Pirates! : the true and remarkable adventures of Minerva Sharpe and Nancy Kington, female pirates

Title: Pirates! : the true and remarkable adventures of Minerva Sharpe and Nancy Kington, female pirates
Author: Celia Rees 
Publisher: 2003 
Year of Publication: 2003

About the book:
When Nancy Kington is forced into an arranged marriage to better her family’s ruined fortune, Nancy flees taking along with her Minerva, a slave she befriends, and together they join a crew of a pirate ship. Donning men’s clothing, Nancy and Minerva survive storms, battle, and mutinies, all while being constantly pursued by the groom she sought to escape.

The novel is fast-paced and engrossing, with Rees giving a strong feel for the 18th century the novel is set in, without being overly detailed. The main character Nancy is an engaging heroine with a voice that is appropriate for the time period.
While some of the details may be a bit dark for younger readers (such as the descriptions of violence on the plantation and aboard the ship), this novel is perfect for those who like a swashbuckling adventure that doesn’t shy away from the brutality and horror of the time period.

To Catch a Pirate

Title: To Catch a Pirate
Author: Jade Parker
Publisher: Scholastic
Year of Publication: 2007

About the book:
When her mother dies, 16-year-old Annalisa Townsend sets sail for the Caribbean where her father governs the small island of Mourning. On the way there, her ship is set upon by pirates who are after her father's treasure.
One of the pirate crew, James Sterling discovers Annalisa hiding in the hold of the ship. Begging him not to take her necklace (the only thing left of her mother), he accepts but only in exchange for a kiss.
One year later, Annalisa has her own ship and sails in search of James Sterling and the pirate crew that stole her father's treasure.
When Annalisa finally catches him, she remembers the kiss they shared the fateful night and finds herself falling for the pirate.

This book is perfect for those who like a bit more romance with their adventure. Annalisa and James have great chemistry, with Annalisa's strong-minded stubborness and James' cocky arrogance making their interactions reminiscent of Elizabeth Swan and Jack Sparrow in the Pirate of the Caribbean movies. Parker also mixes it up a bit by throwing in Nathaniel Northrup, the straight man to James' pirate who is also sweet on Annalisa.
Full of danger and adventure, and romance on the high seas, this book will satisfy anyone's pirate craving.

Piratica : being a daring tale of a singular girl’s adventure upon the high seas

Title: Piratica : being a daring tale of a singular girls adventure upon the high seas
Author: Tanith Lee
Publisher: Hodder Children's Books
Year of Publication: 2004

About the book:
16-year-old Artemesia Fitz-Willoughby (or Art, for short) has spent the last 6 years of her life stuck in the Angels Academy for Young Maidens. She remembers nothing of her previous life before Angels Academy until she takes a tumble down some stairs...
After hitting her head on a bannister, her mind begins to fill with the memory of her previous life, one full of pirates and swordfights and cannons, and her mother, a famous pirate, and Art escapes the school in search for adventure!
When it's revealed that the life she remembers was merely a stage play, that her mother and her crew were an acting troupe, Art remains undaunted and convinces them to join her and become real pirates!
While some of the plot elements can be a little far-fetched, Piratica is a fun read. Filled with derring-do and swashbuckling adventure, and a strong-minded female at the helm, this book is great for those who like an adventure that doesn't take itself too seriously. Piratica: being a daring tale of a singular girls adventure upon the high seas is the first of the Piratica series, which spans three books.

Steel

Title: Steel
Author: Carrie Vaugh
Publisher: HarperTeen
Year of Publication: 2011

About the book:
Jill is vacationing in the Caribbean with her family after losing the qualifying round for the Junior World Fencing Championships. Walking along the beach, she finds the rusty tip of a very old sword in the sand, which magically transports her into the past and onto the pirate ship Diana.
Stuck in the past, Jill has no choice but to join the crew. She earns her sea legs and she befriends a young pirate, Henry who teaches her how to fight with real swords.

Jill is a strong protagonist once she has found her feet on the Diana (she begins as a moody teenager, whose sulking could probably get a bit old for some), rising to the occasion as she tries to find her way back home.

Vaughn’s Steel is an action-packed adventure, with a richly detailed plot that vividly paints the eighteenth century that Jill has been transported to. Vaughn also introduces the readers to the sport of fencing in the historical context, and has also included a glossary of fencing terms.

