• Age: 10 to 14
• Grade: 4

Submarine Outlaw takes young adult readers on a unique journey when Alfred, a young boy who wants to be an explorer — not a fisherman, as his family demands — teams up with a junkyard genius to build a submarine that he sails around the Maritimes. The book takes the reader through the hands-on process of submarine construction into the world of real ocean navigation, replete with a high-seas chase, daring rescue and treasure hunting.

Children will identify with Alfred’s desire for an adventurous life and the sense of empowerment that comes with building his own submarine and operating it independently. They will also love the unusual crew — a rescued dog and a quirky seagull. The First Prize Winner of the Atlantic Writers Competition, Submarine Outlaw shows how any great goal in life takes a good deal of patience, determination and hard work. But also how hard work on one’s dream becomes an act of joy

Philip Roy continues to travel back and forth between Nova Scotia and Ontario, keeping residence in both places. For some half-dozen years now, he has been presenting orally a series of stories at local schools, fairs, and markets called “Happy the Pocket Mouse.” The first of the series, Mouse Tales, illustrated by Andrea Torrey Balsara, will be released by Ronsdale Press in spring 2014. This series of picture books complements Philip’s “Submarine Outlaw” series for young adults, which is now up to volume six. Recently he travelled to Australia to research the materials for the next book in the series, Eco Warrior, to appear in the fall of 2014. Travelling makes for great adventure, Philip contends. The only thing better is writing about it and visiting schools and libraries to share the stories with young readers. Visit Philip Roy’s website at www.philiproy.ca

Philip Roy's profile page

• Short-listed, Diamond Willow Award
• Short-listed, Rocky Mountain Award
• Winner, Silver Medal Foreword's Book of the Year Award
• Short-listed, Langely Award
• Short-listed, Ann Connor Brimer Award
• Nominated, Best Books for Kids & Teens
• Short-listed, Red Maple Award
• Short-listed, Hackmatack Award
• Winner, Atlantic Writer's Competition

“Philip Roy’s Submarine Outlaw is a wildly imaginative story of adventure full of surprises and fast paced, yet there is also wisdom and insight to be found here.” — Lesley Choyce

“Submarine Outlaw and its sequels have firmly established themselves as a riveting adventure series that has gathered a significant following who are anxiously awaiting this next installment. And they will not be disappointed! This personal quest and the internal struggles that it evokes for Alfred give this book a new dimension and allow his character to be more fully developed. . . . Roy continues to keep this series fresh and engaging. We will all join Alfred in anticipating his next voyage.” — Atlantic Books Today

“A truly riveting adventure story, Submarine Outlaw will likely capture the heart and minds of all who have longed to escape the confines of their everyday world and try something exciting and even dangerous.” — janeonbooks.edublogs.org

“A refreshing Canadian novel about following a dream.” — Resource Links

“A terrific and uniquely imaginative premise for an Atlantic Canada novel for kids.” — The Chronicle Herald

“Submarine Outlaw is so well written it is totally believable. Dramatic and touching. Highly recommended!” — Hi-Rise Newspaper

“Submarine Outlaw is a fast-paced, adventure novel that leaves you wanting more. . . . I would definitely recommend it to anyone looking for a great read.” — What If? Magazine

Submarine Outlaw

In this novel, Alfred, who has grown up in a small Newfoundland fishing village, wants to be an ocean explorer, not the fisherman he is expected to be. Wandering through the local junkyard he spots what he thinks is an old submarine. He seeks out Ziegfried, the owner of the junkyard, and learns that it was just an old oil tank. His disappointment inspires eccentric Ziegfried to make the tank into a submarine. Alfred begins his journey exploring the waters along Newfoundland’s and Nova Scotia’s coastline. However, his unregistered sub is soon detected by the coastguard and knowing he will have to surrender it and his dreams if they catch him, Alfred becomes an outlaw. After three adventure-filled months at sea, Alfred sneaks back to his village, having successfully evaded his pursuers.

This is Roy’s first published novel. It received first prize in the Atlantic Writers Competition.

Submarine Outlaw

Alfred is a fearless young explorer who teams up with a junkyard genius to build a submarine. While he’s cruising the Maritimes with his unusual crew, he unwittingly becomes the “Submarine Outlaw.” Can he escape from the coast guard?

A Wonderful Adventure Series!

by Isabella

This is an incredible adventure series. My children love Roy's novels, and they're always waiting for the next installment. And then it's a real plus that the main character is so admirable, too. You can't get much better than a story with a boy (Alfred) who travels all around the world in his own homemade submarine--with two fabulous sidekicks for crew members: a dog and a seagull! Alfred is just a great role model for children and teens. Submarine Outlaw was nominated for a Red Maple Award. It also won first prize in the Atlantic Writer's Competition. If you ask me, Roy should be winning the Forest of Reading awards every year that he comes out with a new book. We never get tired of reading about Alfred's journeys! The series is a hit with my kids, that's for sure!

Reviews on Submarine Outlaw

by reviewposter

“Submarine Outlaw and its sequels have firmly established themselves as a riveting adventure series that has gathered a significant following who are anxiously awaiting this next installment. And they will not be disappointed! This personal quest and the internal struggles that it evokes for Alfred give this book a new dimension and allow his character to be more fully developed. . . . Roy continues to keep this series fresh and engaging. We will all join Alfred in anticipating his next voyage.”— Atlantic Books Today

“A truly riveting adventure story, Submarine Outlaw will likely capture the heart and minds of all who have longed to escape the confines of their everyday world and try something exciting and even dangerous.” –janeonbooks.edublogs.org

“A refreshing Canadian novel about following a dream.”— Resource Links

“A terrific and uniquely imaginative premise for an Atlantic Canada novel for kids.”— The Chronicle Herald

“Submarine Outlaw is so well written it is totally believable. Dramatic and touching. Highly recommended!” — Hi-Rise Newspaper

Submarine Outlaw Review

by Olivia

This is just a great series for kids, and even adults. Ziegfried and Sheba, not to mention Hollie and Seaweed, are great characters, through and through. And then you can't forget Alfred--the hero of the story!