"In the world of children's literature, whole series of books have been written based on the conceit of time travel, sending countless young heroes and heroines back in time to face various adventures. In her book for young adults, Olympic sailor Carol Newman Cronin puts a nautical twist on the narrative device by sending her preteen protagonist back to 1938's Dutch Harbor, Jamestown, RI."

"For a kid smitten with the sea, an old schooner is the ideal vehicle for going back in time to come to terms with a grandfather’s death and learn a whole lot more. Through young Oliver’s eyes, author Carol Newman Cronin offers an enjoyable view of life along the 1930s waterfront in Jamestown, Rhode Island, complicated by the boy’s knowledge of what will happen when the Great Hurricane of ’38 arrives. Above all, Oliver’s Surprise reminds one of the pure connectedness of family and friends through the generations."

"The book concentrates on the sounds and sights of a small boatyard and the adventures of a young boy and a schooner." Full Review

"I sat down to read Oliver's Surprise in California, but was immediately transported to Jamestown and Narragansett Bay. A charming story—with lovely illustrations—that captures two different eras of a special place."

"A vivid glimpse of boatyard life for a modern boy whisked back to his grandfather’s day, just before the hurricane of ‘38."

"A boy, a boat, and a bump on the head were all the elements needed for Carol Newman Cronin to write her first published work of fiction, "Oliver's Surprise: A Boy, a Schooner, and the Great Hurricane of 1938." Using Jamestown and Narragansett Bay as the setting, the nautical tale is a treasure chest of surprises." Read full story