Stitch Head: The Pirate's Eye by Guy Bass and Pete Williamson - MANY

Stitch Head: The Pirate's Eye (Stitch Head #2) by Guy Bass, illustrated by Pete Williamson, 140 pages. GRAPHIC NOVEL RH Graphic (Random House), 2025. $15 

Language: G (0 swears); Mature Content: G; Violence: G 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL - ADVISABLE 

APPEALS TO: MANY 

Stitch isn't quite sure what to do with himself after Professor Erasmus suddenly abandons the castle. He decides he could well be a pirate due to his blue glass eye that once belonged to a seafaring captain. Stitch and friends build a boat and prepare for adventure, but discover that danger awaits instead. 

Stitch's stories are sweet because he is such a childlike monster. He has loyal friends that add fun and spice to the story. Though I miss the more detailed and artistic prose of the original version, the artwork is beautifully drawn and colored and fits the tone of the story. Kids will identify with the adventure of sailing off to be a pirate, while enjoying themes of loyalty, friendship, and odd families. The main characters are mostly monsters. 

Michelle in the Middle 

In Deeper Waters by F.T. Lukens - HIGH

In Deeper Waters by F.T. Lukens, 303 pages. Simon and Schuster, 2021. $19

Language: R (5 swears, 1 “f”); Mature Content: PG-13; Violence: PG-13

BUYING ADVISORY: HS - OPTIONAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH 

16yo Prince Taliesin is about to embark on his coming-of-age tour around his kingdom, but his forbidden magic makes such an outing fraught with danger. On his voyage, he rescues a mysterious boy named Athlen, who has his own secrets. In the course of events, Athlen ends up jumping overboard and Taliesin thinks he is lost to the open sea. However, when Tal finds Athlen a couple of days later in town, he is left with more than a few questions. Athlen then helps save Tal in return. It is now up to Tal to save his family from war and help save Athlen from his own problems. 

 This queer teen fantasy adventure was a delight to read, mostly because of how normal it felt. In this world, there was no awkwardness or censure around the gay romance, it was just an accepted part of life. This story would appeal to teens of all sorts. The romance is sweet, however, there is some allusion to going beyond kissing, hence the PG-13 rating in Mature Content. The action can get a little graphic and bloody at times, as is expected with fantasy adventure, so be aware of that. I really enjoyed this world, the character growth for Taliesin, and his budding romance with Athlen. It would be a great addition for any high school library looking to build up their LGBTQIA options for teens. 

Reviewer: BookswithBeddes 

Bluebeard by Metaphrog - OPTIONAL

Bluebeard by Metaphrog, 175 pages. GRAPHIC NOVEL. Papercutz, 2020. $20.

Language: G (0 swears, 0 “f”); Mature Content: PG; Violence: PG

BUYING ADVISORY: MS, HS - OPTIONAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

Life in the village requires hard work, but Eve and her family are happy. But then change comes: first with a huge storm, and then with an invitation from the wealthy and feared Bluebeard. How will Eve uncover the mysteries surrounding Bluebeard and escape his grasp?

Simple story line that it is, Eve’s story was a nice read. The beginning felt choppy and somewhat pointless, maybe because the details shared felt unrelated to each other, but the second half was more engaging. Metaphrog breaks the stereotypes of typical fairy tales, encouraging readers to overcome their hardships -- with or without a knight in shining armor.  I also enjoyed the unique illustration style; though I was not sure I liked it in the beginning, the style grew on me as I became entranced by all the strong colors.

Reviewer: Carolina Herdegen

Leo: Dog of the Sea, 1519-1521 by Alison Hart - ADVISABLE

Leo: Dog of the Sea, 1519-1521 by Alison Hart, 165 pages. Peachtree, 2017. $13. 

Language: G (0 swears); Mature Content: G; Violence: PG.

