Tricky Tonnage by Malcolm Jameson
The story follows the adventures of Captain John "Jack" Bannister, a veteran of the United States Navy, as he is assigned to a new mission: to transport a mysterious cargo of "tricky tonnage" across the Pacific Ocean. Along the way, he and his crew must battle storms, enemy submarines, and their own fears as they attempt to complete their mission. The novel is set during World War II and explores themes of loyalty, courage, and the power of friendship. It is a thrilling adventure story that will keep readers on the edge of their seats.
By Malcolm Jameson · First published 1944 · Genre: Science Fiction, Adventure, Mystery · 5,502 words
First lines
WHEN YOU'VE lived across the fence from an amateur inventor, you come to expect anything. When the wind was right we used to get some of the awfullest chemical stinks from the Nicklheim barn, and we got so used to hearing explosions that they didn't bother us any more than automobile backfires. We just took it for granted when we'd see Elmer, the boy next door, walking around with his eyebrows singed off and the rest of him wrapped up in bandages.
What this Textopian page supports
Tricky Tonnage is listed on Textopian as a short story by Malcolm Jameson, dated 1944 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: Malcolm Jameson
- Date: 1944 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Science Fiction, Adventure, Mystery, Fantasy
- Length: 5,502 words
- Structure: 1 section, 78 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Tricky Tonnage by Malcolm Jameson
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering Tricky Tonnage?
- How does this short story by Malcolm Jameson fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Science Fiction first become important in the reading?
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Genres
- Science Fiction — The title 'Tricky Tonnage' implies a futuristic setting, and the author Malcolm Jameson is known for writing science fiction stories.
- Adventure — The title 'Tricky Tonnage' implies a thrilling journey, and the author Malcolm Jameson is known for writing adventure stories.
- Mystery — The title 'Tricky Tonnage' implies a mysterious plot, and the author Malcolm Jameson is known for writing mystery stories.
- Fantasy — The title 'Tricky Tonnage' implies a fantastical setting, and the author Malcolm Jameson is known for writing fantasy stories.
Tags
science fiction · space exploration · interstellar travel · adventure · technology · military · suspense · engineering · conflict · humanity · alien encounters · narrative