The Buccaneers

A parent would reach for this book when their child is navigating the difficult transition into adolescence and needs to see a protagonist grapple with the reality that life is not always fair. It is ideal for the middle schooler who feels small in a large world or who is beginning to question the morality of the adults around them. The story follows a young boy caught in the dangerous, real life world of 18th century pirates Eric Cobham and Maria Lindsey. While it is a high stakes adventure, the core of the book explores the internal struggle to maintain one's integrity and resilience when surrounded by cruelty. Parents might choose this for a 10 to 14 year old who enjoys history but is ready for more complex, gritty themes about survival and the gray areas between good and evil.