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE  

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH

About to begin his fourth sea voyage, Leo is scrappy, wary of humans, a fine ratter, and partial toward a scrawny stowaway he finds hiding in his nest. Thus begins a year-and-a-half voyage under the command of Captain Magellan from the perspective of a canine. Magellan is determined to find a new route to the Spice Islands, and must push through several hardships on the way, including storms, depleted supplies, mutinous sailors, fearsome superstitions, sickness, uncertain routes, lost ships and men, hostile natives and battles, ultimately losing his life. Leo shares the horror and wonder of it all, including finding friendship along the way.

This historic journey is brought to life through Leo’s narration. It moves along quickly, providing vivid details without getting bogged down. The last 20 pages contain non-fiction information about various aspects of Magellan’s historic journey and the facts behind the fiction, as well as a glossary, ship diagram, bibliography, and further reading suggestions. This is a very solid historical fiction read, and would be a great addition for most collections. There are three other Dog Chronicles titles which cover the historical periods of coal mining during the first part of the twentieth century, the Alaskan Gold Rush during the same time period, and World War I.

P. K. Foster, teacher-librarian

The Left-Handed Fate by Kate Milford - OPTIONAL

Milford, Kate The Left-Handed Fate, 372 pages. Henry & Holt Company, $17. Language: PG (6 swears 0 ‘f’); Mature Content: G; Violence: PG. 

Lucy Bluecrowne and her father Captain Bluecrowne own the privateer the Left-Handed Fate. Lucy has grown up on the boat with her adopted brother Liao. Max Ault and his Father hire the boat to find three pieces of an engine that could end the war of 1812 raging between France, America, and their home country Britain. Max's father passed away and it was up to him to find the parts to the engine but plans change when him and Lucy get captured by another ship with a twelve year old boy as captain. When Oliver, the captain, finds out what Lucy and Max are doing he is torn between the two sides. 

I liked the character growth in this story and how the main characters had to change to accomplish their mission. There were some action scenes that moved slowly and it took a while to really get the plot going. This book was not as good as I had expected. 

MS - OPTIONAL 7th Grade Student Reviewer MC

Dead Men Tell No Tales by Elizabeth Rudnick - ADVISABLE

Rudnick, Elizabeth Dead Men Tell No Tales (Pirates of the Caribbean), 260 pages.  Disney Press, 2017.  $17.  Language: G; Mature Content: G; Violence: PG (ghosts and fighting)

Captain Jack Sparrow has lost almost everything.  When he schemes to steal an entire bank vault, he stumbles into Carina Smyth, a young woman who happens to looking for the same thing Jack is – the Trident of Poseidon.  Along with Henry, the son of Will Turner, they will brave the wrath of the ghost Captain Salazar and all of the other dangers of the Caribbean.

Rudnick writes a pretty faithful adaptation of the movie, including details that will allow anyone to relive the movie in their head over and over again. 

EL, MS – ADVISABLE.  Cindy, Library Teacher

The Lost Prince by Matt Myklusch-ADVISABLE

Myklusch, Matt, The Lost Prince (Seaborne, #1). Pgs 400. Lerner Publishing Company, 2017. $9.99. Language: G, Mature Content: G, Violence: PG

As long as he can remember, Dean Seaborne has been a spy for One-Eyed Jack the Pirate King. When he gets on the bad side of Jack, he is given one last chance to redeem himself. In the process of spying on the One-Eye Jack the Pirate King’s greatest enemy, Gentelemen Jim Harper, he finds himself on the island of Zenhala. There, he gets mistaken for the lost prince of the island. In the process of doing the different trials to prove his royal heritage, however, he starts to wonder if he might be the lost prince. Could he be the lost prince? Will he get back on the good side of Jack?

This swashbuckling adventure is full of mythological beasts, action, adventure, and mystery. The plot is fast-paced, well developed, and entertaining. The characters are likable and easily draw the reader into Dean’s world. Fans of pirates, adventure, and mystery will enjoy reading this book. 

EL. MS. ADVISABLE. Reviewer: Kira M, Youth Service Librarian, WHI Public Library.

