Summary: Thirteen-year-old Charlotte Doyle doesn't know what she's getting herself into when she boards the Seahawk, a ship under the command of cruel Captain Jaggery. Tensions run high between captain and crew and a confused Charlotte soon finds herself embroiled in the struggle between them. It isn't long before she begins to question if she'll ever reach her destination... alive.
Violence/Disturbing Images: Moderate. Captain Jaggery uses rather cruel methods of disciplining his men, methods such as flogging and once, even the amputation of a sailor's arm; several deaths including characters being shot, swept overboard, and one found dead with a knife sticking out of his chest.
Sensuality/Nudity: Minimal. Brief mention of a sailor having a sweetheart; Charlotte is forced to take up lodgings in the sailor's quarters on a ship but each crew member swears to give her the utmost privacy and respect.
Profanity: None. Mention of sailors cussing but nothing articulated.
Morality: Characters lie to protect one another; sailors attempt to mutiny and blatantly disregard orders; characters show intense loyalty to each other and have strong friendship ties.
When I first started reading The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle, I wasn't sure whether or not I'd like the book. At the beginning, Charlotte is rather what you would expect from a young lady of high society. Prim, proper, and elegantly trained, I held out little hope for her to be much of a heroine. But was I ever wrong. Charlotte proves herself about midway through the book and the transformation is exactly what the reader would hope for. Be warned, this book involves quite a bit of peril and danger and will definitely have you on the edge of your seat. Overall, a great adventure story set on the treacherous high seas!
Overall Recommendation: Ages 12+
God bless!
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