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The Imagination Station #14
Captured on the High Seas
British warships battle with American privateers in this high sea adventure. Cousins Patrick and Beth have landed on the "Royal Louis" in the middle of the Revolutionary War. Cannonballs fly and swords slash. They're captured! Now they face even more dangers. Will their new friend James Forten be sold by the British into the West Indies slave trade? Or will they all be sentenced to the overcrowded prison ship floating near shore where scores of prisoners die from filth and disease? Patrick and Beth help plan a daring escape as they witness firsthand the deeds of brave heroes who fought to make America the land of the free.
144 pages, Paperback
First published April 21, 2014
About the author
Marianne Hering
104 books45 followersMarianne Hering is a prolific writer, having written hundreds of articles and a number of books for children and parents. For nine years she worked for several magazines in Focus on the Family’s periodicals department and became the editor of Clubhouse, a Focus on the Family children’s magazine with a circulation of more than 100,000.
As a book developer for Focus on the Family, she and coauthor / creative director Paul McCusker launched the Adventures in Odyssey book series The Imagination Station in 2010. Currently the series includes 19 books, with two more contracted for 2017 release. Paul bowed out of his role in 2015 to pursue other creative avenues. The combined sales are more than 450,000.
Currently Marianne is a freelance writer taking assignments. She and her husband live in Colorado with their twin sons.
As a book developer for Focus on the Family, she and coauthor / creative director Paul McCusker launched the Adventures in Odyssey book series The Imagination Station in 2010. Currently the series includes 19 books, with two more contracted for 2017 release. Paul bowed out of his role in 2015 to pursue other creative avenues. The combined sales are more than 450,000.
Currently Marianne is a freelance writer taking assignments. She and her husband live in Colorado with their twin sons.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
April 22, 2025
I grew up listening to the Adventures in Odyssey Stories since I was a kid. Every story is alway an adventure and this one in book form did not disappoint not once! It’s nice that focus on the family made a series of books for the whole family! Definitely looking forward to reading to and having my children read this book and many like it in the future!!
December 18, 2019
This series is just so good!
January 18, 2021
This series has been great so far. Cant wait to see what comes next.
August 6, 2021
Turtle is re-reading series: great! Return to library.
April 12, 2023
This book was fun and adventurous! Young for me but I enjoyed it. Now onto the next book!
May 25, 2023
Great story that teaches about this time period. My kids (4, 6, and 8) really enjoyed the story and we all learned.
November 21, 2025
Follows up with "The redcoats are coming"
April 9, 2026
particularly exciting
July 16, 2026
Offers an interesting perspective of the Revolution by taking a peek into the life of a naval prisoner.
July 15, 2014
Do you have a 7-9 year old? Then here is an adventure they will enjoy.
Captured on the High Seas
is an Imagination Station story about cousins Patrick and Beth. Mr. Whittaker, owner of Whit's End and inventor of the Imagination Station, sent the children to Massachusetts to meet Paul Revere. But on their way back to Whit's End, a musket ball damaged the time machine and they were accidentally sent to a ship. It looked as if they were still in the Revolutionary War era.
Patrick and Beth met James on the ship. He showed them around and then put them to work. Patrick became a powder monkey like James while Beth assisted the cook in the galley. Just as they were adjusting to their new duties, their ship was attacked and captured by a British war ship. The young people experienced many hardships and adventures before the Imagination Station picked them up again.
This book is perfect for high interest, young reading level readers. It is a chapter book that is at about second or third grade reading level. Chapters average three to four pages each, and sentence structure has an average of 6-8 words. Younger children would love being read to, since the action is virtually non-stop.
History comes alive in this book and series; some readers may be interested to learn that the James Forten Patrick and Beth meet was a real person. Some of the events he lived through mentioned in this book really happened to him, even his imprisonment on a modified ship docked in the harbor.
All throughout the book, good character qualities are demonstrated and lived out, not preached about. For example, when James is given an opportunity to escape by hiding in the officer's trunk, he sacrificed his chance by urging a young child suffering from scurvy to take his place. I highly recommend this book for children who love reading about adventures, especially ones that really happened.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary review copy of this book from Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. through their Blog Program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
Patrick and Beth met James on the ship. He showed them around and then put them to work. Patrick became a powder monkey like James while Beth assisted the cook in the galley. Just as they were adjusting to their new duties, their ship was attacked and captured by a British war ship. The young people experienced many hardships and adventures before the Imagination Station picked them up again.