Polly and the Pirates

 

Title: Polly and the Pirates
Author: Ted Naifeh
Publisher: Oni Press
Year of Publication: 2006



About the book:
Polly Pringle, stuck in a prim and proper finishing school, yearns for adventure and romance, much like in the tales she grew up with about Meg Malloy, the pirate queen.
When she is kidnapped by the Meg Malloy’s crew of pirates, she discovers that her dead mother was none other than the pirate queen herself!
Now Polly must follow the footsteps of her sea-faring mother to recover her mother’s treasure map, stolen by a rival pirate king determined to keep Meg Malloy’s pirate treasure for himself.

Naifeh’s art is close enough to the typical manga style, but still retains his own unique look that brings his characters to life. Polly is a strong character, who grows from being a quiet, prim and proper young lady to a pirate queen.

The Pirate Captain's Daughter

 

Title: The Pirate Captain's Daughter
Author: Eve Bunting
Publisher: Sleeping Bear Press
Year of Publication: 2011

About the book:

After her mother’s death, 15-year-old Catherine is determined not to be shipped off to her aunt in Boston. When she discovers her father’s secret life as a pirate captain, she dons boy’s clothing and convinces her father to take her along with him on his impeding three-month voyage.
Under the name Charlie and under the guise of being her father’s son, Catherine realises that life on a pirate ship is not as romantic and glamorous as she had imagined.

Slightly different to the usual swashbuckling adventures usually found in pirate books, the books frequently dark tone is effective in keeping with a more realistic portrayal of piracy.

Bloody Jack : being an account of the curious adventures of Mary “Jacky” Faber, ship’s boy

 

Title: Bloody Jack : being an account of the curious adventures of Mary "Jacky" Faber
Author : L. A. Meyer
Publisher: Harcourt
Year of Publication: 2002
Series: Bloody Jack

About the book:
Mary Faber is an orphan living in the streets of London in the early 1900s. When the leader of her gang is killed, she puts on his clothes, names herself Jack and sneaks aboard the HMS Dolphin. 
The novel follows Mary’s adventures on the HMS Dolphin, exploring her struggle to maintain her Jacky persona and her clashes with the pirates on board (which earns her the name ‘Bloody Jack’). 

The novel is praised as being an engaging novel with a lot of historical and nautical detail of piracy in the 18th century. This novel is the first of the Bloody Jack series, which has so far spanned nine books (the ninth to be published in October 2011).

The Ballad of the Pirate Queens

Title: The Ballad of the Pirate Queens
Author: Jane Yolen ; with illustrations by David Shannon
Publisher: Voyager Books
Year of Publication: 1995

About the Book:
You're never too old for a picture book, especially one was beautifully illustrated as this one, for a poem about two of the most well known female pirates, Anne Bonny and Mary Read.

The poem follows the pirate duo as they take on a 'Man 'O War' ship, while the rest of the male crew, including the Captain Calico Jack just drink. Anne and Mary put up a good fight, but are eventually taken and then put to trial.

Saved from death by 'pleading their bellies', Yolen leaves the ending open ended, with Yolen speculating on where Anne and Mary end up (grandmothers telling their grandchildren of their pirate life.

Illustrations by Shannon are gorgeously done, and Yolen's poem has great rhythm and rhyme that greatly lends itself to being read aloud.

Even if you think yourself above picture books, this one is well worth a look. If only for the beautiful illustrations done by Shannon. This book brings the story of the two of the most famous female pirates into a fun and accessible format at anyone at any age can enjoy.

The Wreckers

Title: The Wreckers
Author: Iain Lawrence
Publisher: Delacorte Press
Year of Publication: 1998
Series: The High Seas Trilogy

About the Book:
John Spencer barely survives when his father's ship the Isle of Skye is shipwrecked. He thinks himself lucked to have survived but soon realises that the village that took him in is much more sinister than it appears. The village of Pendennis thrives through the practice of 'wrecking' - lighting false beacons and luring ships to crash on the coast's jagged rocks, and taking anything salvaged from the wreckage for their village.
John finds out that his father survived the shipwrecked but is held prisoner in the village. Jack must use his wits rescue his father, and also try not to get killed by the townspeople.
For those who like their books on the creepier side, this is a perfect read. Lawrence masterfully crafts a thrilling suspenseful tale that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
This book tends towards the more gruesome and violent side, with some scenes that could potentially scare the more sensitive readers.

