“The Gray Sea Raiders” , Gordon D. Shirreffs, 1961, 154 pages, grades 6-9. This American Civil War novel traces the early career of sixteen year old Clinton Wallace, Acting Midshipman, with the plucky but ill-equipped Confederate Navy in 1862. “Sea Raiders” offers detailed, historically accurate insight into the perilous, daring, exploits of Confederate blockade runners who defied Union warships, trading “white gold” (cotton) for desperately needed guns and military supplies. The book is exceptionally well written. The vocabulary is challenging; (a nautical glossary is wisely included). The plot provides gripping battle action and suspense that holds the reader’s attention through the last page. The characters in “Sea Raiders” are well-rounded and complex, especially the protagonist. Young readers will identify with Clinton as he struggles through his fear of danger, his brash, youthful pride, and even his wrong attitudes towards a jealous fellow Midshipman (who constantly provokes him), to gradually develop humility, integrity, loyalty, and true bravery and courage. “Sea Raiders” contains no questionable language or situations – just non-stop adventure. This book may be found in the Junior Fiction section of the GCS library.