The Pirate Who’s Back in Bunny Slippers (Shivers #2) by Annabeth Bondor-Stone -ADVISABLE

Bondor-Stone, Annabeth The Pirate Who’s Back in Bunny Slippers (Shivers #2) 201 pgs. Harper, 2016. $12.99 Content: Language: G (0 swears); Mature Content: G Violence: G

Shivers and his best friends, Margo, and fish Albee must try to find the Treasure Torch. If they fail to do so, then the Mayor will take away his boat home, the Land Lady. Luckily they have a clue, it’s a rhyme they must figure out. To follow the clues, Shivers must win a hot dog eating contest, they all must pretend to be named Frank, and Shivers will have to face his fears, again and again. Features illustrations throughout.

This was a madcap treasure hunt with all kinds of zany escapades. I liked that we got to know Shivers big brother Brock and to solve a big mystery from the first book. I did find myself a bit worried that there wouldn’t actually be any ocean type pirating, but the author didn’t disappoint. I think 3-4^th grade students will love this series, with it appealing covers and fun adventures. I will be adding the series to my library.  

EL(K-3), EL –ADVISABLE Reviewer: Stephanie Elementary School Librarian & Author.

The Pirate Who’s Afraid of Everything (Shivers #1) by Annabeth Bondor-Stone -ADVISABLE

Bondor-Stone, Annabeth The Pirate Who’s Afraid of Everything (Shivers #1) 178 pgs. Harper, 2015. $12.99 Content: Language: G (0 swears); Mature Content: G Violence: G

Shivers comes from a brave pirating family, but he is so scared of everything that he lives in a ship on the beach, alone, except for his pet fish Albee. When he receives a plea from help from his family, who have been captured, he goes to seek help. That’s when he meets an adventurous girl named Margo, who drags him through all his fears as they set off on Shivers' boat to find his family. They have many adventures, including with a giant squid, a ship full of carnival cruisers, and an evil nemesis.

This is a fun and quirky read for a 3-4^th grader. Student will love to read about all of Shiver’s fears and how they play into the plot. There are many surprises and just silly parts to the story that will delight in this wholesome pirate adventure. The characters are memorable and the world is bright and goofy but has heart. The illustrations are adorable and will help lower readers with comprehension. A bit goofy for older readers, but fun for mid-grade.

EL(K-3), EL –ADVISABLE Reviewer: Stephanie Elementary School Librarian & Author.

Cast Off by Eve Yohalem - ADVISABLE

Yohalem, Eve  Cast Off, 312 pgs.  Dial Books for Young Readers, 2015.  $16.99.  Language: G; Mature Content- PG; Violence: PG; 

Petra and Bram, two children in hopeless situations find themselves developing a strong friendship on a ship bound for the East Indies.  During their adventure, their very lives depend on their friendship and loyalty to each other despite not knowing how they will escape the terrors they encounter at sea.  Cast Off is a lively adventure, full of peril and action from the first chapter.  

The details of life on a Dutch merchant ship in 1633 are fascinating and guide the reader to feel the challenges that Petra had as she decides if it’s better to be caught as a girl stowaway or disguise herself as a boy and make herself invaluable to the captain.  The chapters alternate point of view between Petra and Bram, giving the reader a full view of the story as it progresses. Cast Off is a tale of bravery, adventure and friendship in a historical setting that provides ample opportunity for classroom discussion as a read aloud.  

EL, MS- ADVISABLE. J. Hafen

Ned the Knitting Pirate by Diana Murray - ADVISABLE

Murray, Diana Ned the Knitting Pirate, illustrated by Leslie Lammle.  PICTURE BOOK.  Roaring Brook (Macmillan), 2016. 

While the other pirates like to hunt for treasure and sing pirate-y songs, Ned likes to knit.  The captain yells and threatens Ned to stop his knitting, so Ned packs up his hobby until the day that his knitting skills are needed to save the day. 

I found Murray’s book to be quite funny, akin to other comic pirate picture books (Small Saul, Henry and the Buccaneer Bunnies, The Pirate Cruncher).  A fun addition to Talk Like a Pirate Day, or as part of a knitting activity.

EL (K-3) – ADVISABLE.  Cindy, Library Teacher