Awards
Winner, ALA Best Book for Young Adults
Selected, ALA Quick Pick
Winner, Bulletin Blue Ribbon
Selected, New York Public Library Book for the Teen Age
“In Iain Lawrence’s The Smugglers (Delacorte, 1999), set in Cornwell, England at the beginning of the 19th century, 16-year-old John Spencer and his father continue their adventures that began in The Wreckers (Delacorte, 1998). This time they are buying a new trading vessel, the Dragon, and hiring a crew who lead them into danger. Reminiscent of Robert Louis Stevenson’s Kidnapped, the main characters are caught in deception and intrigue.” *Starred Review*
— School Library Journal
“Lawrence has packed his tale full of vivid descriptions that are swarming with historical detail, painting as honest a picture of piracy as readers are likely to encounter.”
— Kirkus Reviews
“Readers who devoured The Wreckers (1998), Lawrence’s first ripping yarn of adventure, mystery, and derring-do on the Cornish coast 200 years ago, will be eager to dig into this seafaring sequel…A well-written period adventure, with the door left open for more to come.” *Starred Review*
— Booklist