Dear Friends, several years ago I read a childerns novel/biography about a young boy in early america that works as an apprentence in a boat dock supply shop.  ( I know this sounds very convuluted, bear with me).  Anyway he is very smart and teaches himself several languages, then he becomes a sea captain and rewrites a navigation book.  I know this is a true story, but for the life of me I can't remember his name or the exact title of the book.  I think his first name was Nathanial, he was one of the founders of the US Navy I beleive.  Any Ideas. 

I've finally rememberd the name of the book!!  It is Carry On, Mr. Bowditch!  Thanks for reading my post.  At least I had everyone thinking about it!

I love playing this game..name that book. :-) 

My son and I read Carry On Mr. Bowditch at the beginning of this school year.  Great Book!