This book is perfect for high interest, young reading level readers. It is a chapter book that is at about second or third grade reading level. Chapters average three to four pages each, and sentence structure has an average of 6-8 words. Younger children would love being read to, since the action is virtually non-stop.
History comes alive in this book and series; some readers may be interested to learn that the James Forten Patrick and Beth meet was a real person. Some of the events he lived through mentioned in this book really happened to him, even his imprisonment on a modified ship docked in the harbor.
All throughout the book, good character qualities are demonstrated and lived out, not preached about. For example, when James is given an opportunity to escape by hiding in the officer's trunk, he sacrificed his chance by urging a young child suffering from scurvy to take his place. I highly recommend this book for children who love reading about adventures, especially ones that really happened.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary review copy of this book from Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. through their Blog Program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
July 11, 2014
Captured on the High Seas is Book #14 in the Adventures in Odyssey Imagination Station series. When I received a free copy of this book from the Tyndale Blog Network in exchange for my honest review, my kids were overjoyed. The older two in particular (ages 9 and 12) have long enjoyed this series.
I read the book aloud to all three of my kids, and when I stopped after reading through chapter nine one evening, my daughter took the book to her room and finished it herself. She simply couldn’t wait to find out how the story ended.
The plot takes place during the Revolutionary War, in which cousins Patrick and Beth find themselves on an American ship that is about to be taken hostage by the British. The book is full of suspenseful activity, and kept my kids eager to hear more. It addresses issues relating to slave trade, as well as moral questions on human rights and fighting for freedom.
In terms of criticisms, I was mildly disappointed that there wasn’t a more clear faith message within the pages. The story was clean and wholesome, but didn’t really have a direct message about the Christian faith.
Also, as a writer, I found most of the sentences to be overly concise and succinct. Having said this, however, the recommended reading level as noted on the back cover states that the book is intended for ages 7 and up, with a grade level recommendation of 2.3. My 7-year-old really enjoyed the story, but probably would’ve struggled to read it on his own. As a homeschooling mom, I would say that the book would be most enjoyed by kids ages 6-11, and easily read by children 8 and above.
Overall, I highly recommend the entire Imagination Station series as educational, wholesome and family-friendly reading material.
I read the book aloud to all three of my kids, and when I stopped after reading through chapter nine one evening, my daughter took the book to her room and finished it herself. She simply couldn’t wait to find out how the story ended.
The plot takes place during the Revolutionary War, in which cousins Patrick and Beth find themselves on an American ship that is about to be taken hostage by the British. The book is full of suspenseful activity, and kept my kids eager to hear more. It addresses issues relating to slave trade, as well as moral questions on human rights and fighting for freedom.
In terms of criticisms, I was mildly disappointed that there wasn’t a more clear faith message within the pages. The story was clean and wholesome, but didn’t really have a direct message about the Christian faith.
Also, as a writer, I found most of the sentences to be overly concise and succinct. Having said this, however, the recommended reading level as noted on the back cover states that the book is intended for ages 7 and up, with a grade level recommendation of 2.3. My 7-year-old really enjoyed the story, but probably would’ve struggled to read it on his own. As a homeschooling mom, I would say that the book would be most enjoyed by kids ages 6-11, and easily read by children 8 and above.
Overall, I highly recommend the entire Imagination Station series as educational, wholesome and family-friendly reading material.
September 30, 2014
I’ve shared about the Imagination Station books before and now I get to share the newest book, Captured on the High Seas which is book #14 and while I found it quite easy to get into this book it does pick up where book #13 leaves off, The Redcoats are Coming (I need to get that one!). Patrick and Beth are stranded on an American ship during the Revolutionary War because the Imagination Station is broken and instead of taking them back to Whit’s End, they end up on the ship – it’s okay until they encounter a British ship. I won’t give away too many details but it was quite a fun read, even for this mom. Patrick and Beth must get away and they also want to help James, the African American lest he be sold to the West Indies as a slave when he refuses to become a traitor.
