Published by Dial Books
Summary: When Petra de Winter’s wealthy father threatens to kill her, she runs away and hides on board the Golden Lion a ship sailing from the Netherlands to the East Indies. Bram Broen, the mixed-race son of the ship’s carpenter discovers her and helps her stay hidden. She disguises herself as a boy, which turns out to be fortunate when she is eventually discovered. After surviving a keel hauling, she is put to work as the surgeon’s assistant, using skills she learned back home in Holland. Told in alternating voices, Petra and Bram relate a story that includes piracy, mutiny, and lots of adventure. Grades 5 and up.
Pros: While more of a middle school book, good fifth grade readers will enjoy this page-turning adventure. It would also make an exciting read aloud.
Cons: Pretty much every aspect of life for anyone living in 17th century Europe who wasn’t wealthy, white, and male.
