The Pirate Queen by Terry Deary
A and C Black Publishers, 2011. ISBN 978 1 4081 2835 0.
The Pirate Queen is a short novel aimed at readers age 8 to
10. Pirate stories always seem to be aimed at boys but girls and
boys alike will enjoy this tale of pirates and treasure. It is
written by Terry Deary, author of the Horrible Histories
series and uses fact and fiction to create a mini history lesson and
an adventurous tale.
The Pirate Queen is Grace O'Malley, an Irish pirate who took over
from her Dad. The story is told from the point of view of her
daughter, Catherine. Catherine wants to be just like her ma so
sneaks on board. She is soon discovered and rather than get in
trouble she climbs the mast. It is here Catherine sees another ship
and the Pirate Queen and her crew attack and rob it. Unfortunately
another ship comes along and they are stopped. Catherine remembers a
story her ma always tells and jumps to rescue her. Will she be
successful or will Catherine be the reason Grace O'Malley is finally
captured and punished by the Queen of England?
All young readers will enjoy this quick moving tale of a feared
pirate and the daughter who loves her.
Kylie Kempster