Geared towards ages 7 and up and with a grade level of 2.3 it’s a fun read and it can easily be read in one sitting – I think it took me two hours with breaks. What I really appreciated about the book is the tie in of real events such as why the British did not blow up the privateer Royal Louis and that there really was a James Forten, this is a fascinating man and I encourage you to do some research on him. I can see how I could easily use this to make a unit study and research more in depth persons rarely learned about and also about the ships used during the American Revolution. After finishing the book there is a secret word puzzle that you can input into the Imagination Station website to get a prize, there are also extra book extras. A great way to make learning history fun and engaging especially for a younger child who may not be ready for a full on history lesson.
**I was given a copy of this book from Tyndale in exchange for my honest opinion, no other compensation was given.
Geared towards ages 7 and up and with a grade level of 2.3 it’s a fun read and it can easily be read in one sitting – I think it took me two hours with breaks. What I really appreciated about the book is the tie in of real events such as why the British did not blow up the privateer Royal Louis and that there really was a James Forten, this is a fascinating man and I encourage you to do some research on him. I can see how I could easily use this to make a unit study and research more in depth persons rarely learned about and also about the ships used during the American Revolution. After finishing the book there is a secret word puzzle that you can input into the Imagination Station website to get a prize, there are also extra book extras. A great way to make learning history fun and engaging especially for a younger child who may not be ready for a full on history lesson.
**I was given a copy of this book from Tyndale in exchange for my honest opinion, no other compensation was given.
July 8, 2014
This was a great book for young readers (elementary age) that gives a peek into the Revolutionary War. The books are a spin off of the radio series, and this book follows cousins Patrick and Beth as they are sent back in time by Whit at Whit's end in the Imagination Station. This is book 14, and though I've never read any of the others, they appear to jump off of each other. In this book there is a brief introduction of their past adventure (from book 13 I assume) where they went to meet Paul Revere. A musket ball strikes the Imagination Station and breaks the windshield, and they end up on an American ship when they thought they were going home. Young readers get an exciting look at the life of soldiers at sea during the Revolutionary War and meet young James Forten. I really liked how the end included a page of "Questions about this book", in this case, 3 questions that clarify the story as well as what was real and what was fiction. There is a lead in to the next book in the series as well. I think this book was well written and while being full of adventure to entertain the reader, it also provides a lot of information about history. I'd recommend these to young readers and feel that they are a fun way to learn about history while enjoying an exciting read.
I recieved this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.
I recieved this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.
June 26, 2014
The newest Adventures in Odyssey book, Captured On the High Seas, just came out last month! Oh!Our family was excited! If you haven't heard or seen Adventures in Odyssey then go to your nearest Christian bookstore or Amazon.com and check it out! We love action and adventure so this book was our kind of adventure! Our imaginations took on the British warships with Patrick and Beth. Not only is this a great adventure but it's also filled with history in story form. Patrick and Beth also have to deal with decisions concerning slavery. Disease is also rampant but they get to see first hand the brave men who fought to make America free! A great read just in time for July 4th, 2014! This would make a great gift for your young reader this July 4th! The land of the free because of the brave!
July 19, 2014
Captured on the High Seas is an adventurous story where cousins Patrick and Beth travel to the middle of the Revolutionary War on the Royal Louis. While on the ship, they become friends with a sailor named James Forten and battle against the British. During one battle, however, the cousins and James Forten are captured by the British and their lives are put into danger. Will the three be sold into slavery by the British to the West Indies or will they be sentenced as traitors and sent to a prison ship known for being overly crowded and riddled with disease and insanitary conditions? This is a great book to teach kids about the Revolutionary War and about the Bravery of those who followed God’s lead in helping America become independent from Britain despite the hardships they would face and the punishments that awaited them if they were caught.
