Outward Bound Or, Young America Afloat: A Story of Travel and Adventure

"Outward Bound; Or, Young America Afloat: A Story of Travel and Adventure" by Oliver Optic is a captivating tale from the 1800s that throws young readers headfirst into ship life with the students of the "Young America," balancing discipline, education, and youthful trouble. The story follows characters like Robert Shuffles, a mischief-maker, and Harry Martyn, a kid who tries to keep order, as they get ready for life at sea. It starts with Robert and Isaac stealing peaches, showing the discipline problems at Brockway Academy that lead the principal, Mr. Lowington, to use the ship as a floating school for moral growth. As the boys gather on deck, readers are set up for thrilling adventures, lessons, and the challenges of sailing the open seas.