Children’s Book Review: Under The Black Ensign by L. Ron Hubbard

I recently had the opportunity to read and review a children’s historical book written in the 1930’s but recently reprinted for kids to enjoy now, in the 21st century. I personally had never heard of L. Ron Hubbard or any of his works or his popularity in the early 20th century.

“Under the Black Ensign” is a short chapter book containing 121 pages of easy reading. The story line begins in 1680 on the deck of a Man ‘O War sailing vessel.  The drama begins immediately with an accident that caused one sailor to be accused of attempted murder.  As you continue to read, you follow this sailor as he is whipped, stranded on an island and left for dead, and then becoming captain of another sailing vessel and crew.

This book would be ideal for children ages 8 and up.  There are many words throughout the book that even I was not familiar with and need to look up.  One of the things that I like  is that the publisher recognized the different words used almost 80 years and put a glossary at the end of the book.  There are a handful of black and white sketches throughout the book. However, the book is so well written that you are easily transported back in time and can easily picture the series of events unfolding in the book.

I really enjoyed reading, “Under the Black Ensign” and I felt like I was a kid again reading it.  It made me remember all of those fun stories that I used to read in school.  I am sure that my kids will be reading this as soon as I am finished with it.

You can purchase this book on Amazon.com in either paperback format, kindle edition or a MP3 CD for easy listening.