August 8, 2014
This exciting adventure takes place during the American Revolution on an American ship that Patrick and Beth find themselves on. When their ship is approached by a British warship, their Captain signals their surrender. Patrick and Beth borrow clothes from James to look like the other boys on board. James is to teach Henry, the son of the captain to read and write, Beth is to help the cook, and Patrick is to stay with James and Henry. When Beth was sent to give food to the captured lieutenant Prescott, he asked her to get him his sword in a false bottom of his chest. She not only got him his sword, but she also started to dump out the gun powder. What was the captain planning to do with James, Patrick and Beth? What unusual thing happened to enable Beth to escape the ship’s cook? What happened to the onion?
June 24, 2014
Great book!!! I wish I had read this series when I was younger( 10-12ish)! It's an easy read for struggling readers and has a captivating story that will hold anyone's attention. I love the history throughout the book as well as the prayers, faith conversations, and there are some vocabulary words that are explained as well. I requested this book with my younger siblings in mind and am almost positive that they will love it!!
I will most likely be requesting more of this series as they come out and encourage anyone with children under 13ish to purchase this book, the kids will love it!
"I received this book from Tyndale publishing for the purpose of this review. All comments and opinions are my own.
I will most likely be requesting more of this series as they come out and encourage anyone with children under 13ish to purchase this book, the kids will love it!
"I received this book from Tyndale publishing for the purpose of this review. All comments and opinions are my own.
April 28, 2016
I have always been a huge fan of Adventures in Odyssey and the Imagination Station. These books took me right back to listening to it on the radio when I was little. This book has the kids in the Imagination Station off to the high seas during the Revolutionary War. I like how the book focused on this part of the war and the slave trade and how people were treated. This book takes history and puts it in a young adult perspective. I love this series, it makes history interesting!
Recommended for ages 6-9.
Highly recommend!
Recommended for ages 6-9.
Highly recommend!
November 22, 2014
A tasteful wartime capture for young readers
The middle installment of this 3 book story-arc about the Revolutionary War is tastefully handled. The English aren't villianized & selfless sacrifices are realistically portrayed. Naturally there were Americans & Englishmen who were nasty, selfish, & dishonest, but this book appropriately shows the nicer side of humanity while in a war.
The larger then usual font, many illustrations, and simple language make this series ideal for young readers.
Recommend.
The middle installment of this 3 book story-arc about the Revolutionary War is tastefully handled. The English aren't villianized & selfless sacrifices are realistically portrayed. Naturally there were Americans & Englishmen who were nasty, selfish, & dishonest, but this book appropriately shows the nicer side of humanity while in a war.
The larger then usual font, many illustrations, and simple language make this series ideal for young readers.
Recommend.
September 1, 2014
This was the second book in a sub series on the Revolutionary War. If you haven't read the first on (The Redcoats are Coming!) you will still be able to follow along with this one just fine. Patrick & Beth end up on a man-o-war ship after a problem with the Imagination Station getting shot at. This story dealt with some of the slavery issues that were faced during this time. This book is also great for teaching kids about kindness.
June 21, 2014
Captured on the High Seas is another great time travel adventure with cousins Patrick and Beth. I loved how the authors are able to tell young readers about historical events. This time they travel back to the Revolutionary War era.
This is the second Imagination Station book I have read from this series and I am hooked. I want to get them all for my kids (and myself).
5 stars.
This is the second Imagination Station book I have read from this series and I am hooked. I want to get them all for my kids (and myself).
5 stars.
August 9, 2014
Great book for kids! In this adventure Patrick and Beth arrive directly from Revolutionary Boston to an American man-of-war (ship). They learn about slavery, scurvy, and ship’s food. They also learn about kindness to others, even at the expense of one’s own welfare. This book is part of a great series!!
November 27, 2017
I really liked the sense of adventure in this book. It was a really exciting book because it started out on an American ship and then they got captured. I admire James' bravery and how he turned down an offer to escape the British ship. He is a true Patriot!
June 28, 2014
This is a decent book, but God is rarely visible. Adventures in Odyssey Imagination Station should stick to faith-based stories with morals and not American history.
July 18, 2014
Some of the Imagination station series I like and some I don't. This one is latest one that is about the Revolutionary War time frame. Its a very good book to read for children.
August 6, 2015
I thought this book was really awesome because Patrick and Beth (cousins) go back in time. I love the adventures of time travel!
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews