Whydah: A Pirate Ship Feared, Wrecked, and Found

This captivating nonfiction book delves into the fascinating history of the Whydah, a ship that began its life in the Triangular Trade before being commandeered by the notorious pirate Black Sam Bellamy. It recounts the ship's short but eventful career as a pirate vessel, laden with treasure, before its tragic sinking in a storm off Cape Cod in 1717. The narrative then shifts to the modern era, detailing the exciting archaeological efforts that led to the ship's rediscovery in the 1980s and the recovery of its tremendous riches. The book offers insights into pirate culture, the causes of piracy, and the innovative techniques of underwater archaeology, making it an engaging read for children interested in history, adventure, and scientific discovery.

The 1650s to the 1730s marked the golden age of piracy, when fearsome pirates like Blackbeard ruled the waves, seeking not only treasure but also large and fast ships to carry it. The Whydah was just such a ship, built to ply the Triangular Trade route, which it did until one of the greediest pirates of all, Black Sam Bellamy, commandeered it. Filling the ship to capacity with treasure, Bellamy hoped to retire with his bounty but in 1717 the ship sank in a storm off Cape Cod.