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The lighthouse at Old Mackinac Point guided ships through the Straits of Mackinac from 1891 until 1957. A Castle at the Straits is based on the lives of the Marshall family, who lived at the lighthouse a century ago. Award-winning children’s author Janie Lynn Panagopoulos brings to life the past of this Great Lakes lighthouse and the importance of the families who lived and worked in it. With charming illustrations by Laura Evans, it is a story that will delight both children and adults.

In the early 1900s, young Chester Marshall and his sisters come to live with relatives at old Mackinac Point Lighthouse at Michigan’s Straits of Mackinac. Chester learns he too will play a role in “keeping the light” and discovers how much the people of the Great lakes depend on his family’s dedication and hard work. 


Illustrated by Laura Evans.

Illustrated. 48 pages.  2003.

Downloadable Teacher's Guide available for this publication through our Education Program. Nine (9) pages including a Teacher overview and fun activities for Students.  Help meet current MEAP guidelines.  Click here for Teacher's Guide   (scroll toward bottom of page).