Bloody Jack

Reach for this book when your middle schooler or teen is feeling restless, seeking a story about forging one's own path despite impossible odds, or grappling with questions of gender and identity. Bloody Jack introduces Mary Faber, an indomitable orphan in 18th century London who disguises herself as a boy to escape starvation and join the Royal Navy. It is a gritty, high stakes adventure that refuses to sugarcoat the realities of historical poverty and maritime life. While the story is packed with swashbuckling action and humor, it deeply explores themes of resilience, the performance of gender, and the search for belonging. Parents should be aware that the book handles heavy topics, including the death of companions, the threat of sexual violence in the slums, and the physical hardships of war. It is an excellent choice for a young reader who is moving toward more mature, complex historical fiction and wants a protagonist who is both incredibly capable and deeply human.