Pirate Curse

Title: Pirate Curse
Author: Kai Meyer
Publisher: Margaret McElderry Books
Year of Publication: 2006
Series: The Wave Walkers

About the Book:
The first book in the Wave Walker series, this novel follows 14-year-old Jolly, named for pirate flag the Jolly Roger, who lives aboard a ship with a crew of pirates who adopted her. What makes Jolly so special (and also what makes her a valuable asset to her Captain) is that she is a Polliwog - a human with the ability to walk on water, and she believes she's the only one left.
Enter 14-year-old Munk, a Polliwog who also believes he's the last one left. The son to scared parents, Munk has led an isolated life on a secluded island, his parents fearing for him as pirates would kill to possess a Polliwog.
When Jolly washes up on his island after her ship is attacked, she and Munk are thrown together and join the crew of a ghost ship called the Ghost Trader. They discover that their world is threatened by the return of the mysterious Maelstrom, and they are the only ones who can stop it.

If you enjoyed Pirates of the Caribbean and also enjoy some magic with your pirates, then you will love this book. This fast-paced, action packed adventure will leave you on the edge of your seat and will leave you wanting more.

City of Ships

Title: City of Ships
Author: Mary Hoffman
Publisher: Bloomsbury
Year of Publication: 2010
Series: Stravanganza

About the Book:
While this novel is part of the Stravanganza series, it is can also be read as a stand alone.
The general premise of the series is teens from modern day England find items or 'talismans' that send them back in time to Talia (a place like 16th century Italy but isn't) where only they can do a certain task or quest to help Talia.

Isabel is the younger twin and has spent her whole life in her twin Charlie's shadow. When her talisman transports her to the Talian town of Classe, a city about to be invaded by the Gate People. Isabel befriends a female merchant Flavia, whose son Andrea is an outcast and a pirate. As the city prepares for war, Isabel must help save the city before it falls into ruin.

This book is perfect for those who like a little fantasy with their historical fiction, with pirates thrown into the mix! Don't let the fact that this is part of a series deter you from reading it, it might even convince you to explore the rest of the Stravaganza series.

Isabel is a very likable character, with the potential to come off as whiny as she plays second fiddle to her brother, it's refreshing to have her perspective not being that of the stereotypical jealous sibling. She does come into her own throughout the book and grows to become a stronger character towards the end.

Hoffman's worldbuilding has been praised throughout her previous books, and this book is no exception. This book is richly detailed with Hoffman's masterfully written plot intricately woven thoughout. Her characters are engaging and likable, and her story is filled with adventure, suspense and unexpected twists and turns that will leave you wanting to explore the rest of the Stravanganza series (even if the rest of the books don't include pirates).

The Pirate's Son

 

Title: The Pirate's Son
Author: Geraldine McCaughrean
Publisher: Scholastic Press
Year of Publication: 1998


About the book:
Fourteen-year-old Nathan Gull is thrown out of his English boarding school when his father dies and is left unable to pay his fees.
Having read about and dreamt of a pirate’s life, he joins his schoolmate Tamo White (the son of a pirate and a Madagascar queen) and his sister Maud aboard Tamo’s guardian’s ship as it sails to his homeland, Madagascar.

The novels three main protagonists each come into their own. Nathan’s little sister Maud is easily the most sympathetic and interesting of the three, who easily adapted to life in Madagascar.

The point of view switches between the three characters (with the occasional point of view from the villains) which can be confusing at times. However, the novel is a gripping and engaging read, full of pirate lore, heroics, deceptions and adventure that will leave you wanting more.

Capt. Hook : the adventures of a notorious youth

Title: Capt. Hook : the adventures of a notorious youth
Author: J. V. Hart; with illustrations by Brett Helquist
Publisher: HarperCollins
Year of Publication: 2005

About the Book:
Written by the same person who wrote the popular movie 'Hook', Hart writes about the Captain's troubled youth before he became Captain Hook.
Hook, first known as James Matthew is the bastard son of 'Lord B', and then novel starts with James' first day at Eton. Shunned for being illegitimate and tormented by the uppity Arthur Darling, James plots and schemes, ever determined to be the one to come out on top.

