Who doesn’t love a good pirate story?

My only complaint was that the time jumps were a bit abrupt. I wish it would have had three parts, and then chapters within them.

That being said, I learned a lot from The Whydah (which is pronounced whi-duh not WHY-duh). My favorite parts were the side stories and the information about oceanic archaeology. I understand why it has gotten so much recognition! It was definitely interesting, especially to someone from the landlocked midwest who had never heard of it.

THE WHYDAH: A PIRATE SHIP FEARED, WRECKED, and FOUND by Martin W. Sandler pieces together the true story of a pirate ship discovered by marine archaeologists in the 1980s.

During the age of piracy, now famous pirates like Blackbeard and Black Sam Bellamy sailed the Atlantic in search of treasure. In 1717, a pirate ship called the Whydah wrecked off Cape Cod only to be found in 1984 by marine archaeologists. Sandler tells the exciting story of what researchers have learned from this amazing pirate ship. Readers learn about how this slave ship was transformed into a ship used by pirates almost 300 years ago. The author incorporates legends and survivor stories to add to the mystery surrounding the ship. Primary source materials are woven into the story along with short descriptions that provide historical insights.

Librarians will find the combination of pirates, shipwrecks, and history to be appealing to both middle grade and older students. Connect this book with other activities occurring during the age of piracy. This book would be useful for reluctant readers seeking an engaging research topic.

Published by Candlewick on March 14, 2017. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Such an interesting read! A nonfiction tale of pirates, that is just a good, if not better, than the stories! I loved learning more about the Whydah and the crew that sailed on it!

This is such an informative book! I have been following the Whydah ship's story for years; it just never gets old. It's so fascinating! Any one interested in nautical, pirate, treasure hunting, ships in general or even history, should read this book. It's as entertaining as it is educational. Can't believe there was a 10-11 year old boy pirate! Just an amazing find.