Christopher Hawkins and His Daring Escapes (Young Readers Edition)

A Revolutionary War Novel

by Jeanne Brownlee Becijos

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Pub Date Dec 09 2025 | Archive Date Dec 08 2025

ARC provided by Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op

Children's Fiction | Historical Fiction | Middle Grade

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Description

Prepare for America's 250th and read an amazing true story of a young sailor during the American Revolution for readers ages 8-14.
The Revolutionary War is raging, and 12-year-old Christopher Hawkins runs away to follow his dream of being a sailor and a patriot. During his sea adventure on an American privateer, the British capture his ship. Quick-witted Christopher escapes at his first opportunity.
At 17, Christopher joins another American privateer but is soon captured by the British. This time, he is delivered to the notorious British ship HMS Jersey, the war’s deadliest prison. Armed with only courage, cunning, and a sense of humor, Christopher Hawkins will face death unless he can escape from his British captors twice more.

This tale of survival is adapted and expanded from the author’s great-great-great-great-grandfather’s oft-quoted memoir, The Adventures of Christopher Hawkins. Christopher's escape leads him through New York City, Sag Harbor, Long Island, Connecticut, and Rhode Island.

Advance Praise

"This novelization is at turns harrowing and funny as its cycles of capture-and-escape gets twistier and ever-more surprising." Publishers Weekly, BookLife Editor's Pick

“A rare book that brings history alive in the most exciting way—full of memorable characters and real-life, harrowing adventures!”
Carol Cujec, award-winning author of REAL

"This novelization is at turns harrowing and funny as its cycles of capture-and-escape gets twistier and ever-more surprising." Publishers Weekly, BookLife Editor's Pick

“A rare book that...

Available Editions

EDITION	Ebook
ISBN	9780911079043
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Additional Information

Average rating from 6 members

Featured Reviews

Kathryn M, Reviewer

I really enjoyed getting into Christopher's world and how the rest of the characters were so well done. I enjoyed the historical element in this and how the storyline was used to tell this story. The characters had that realistic feel that I was looking for and enjoyed about this type of book. Jeanne Brownlee Becijos has a strong writing style and was glad I read this and am excited for more.

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Savannah M, Librarian

This epistolary novel is based on the actual journals from the real life Christopher Hawkins, a young man who lived through the American Revolution and recorded his memories and experiences later in life. The book reads very much like an actual journal, with all of the challenges of reading a journal as well. Even with the uneven pacing and character development, it is a really exciting and engaging read. Will definitely be recommending this book to readers for the upcoming 250th celebration.

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Jane S, Librarian

This one I will definitely add to my recommendations list! It has action, and adventure that seems never ending. It seems he looks for trouble or maybe it just finds him. He is a very resourceful young man that seems to have luck with him. I love historical fiction! This will be a new one to add to my favorites list!