While it isn't strictly speaking a pirate novel, this book gives an interesting look into the origins of one of the most famous pirates in literature. The majority of the novel takes place in Eton, but the later half is set aboard the ship the Sea Witch where we find out how James Matthew becomes Captain Hook.
Hart's characters are very much well rounded and likable, James himself is a lovable sort of anti-hero and a good contrast to his best mate Jolly Roger (who is very much as jolly as his namesake), and James' love interest, a Sultan's daughter, Ananova is also no wilting flower.

Helquist's illustrations would be familiar to those who've read A Series of Unfortunate Events and very much add to the narrative. Hart weaves an engaging, if slightly disturbing tale, filled with romance, revenge plots, and whistling spiders (???) that will have you rooting for Hook and his pirates when you next read Barrie's Peter Pan.

The Price of Freedom

Title: The Price of Freedom (Pirates of the Caribbean)
Author: A. C. Crispin
Publisher: Disney Editions
Year of Publication: 2011

About the Book:
Yet another prequel, but this time exploring the backstory of one of our favourite pirates, Captain Jack Sparrow.

Being the son of infamous pirate Captain Edward Teague, it's only natural that 25-year-old Jack Sparrow rebels by  making an honest living as a merchant seaman for the East India Trading Company.
Sure, he remembers his childhood pirating days, but he also remembers the ever-present fear of the noose and being under the ever watchful eye of his father. It's not like he can return either. He broke the code, and now he's no longer welcome at Shipwreck Cove.

Essentially a story about how Jack got his beloved Black Pearl, it also explores how 25-year-old Jack Sparrow became the Captain Jack we are familiar with. Crispin keeps true to the Johnny Depp's portrayal of Jack, while also giving her own spin on the character. Her research is well shown, with details about life on the sea, 18th century ships, weapons, and tactics well scattered amongst the misadventure, romance and humour of the novel.

At a whopping 653 pages, it might be a bit of a stretch for those who don't like their novels on the long side. However, it's Crispin's attention to detail, her faithful rendering of characters we know and love, and her skillful storytelling that make The Price of Freedom seem nowhere near long enough.

Treasure Island

Title: Treasure Island
Author: Robert Louis Stevenson
Publisher: Kingfisher
Year of Publication: 2001

About the Book:
One of the first titles you'd think of when you think of pirate stories, Treasure Island  is a classic.
Jim Hawkins lives with is mother and father at Admiral Bow Inn and all is well, until an old sea man stays at their inn. When the man dies, Jim goes through his possessions and finds an treasure map. Jim get thrown into an adventure filled with pirates, mutiny and swashbuckling as he sails with the iconic pirate Long John Silver on his search for riches on the mythical Treasure Island.

The quintessential pirate novel, and the one that popularised many of the pirate characteristics and cliches now found in most pirate fiction, Treasure Island is a must-read.

Peter Pan

Title: Peter Pan
Author: J.M. Barrie, with illustrations by Michael Hague
Publisher: CreateSpace
Year of Publication: 2010

About the Book:
A classic story, and one that would immediately come to mind when one thinks of pirates.
Peter Pan is the boy who never grew up, and he befriends the Darling children, Wendy, John and Michael. The three Darling siblings join Peter to him home in Neverland.
In Neverland, they make friends with the Lost Boys, discover mermaids, save Princess Tiger Lily and befriend the Redskins, and encounter Captain Hook and his dreaded band of pirates.


Quite different from the Disney adaptation of Peter Pan, with some scenes being a bit more violent than one would expect if they were only familiar with the Disney version.

However, this is perfect for those who are interested in the source material of the Disney version, and for those who want more than what the softer and lighter Disney version has to offer.

Silver : my own tales as written by me with a goodly amount of murder

Title: Silver : my own tales as written by me with a goodly amount of murder
Author: Edward Chupack
Publisher: Thomas Dune Books
Year of Publication: 2008

About the Book:
A fictional autobiography of Long John Silver. Yes, that Long John Silver.
Set long after Treasure Island, Silver is captured and bound on his ship the Linda Maria, which sails to England and for Silver, the noose. He writes his last will and testament to the ship's new captain, his cabin boy collecting the pages he writes when he gives Silver his daily meals.

