Seven Dead Pirates

Description

When great-grandfather Dearborn passes away leaving his decaying mansion to his family, painfully shy 11-year-old Lewis is initially thrilled - his new bedroom in a secluded turret gives him so much privacy! Then he discovers that in fact this is the least privacy that he's ever had, as the room is already inhabited by the ghosts of seven dead pirates who are frightened to leave the house. Firstly motivated by a desire for privacy, Lewis starts to encourage them to go out more. Soon, though, he finds himself both believing and practicing what he is preaching.

Linda Bailey is the author of more than two dozen books for children, including the Stevie Diamond mystery series, the Good Times Travel Agency graphic novels, and an eclectic assortment of picture books including If You Happen to Have a Dinosaur and the acclaimed Stanley's Party. She has won awards across North America such as the California Young Readers' Medal, the Georgia Storybook Award, the Ontario Blue Spruce and Silver Birch Awards, the Oregon SMART Award and the Arthur Ellis Award from the Crime Writers of Canada. Born in Winnipeg, Linda has now traveled around the world, and so have her books. She has two grown daughters, Lia and Tess, and lives in Vancouver within strolling distance of the sea.

"Bailey endows Lewis with several scene-stealing allies (notably a fierce kindergartener) and leaves him confidently steering a course toward calm waters. Piratical fun well-stocked with colorful cast members living and arrghh." - Starred Review, Kirkus Reviews "This rollicking tale moves apace with a vivid setting, surprising depth, great humor, and memorable characters. Readers will root for Lewis as he finds his sea legs and the courage to make friends, both spectral and human. VERDICT Ahoy, ye maties: don't miss this treasure of a middle grade yarn." - Starred Review, School Library Journal "It is Bailey's extraordinary skill as a storyteller that keeps the entire fantastical premise, and its meaningful undercurrent, from ever straying into the unbelievable. Seven Dead Pirates is a story that flows almost like magic .... At times earnest, at times playful, and always infused with the power of imagination, Seven Dead Pirates is a rollicking and exciting story that will entertain and enlighten in equal amounts." - CM Magazine "The larger-than-life (afterlife?) pirates are the perfect foil to introverted Lewis. Bailey paints them with broad strokes, but her caricatures are filled with a whole lotta heart. It's unlikely that every shy kid will have seven dead pirates at their disposal to teach them how to believe in themselves, but they can have Bailey's book, which is a pretty nice alternative." - National Post "...I enjoyed this story right from the start...one of the best openings I have read in a long time...Lewis tackles his problems and wins my affection as a true hero moving on his journey... I give this story a five out of possible five." - Midwest Book Review