Founded in 1646 and known as "the Whaling City," New London has played an important role in American history since Colonial days. Its natural harbor at the mouth of the Thames River connects the city to the sea. Around the turn of the 20th century, New London flourished as the hub of southeastern Connecticut. With roots as one of the main ports for the whaling industry, the city became home to a wealthy summer resort called the Pequot Colony. Over the years, dramatic changes occurred as a ...

In the 19th century, Tom Tin is trapped in a convict ship bound for Australia, where he will serve a lengthy prison sentence for a murder he didn’t commit. Despite being warned of headhunters, pirates, and even cannibals, Tom and several other young prisoners escape in a stolen longboat. Then a violent storm strands them on a tropical island.Sure enough, the alluring islands of the Pacific aren’t quite the refuge Tom had hoped for. Encountering all that he was warned of and more, i...

Tom Tin’s father has been arrested and taken to debtor’s prison in early 19th-century London. Desperate, 14-year-old Tom survives by scavenging on the grimy streets. But a sinister gang of young pickpockets threatens his life when they mistake him for a wily criminal known as the Smasher.Just when Tom thinks his situation couldn’t get any worse, he is unjustly arrested for murder. Sentenced to seven years, he is crammed aboard a decaying prison ship along with 500 other convicts wh...

Young Tom Tin’s adventures began when he was thrown into shackles and put on a prison ship bound for Australia. Here, he continues his incredible journey home, where a fortune awaits him in London.Adrift on the open sea, Tom and four criminal companions are desperate for food and water. Spotting a ship on the horizon flying black sails, they realize more danger and misfortune await them. Upon climbing aboard, however, Tom and his mates find it empty, and decide to ...