Where the Flag Floats

by D.C. Grant

Sydney, 30th January 1863
Pursued through the streets of Sydney, petty thief Sam Galloway is saved by a navy deserter. However, this chance encounter leads him to a doomed ship, and a struggle to stay alive in pounding seas. Can Sam survive to recover the precious object that connects him to his father, and the family he never knew he had?

170 pages, Paperback

First published February 3, 2013

Reviews

[Lorraine Orman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Like most Aucklanders, I didn't know an awful lot about the wreck of HMS Orpheus on the Manukau Bar in February 1863. It was New Zealand's worst maritime disaster, with 189 of the 259 crew members dying. But having read Dawn Grant's book I now know a great deal more. The foundering of the ship provides a thrilling backdrop to the story of young, newly-orphaned Sam Galloway, who stows away on the ship. He's in pursuit of a precious watch which is all he has to connect him to a possible better future. There's plenty of action and suspense to lighten the historical content - but the section describing the actual sinking of the ship is riveting. Recommended for readers, particularly boys, of about nine to thirteen.

[Jaime · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good book to describe the sinking of the Orpheus.

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

150 years ago, New Zealand's worst-ever maritime disaster took place on the treacherous waters of Auckland's Manukau Harbour, when the Royal Navy ship HMS Orpheus ran aground on a sandbar. 189 lives were lost. DC Grant, who writes historical fiction for children, has woven a gripping adventure story around this tragic event, featuring Sam Galloway, a young orphan lad from Sydney who accidentally stows away when trying to retrieve the stolen watch that is his only clue to his family origins.

DC Grant has researched the Orpheus - the ship itself as well as the shipwreck - meticulously, and blends plenty of historical fact with fiction while keeping the action rolling along at great pace. Life on board the ship comes alive for the reader - the sounds and smells, the harsh punishments; the camaraderie, traditions and superstitions of the crew. As well as being a rollicking good read, it's an education in what life at sea was like.

Highly recommended reading, particularly for Australian and New Zealand 8-12-year-old boys and girls. A must for every school library. Adults with an interest in New Zealand history should enjoy it too.

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great historical fiction. an exciting and at times worrying adventure for a 12 year old in 1863. It covers Sam Galloway"s journey from Sydney to Auckland as a stowaway. he is in search of his aunt as his mother has just died and his father died before he was born. One learns quite a lot about sailing ships and naval practice but without it dominating too much.
Quite a gruelling part of his life but with a positive ending.

[Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Captivating,full of intense drama . So glad I was gifted this book as it will be a great read aloud for my class this term.D C Grant is able to develop the characters and the setting adding complexity and be true to the time .

[Jen]

really enjoyed this book going to see if Grant has written other books

[Stephen Barker · Rating 4 out of 5]

An exciting, historical page-turner for ages from about 9 up.