Ann and Seamus

Major, Kevin. (2003). Ann and Seamus. Toronto: Groundwood Books.

Reading Level: Grades 7+

Summary:
Seventeen-year-old Ann Harvey lives with her family on Isle aux Morts, Newfoundland in the early 1800s. She enjoys her simple life, but wonders what else her future may hold. One day, a ship is shipwrecked near Ann's home, and her and her father and brother row out to eventually save over 100 people. One of these survivors is Seamus, a young man from Ireland. Ann and Seamus fall in love, but Seamus is looking for adventure in America, and Ann must choose between her life in Newfoundland, or risking everything to follow Seamus to America.

Comments:
This story is based on true events, which gives it more impact. It is also written in free verse. Though it is poetry, the language is still accessible, and does not contain too much complexity to turn off teens who are unused to reading poetry. The book contains both the point of view of Ann and of Seamus, which allows both characters to be developed. I'm not really a fan of lengthy poetry, so the book didn't appeal to my tastes. However, there were some quite good verses in the book, which I was able to appreciate.

Rating: 3/5