Today’s generation rarely has their first job at age 13. But during the American Civil War all hands were needed. When Tom’s father dies fighting for his county, Tom must go to work to help support the family. He will get a ring side seat in history as he helps build, launch, and fight on the Monitor. The Monitor was one of the first two ironclads in american history. Its opponent was the Merrimac, who was larger, longer, and deeper. This story follows Tom as he becomes a helpmate to the designer of the ship. But spies bound, and Tom needs to feed his family. Avi is always about his best when he puts a younger reader in the middle of history. He writes with authority, but also heart as you go through the trials and tribulations. You feel the difficulty of life. The motor shells wiz by your head, and the engine smoke makes you cough. Only a great author can put you in the middle of history, and Avi deserves his place at this table.