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| The Bulletin Dozen is a monthly theme-based list of titles available only on-line. Since we're awfully fond of bakers here at the Bulletin, we thought we'd adopt their philosophy of generosity and throw in an extra one or two when we have them to offer--so don't expect an even dozen. Please feel free to copy, download, or link to these lists. We ask only that you cite the source. See the archive for lists from previous months. | |
Avast! It's a Pirate Dozen
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A few of us at the Bulletin have a particular liking for books about pirates, and we aren't alone. Even before Robert Louis Stevenson wrote Treasure Island, pirates captured the imagination of children and grownups alike. Adventure, romance, colorful language (and clothing), and the lure of hidden treasure make an irresistible combination for readers. Whether fiction or non-fiction, how-to or poetry, here are a dozen plus books to whet the appetite of buccaneer-loving kids of all ages. Aaarrgh!
--Melanie Kimball, Research Assistant
- Gibbons, Gail. Pirates: Robbers of the High Seas; written and illus. by Gail Gibbons. Little, 1993. Gr. 1-3
A picture-book history of pirates from the ancient world to present-day treasure seekers. Gibbons provides juicy details about battles, buried treasure, and plank-walking in this tempting lure for beginning yet reluctant readers. (BCCB 9/93) - Lawrence, Iain. The Wreckers. Delacorte, 1998 and The Smugglers.Delacorte, 1999. Gr.5-10
Though these two rip-roaring tales are not about pirates but other types of sea-faring miscreants, they are favorites of ours and so are included here. They relate the adventures of young John Spencer, who has a love of ships and sailing, a courageous heart, and a clever mind. All stand him in good stead as he encounters dangers that lurk on the Cornish coast and the waters between England and France. (BCCB 6/98; BCCB 7/99) - Lichtenheld, Tom. Everything I know about Pirates: A Collection of Made-up Facts, Educated Guesses, and Silly Pictures about Bad Guys of the High Seas; written and illus. by Tom Lichtenheld. Simon, 2000. Gr.3-6
Wonder why pirates always wear eyepatches or where they go to get their ears pierced? Lichtenheld answers all these questions and more. The first sentence says it all: "I don't know much about pirates, but I know enough to draw some pictures. And I can make up enough to draw some more pictures." The emphasis is on humor here. A handy pirate glossary and a chart which enables the reader to make up a suitable pirate name are included. (BCCB 4/00) - Lincoln, Margarette. The Pirates Handbook: How to Become a Rogue of the High Seas. Cobblehill, 1995. Illus. with photographs. Gr. 3-6
Lincoln's how-to book of the pirate trade intersperses lively essays on famous pirates, piratical customs, and pirate language with illustrations. Hands-on activities include how to make ship's biscuit, buckles for pirate shoes, doubloons, pieces of eight, and a Jolly Roger. An ideal book for bored kids inside on a rainy day. (BCCB 10/95) - McCaughrean, Geraldine. The Pirate's Son. Scholastic, 1998. Gr. 6-10
Set in the early 18th century, this eloquent story revolves around Nathan Gull, his sister Maud, and Tamo White, son of pirate Thomas White. When Nathan and Maud are orphaned and lose their home, Tamo takes them under his wing and the trio head for Madagascar, home to Tamo's mother. While there is enough action to satisfy the most rabid of pirate fans, ultimately this imaginative and beautifully rendered story is a tale of personal transformation for each of the three protagonists. (BCCB 9/98) - McCully, Emily Arnold. The Pirate Queen; written and illus. by Emily Arnold McCully. Putnam, 1995. Gr. 3-5
Though not as widely known as their male counterparts, there were female pirates. McCully profiles Grania (Grace) O'Malley in this picture book. Based on both historical fact and colorful legend, the tale culminates in a meeting between Grania and another fearless woman, Queen Elizabeth I. (BCCB 10/95) - McNaughton, Colin. Jolly Roger and the Pirates of Abdul, the Skinhead; written and illus. by Colin McNaughton. Simon, 1988 and Captain Abdul's Pirate School;written and illus. by Colin McNaughton. Candlewick, 1994. Gr. 3-5
In an attempt to find his long-lost father, Roger, called "jolly" because he looks miserable all the time, joins up with a group of pirates in need of a cabin boy. The pirates of The Golden Behind, led by Captain Abdul, "the skinhead," are as scurvy a lot as a true pirate aficionado could hope for. After resolving Roger's difficulties, the pirates leave, never to be seen again until the second book in which, it appears, Captain Abdul has retired from active pirating to run a school for young recruits. Needless to say, piratical hijinks ensue. (BCCB 1/89; BCCB 12/94) - McPhail, David. Edward and the Pirates;written and illus. by David McPhail. Little, 1997. 4-6 yrs
"Once Edward learned to read, there was no stopping him." He reads any and all kinds of books, and finally stumbles across a book in the library called Lost Pirate Treasure. Unfortunately, once he takes the book home, pirates appear in the night to take it back. But since Edward checked it out on his library card, he can't give it to them.. They'll have to wait until he returns the book to the library. Do you think the pirates will leave it at that? Not on your gold doubloon. (BCCB 7/97) - Marrin, Albert. The Terror of the Spanish Main: Sir Henry Morgan and His Buccaneers.Dutton, 1999. Gr. 6-12
An expert writer of non-fiction vividly brings the legendary Captain Henry Morgan to life. Marrin pulls no punches as he explores the political, social, and economic circumstances that allowed buccaneers such as Morgan to flourish. While detailing Morgan's brilliant military exploits, Marrin does not romanticize his hero, but demonstrates that Morgan was the self-interested and often cruel product of cruel times. (BCCB 2/99) - Morpurgo, Michael. The Ghost of Grania O'Malley. Viking, 1996. Gr. 6-9
They say that the Big Hill on Clare Island is haunted by the pirates who once ruled the coasts of Ireland. Jessie, who suffers from palsy, cannot keep up physically with other children, and spends most of her time alone. When the Big Hill is threatened by a greedy prospector, Jessie joins forces with the ghost of Grania O'Malley to keep the Island from disaster. (BCCB 5/96) - Tucker. Do Pirates Take Baths? illus. by Nadine Bernard Westcott. Whitman, 1994. 3-7 yrs.
Thirteen jolly verses explore the life and times of pirates. Each verse answers a question for young would-be buccaneers: What do pirates do? What do pirates eat? How do pirates capture a ship? and, of course, Do pirates take baths?(BCCB 10/94) - Weatherly. Women Pirates: Eight Stories of Adventure.Morgan
Reynolds, 1998. Gr. 5-9,
From Alfhild, fifth century Scandinavian princess, to Cheng I Sao, who took over a pirate empire following the death of her husband in 1807, Weatherly provides eight fascinating portraits of women pirates. Just as bloodthirsty as their male counterparts, these women flouted the social conventions of their times to follow lives of adventure, defiance, and brutality. (BCCB 4/98) - Yolen, Jane. The Ballad of the Pirate Queens; illus. by David Shannon. Harcourt, 1995. 6-12 yrs
This lyrical poem spins the true tale of Anne Bonney and Mary Reade. The two held watch on deck while their male shipmates drank and played cards below deck. When the governor's men come to take the ship, the two women unsuccessfully tried to defend the ship. All were captured, and the captain and male members of the crew sentenced to hang. Because Anne and Mary were pregnant, they escaped this fate. Yolen and Shannon's talents combine to create a memorable, haunting story. (BCCB 10/95)
This page was last updated on May 1, 2000.