Hyperrealist historical fiction writer Henry Hixson offers a wildly satisfying story in The Adventures of Thomas Pilgrim and Barney High Tail, his debut for young adults. In the style as such classics as The Prince and the Pauper and Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, Hixson has a way with creating suspense and conflict in this sea-faring adventure that ultimately provides readers a lesson on self-reliance. There aren't too many lads like Thomas Pilgrim. At thirteen his favorite things include Barney High Tail, his black cat, and wood carving. It's 1795 and life is pretty calm on the coast of...