The Young Ship-Builders of Elm Island

"The Young Ship-Builders of Elm Island" by Elijah Kellogg is set in a lively coastal town where young boys navigate choices about their futures. The story follows John Rhines as he considers his path and his discovery of a knack for crafting things while helping a blacksmith. Fuelled by ambition, John, along with his friend Charlie, imagines creating a unique boat that outshines the typical canoes of the region. The narrative highlights their dreams, their exploration of responsibility, and the welcoming, hard-working community that supports them as they start their challenging shipbuilding project, promising both triumphs and setbacks.