This novel provides an interesting backstory to the infamous Long John Silver, which details his life from the slums of his poverty stricken childhood to his ascent to a notorious pirate; a life which includes murders, maps, codes, thievery and even a little bit of romance for the old priate. Chupack also throws in some familiar faces from Treasure Island as well, such as Jim Hawkins and Ben Gunn.

Chupack masterfully uses his knowledge of pirate language to make Silver sound as authentic as possible. Though some may find his use of pirate speak daunting to read, it is well-rendered and can be the stand out over the sometimes meandering plot.

As the title suggests, it does include some blood and murder, and is classified as being an adult book for young adults, so it is strictly for our older readers who aren't afraid of some gore.

Peter and the Starcatchers

Title: Peter and the Starcatchers
Authors: Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson
Publisher: Disney Editions
Year of Publication: 2006
Series: Peter and the Starcatchers

About the Book:
If you ever wondered how Peter Pan ended up in Neverland, how Hook lost his hand, how Tink came into being (laughing baby, not withstanding), then be prepared to find a comfy chair and dive into Peter and the Starcatchers.
A softer and lighter prequel (at least, compared to Capt. Hook: adventures of a notorious youth) to Peter Pan, orphan Peter and his band of boys are taken aboard the ship Never Land to be sent off as servants for an evil king. The Never Land is also holding mysterious cargo, a strange trunk whose magical contents is only known to Molly, one of the passengers aboard the ship. In pursuit of the cargo is the pirate Black Stache, whose character is strangely familiar. Filled with magic, sea battles and shipwrecks, Dave Barry explores the origin story of Peter and his Lost Boys, and how they got to Neverland.

A fast-paced, fun, if sometimes slightly absurd (Molly speaks Porpoise...really.) pirate adventure, this story is a great re-imagining of the Peter Pan mythos while still paying respect to the original. Barry's writing is humourous and witty, with plenty of small shoutouts and references to the original Barrie story, and his characters well fleshed out. Peter is very much in character of the original, if a bit more likable. New character and female lead Molly Aster is despite being the token female, brave, intelligent and a bit stubborn, and gets her own share of the action. She can also speak Porpoise.

The magic elements of the plot can be a bit of a stretch (one word, Porpoise), but overall it is a very fun book which has an engaging narrative that makes it very hard to put down. A popular novel, it is also the first of the Peter and the Starcatchers series, which so far spans four books.

The Pirates' Guidelines : a booke for those who desire to keep to the code and live a pirate's life

Title: The Pirates' Code Guidelines : a booke for those who desire to keep to the code and live a pirate's life
Author: Joshamee Gibbs
Publisher: Hyperion Press
Year of Publication: 2007

About the Book:
"...the code is more what'd you'd call "guidelines" than actual rules."

A fun book for those familiar with the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise, this book is based on the oft-mentioned Pirate Code of the Brethren.
Written as part of the franchises mythos, it is depicted as written by the character of Joshamee Gibbs.
While this particular code is fictional, it is based on the actual codes and articles used by real pirates, who did write their own codes for governing their ships.

This book is fun, even if you do feel like you are too old to enjoy it. Printed as if it had been in the possession of Mr Gibbs, it features his own notes and drawings in the margins, as well as cameos from our favourite characters in the form of letters from Jack Sparrow, Elizabeth Swann and Will Turner.
Including such topics as how to play Liar's Dice, an extensive guide for sailing terminology, the right of parlay; and humourous ones such as Elizabeth Swann's additional uses for a wedding dress, and how to survive on an island full of cannibals.

A must for any of those who are fans of the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise, or who just want a fun read.

The Pirate Primer : mastering the language of swashbucklers and rogues

Title: The Pirate Primer : master the language of swashbucklers and rogues
Author: George Choundras
Publisher: Writers Digest Books
Year of Publication: 2007

About the Book:
Though not a novel, the Pirate Primer is the only book that covers how to properly speak like a pirate. While there are many Pirate-English dictionaries, none of them are as indepth as this one.

Choudras covers pronunciation, grammar and syntax, and attempts to record and define most all of the most distinctive phrases that have ever crossed the lips of a pirate in film, televison and literature.
The book is divided into two parts and has 22 chapters, and includes things like greetings, threats, insults, epithets, and devotes an entire chapter on the iconic Arrrrgh (which covers all 44 uses for the word).

Perfect for those who love pirates, love language, love interesting books, and for those who just want to be as authentic as possible on Talk Like A Pirate day (19th September).