About This Book
Reach for this book when your child is starting to question the black and white rules of childhood and is ready to explore the murky grey areas of loyalty, law, and personal conscience. Set against the rugged backdrop of the 18th-century English coast, this historical adventure follows a young boy caught between the strict laws of the land and the secret, often desperate world of local smugglers. It is an ideal choice for the pre-teen who enjoys high-stakes tension and historical atmosphere. Manning-Sanders masterfully weaves a tale that is less about 'pirate' tropes and more about the internal weight of keeping secrets and the bravery required to do what is right when everyone around you is doing what is wrong. While it offers the thrill of midnight runs and hidden coves, the core of the story is an emotional coming-of-age journey. It is a sophisticated pick for readers aged 9 to 13 who are ready for a narrative that respects their intelligence and their growing understanding of social complexity.
