A biography of Nathaniel Bowditch, who grew up in the late 1700s and dreamed of becoming a sailor. When his small size prevented him for achieving this goal, Bowditch`s determination resulted in years of on-land studying of the sea, ships, and astronomy. He eventually wrote the book THE AMERICAN PRACTICAL NAVIGATOR, which taught sailors how to use astronomy and mathematics to navigate their ships. Winner of the 1956 Newbery Medal.