About This Book
Reach for this book when your child is starting to navigate power imbalances with authority figures or needs a boost in self-reliance. This classic seafaring adventure centers on Oliver, a clever twelve-year-old kidnapped by a superstitious pirate captain who believes the boy has the supernatural gift of seeing ghosts and buried treasure. It is a story about using logic and wit to overcome intimidation and physical threats. The narrative balances high-stakes peril with Sid Fleischman's signature humor, making it an excellent choice for children who enjoy excitement but might be overwhelmed by darker, more modern thrillers. It explores themes of resilience and the importance of keeping one's head in a crisis. While the setting is historical and rugged, the emotional core remains focused on a child's ability to outsmart 'the bad guys' through observation and quick thinking.
