Customer Reviews

Teach's Light: A Tale of Blackbeard the Pirate (Chapel Hill Book)

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I actually read this book as a child while at the beach in NC. It sort of piqued my interest because I'm a native North Carolinian and I was perhaps 12-13 (?) yrs old at the time...
I'm suprised to see this re-printed, by UNC. Then again, Wechter was an NC native as I recall. So thats good in my opinion...
The character interaction was stimulating, but the sci-fi angle was a bit far out - at least back then. I doubt, however, it would be an issue to today's youth. Therefore, I do recommend it. The setting (early 70s ?) is neutral enough for todays kids...Try it !

I've read many children's chapter books, and this one was not very interesting, exciting, or accurate! Another one with Blackbeard in it is based on good research. It is called The Diary of a Slave Girl, Ruby Jo by K.J. McWilliams

This sci-fi novel of two curious teenagers turns into a history lesson with easy transition. When Corky and Toby find themselves warped to nineteenth century England and with new telepathic powers, they cannot help but question what has happened to them. They become privy to Edward Teach (a.k.a Blackbeard the pirate) adventures as he moves from a stowaway on board a privateer's vessel to the captain of his own pirate ship.

Kids will love the pirate battles and booty, and adults will love the history lesson. This is a pretty easy read, although its slang is a little dated (originally written in the mid-60s?). The book is pretty short at appx. 139 pages. It does offer up some difficult vocabulary (even for a college student), though not a lot. Encourage your reader to read along with a dictionary and expand their vocab.

Maps and sources are cited. Great for the classroom or the house! Enjoy!