Syd Belton: The Boy Who Would Not Go to Sea

"Syd Belton: The Boy Who Would Not Go to Sea" by George Manville Fenn is a story about growing up in the 1700s. It's about Sydney Belton, whose dad is a sea captain. Everyone expects Sydney to join the Navy, just like his dad and uncle, but Sydney has other plans; he wants to be a doctor. The book tells how Sydney tries to figure out what he wants to do, even when his family wants something different. At first, Sydney is having dinner with his dad and uncle when he says he wants to become a doctor. They don't like that idea, and they start arguing about it. After fighting with another boy and dealing with his disappointed family, Sydney decides to run away. He gets into all sorts of trouble and learns a lot about life while trying to figure out what he really wants. The book is funny and sweet, and it makes you think about what it means to be yourself.