A Newbery Medalist offers a new pirate adventure set in San Diego, California, in 1846. Twelve-year-old Shipwreck, a cabin boy on the pirate ship "The Giant Rat of Sumatra," is so named because he survived a shipwreck. This is his story. Illustrations.

When a boy's imagination runs wild, his mother keeps pace with the bravery and promise of protection every child craves. Readers enjoy this creative exchange as if a fly on the boy's bedroom wall. An absolute pleasure. Share this one aloud.

This layered story will impact different ages differently. The storyline conveys the gruffness expected from a pirate and his mates, while a repetitive pattern incorporates rich descriptors of pirate life. But when pirate Boris suffers loss, illustrations convey deep sadness even a tough character can feel, and readers understand the importance comforting companions offer.

Following the demise of bloodthirsty buccaneer Captain Flint, young Jim Hawkins finds himself with the key to a fortune. For he has discovered a map that will lead him to the fabled Treasure Island. But a host of villains, wild beasts and deadly savages stand between him and the stash of gold. Not to mention the most infamous pirate ever to sail the high seas . . . With a wonderfully funny introdu ...