Joe & the Wreck of the Tribune by Jacqueline Halsey

Middle grade historical fiction inspired by the real 18th-century shipwreck off Halifax Harbour, and the local boy who risked his life to save those on board.

It's 1797. Joe has lived with Gram ever since the crusty old midwife found him on her doorstep thirteen years ago. He must now earn his keep working as a fisher boy for her bad-tempered bully of a son, Eli. Joe loves the ocean, with its unpredictable moods and rolling waves. Could the Atlantic Ocean be his ticket to freedom? The battered, abandoned rowboat he finds could be his chance to break free from his miserable life and earn his own living. But mysteries surround the boat. The local carpenter is upset at the sight of it, and the initials carved on the boat match those on an old sea chest hidden in the back of Eli's shed. Could this have anything to do with what happened to Joe's parents?

Joe spends his time fixing up the boat and trying to solve these mysteries until a cold, stormy November day when a frigate wrecks at the mouth of the harbour. Joe's neighbours don?t dare launch their boats into the raging storm to save the survivors. Can Joe stand by and listen to the desperate cries of the exhausted sailors, or should he brave the wild Atlantic in his patched-up rowboat and attempt to rescue them?

Inspired by the true story of the shipwreck of the HMS Tribune on the Herring Cove cliffs and the heroism of a boy known as "Joe Cracker," this exciting coming-of-age adventure story is brimming with rich detail and captivating suspense.

Paperback, 175 pages

Published May 27, 2025

 by Nimbus Publishing Limited

4.5/5 stars

Joe and the Wreck of the Tribune is a wonderful piece of Canadian middle-grade historical fiction that completely drew me in. Set in Halifax, this story blends adventure with real moments from our past, giving younger readers (and adults like me) a vivid window into a time and place that doesn’t always get the spotlight.

The story follows Joe, a boy abandoned as an infant on the doorsteps of some cranky people.  But it's his resolute and determination that lead him on a journey of self discovery.  It was this journey that colided with the Tribune wreck.  It was an event that shaped the community and left a lasting mark on Halifax’s maritime past. I loved how the author wove factual history into Joe’s personal journey, making the learning feel natural and engaging rather than heavy or textbook-like. It’s the kind of historical fiction that sneaks in the education, it's not a long book but has depth, adventure and even some mystery.

There’s a great sense of atmosphere here, from the salty air, bustling harbour life, in the year 1797, along with a strong feeling of what it meant to live in coastal Nova Scotia during this era. Joe himself is an easy character to root for - curious, thoughtful and very much the kind of protagonist middle-grade readers will latch onto.

Joe and the Wreck of the Tribune feels like both a history lesson and an adventure. A perfect pick for young readers who enjoy real-world stories, and a great reminder of the rich maritime history in our own backyard.

My thanks to Nimbus Publishing (via Netgalley) for a digital copy in exchange for a honest review.