Set on the island of Saint Kitts, Adventure at Brimstone Hill is the first entry in Carol Ottley-Mitchell's Caribbean Adventure Series, which follows a group of children through a number of time-slip experiences that allow them to witness first-hand some of the exciting moments in the history of the region. When Mark's class goes on a field trip to Brimstone Hill Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is one of the best-preserved historical fortifications in the western hemisphere, the young boy tries to leave his pet vervet monkey Chee Chee at home. Unfortunately (or not), Chee Chee has other ideas in mind, and manages to tag along. While pursuing the mischievous monkey through the tunnels of the fortress, Mark and his classmate Ingrid find themselves transported back in time to the late eighteenth century, where they lend a hand during the Siege of Brimstone Hill, participating in a dangerous mission to warn British Admiral Hood of the French fleet lying in wait for him.

Chosen as our November selection over in The International Children's Book Club to which I belong, where we try to read a children's book from a different country each month, this brief chapter-book is an engaging read, with likeable child characters and an entertaining and educational story. As someone who knows very little about the history of St. Kitts, I appreciated all of the information about the island and its important fortress - not to mention its abundant vervet monkey population! - that the author worked into the story. That said, I couldn't help but wonder whether younger readers might occasionally feel that there was too much information, and not enough adventure. It also seemed to me that the historical figures whom the children encountered, from General Fraser to Admiral Hood, accepted their presence far more quickly than seemed at all probable. These were, after all, powerful colonial figures who would probably not have brooked any interference from two young children that they took to be slaves. Of course, Adventure at Brimstone Hill is a scant ninety-six pages long, so I imagine that the author had to move her tale along at a good clip, and I understand that she may not have wanted to delve too deeply into the issues of slavery and racism.

Despite some of these suspension-of-disbelief issues - and the fact that the author changed the historical outcome of the battle, in her story, something I really don't agree with, in historical fiction! - I did enjoy this first children's novel from Ms. Ottley-Mitchell, and look forward to reading subsequent entries in her series. As an American, it was particularly interesting to read about the Siege of Brimstone Hill, as it is considered a battle of the American Revolutionary War. Hopefully Pirates At Port Royal and Trapped in Dunston's Cave will be just as absorbing as this first volume! ( )

The Journey

Carol Ottley-Mitchell’s “Adventure at Brimstone Hill” is an exciting children's story that educates with true events from history!

This short story involves three characters - Mark, Ingrid, and Mark’s pet monkey Chee Chee –and their travel back in time during a field trip. The author has a vivid imagination and paints excellent pictures giving the reader an idea of the scenery throughout the story. There are no editing issues, but I do believe some of the words are a bit strong for young readers. Overall, the story was great. I would have liked for the inclusion of more details at some points during the story. I will definitely recommend this book to younger readers and will continue to look for more books from Carol in the future.

Reviewed by: Tekisha
3.5 ( )