I would recommend this book as part of a literature based American history curriculum.