Charles Boardman Hawes (1889–1923) was an American novelist and journalist who specialized in maritime adventure stories. Though his literary career was tragically cut short by his sudden death at the age of 34, he left behind a small but highly regarded body of work consisting of five books, only two of which were published during his lifetime. His writing captured the imagination of readers and critics alike, earning him comparisons to legendary sea-adventure writers such as Robert Louis Stevenson, Richard Henry Dana Jr., and Herman Melville.\n\nHawes is best remembered for his historical fiction, particularly his third novel, The Dark Frigate, published in 1923. The book was awarded the Newbery Medal, making Hawes the first American-born author to receive the prestigious honor for children's literature. His stories were celebrated for their historical accuracy, vivid depictions of life at sea, and gripping narratives.\n\nFollowing his untimely passing, his legacy was honored through the establishment of the Hawes Memorial Prize Contest, which sought to discover new talent in the genre of adventure fiction. Despite his brief career, Hawes's contributions to American children's literature and maritime fiction remain a notable milestone of the early twentieth century.
