All Taut; or, Rigging the boat

"All Taut; or, Rigging the Boat" by Oliver Optic is an exciting children's novel set in the late 1800s, chronicling the adventures of Tom Topover and his friends at the Beech Hill Industrial School as they navigate the waters and challenges of youth. Captain Gildrock, the school's principal, aims to instill discipline in a group of mischievous boys through naval training and reformative efforts. Tom, eager to prove himself, takes charge of rigging a boat with his companions, but his lack of experience and leadership skills cause conflict, particularly with Ash Burton. Their initial voyage quickly descends into chaos, revealing their inexperience and underscoring the importance of teamwork and learning from mistakes as they face unforeseen obstacles on the creek, building the foundation for thrilling escapades and moral discoveries.