Young Tom Bowling The Boys of the British Navy

"Young Tom Bowling" by John C. Hutcheson is a tale set in the 1800's that follows a young boy's fervent desire to become a sailor in the British Navy, displaying the demanding nature of the training and daily life aboard a naval ship; as Tom and his retired sailor father row towards the naval ship, Saint Vincent, their exchanges reveal Tom's high spirits for his new journey, and his father's worries, while familial bonds begin, creating a compelling backstory for Tom's upcoming adventures and relationships with his fellow recruits as he pursues his goals.