Pirates Past Noon by Mary Pope Osborne

Pirates Past Noon by Mary Pope Osborne-67 pages

I have always been fascinated with history and the Golden Age of Piracy. In this book, Jack and Annie are taken to a deserted island where pirates are searching for Captain Kidd's buried treasure. After they make it back home to Frog Creek, Pennsylvania, Jack and Annie meet the mysterious M (Morgan Le Fay, King Arthur's cousin) for the first time. I am enjoying reading/re-reading (I don't remember which ones I read as a kid) this series because it teaches kids history in a fun, interactive way. I am now reading the companion research guide/fact tracker for this book.

Jack the Castaway by Lisa Doan

Jack the Castaway by Lisa Doan - 144 pages
The Berenson Schemes #1

Jack is dismayed to discover that his parents intend to take him on their next get rich quick scheme to the Caribbean where they plan to start a snorkeling business.  Jack is sure that somehow he will end up dead on this adventure - whether from whale sharks, pirates, or just his parents' neglect.  He had no idea that he would actually end up as a castaway on a deserted island though - all due to his parents lack of planning.
This is the first book in a new series.  I personally found Jack to be a bit annoying.  Yes, his parents are neglectful, easily distracted, and have no clue on how to raise a kid.  But even when they eventually come around as you know they will he continues to bad mouth them and disparage them at every opportunity.  However, I think kids will see it as the ultimate boy knows best story.

The Zabime Sisters, by Aristophane

The Zabime Sisters, by Aristophane, 96 pages

This was a pretty simple read- the Zabime sisters are three young girls growing up in Guadaloupe, an island in the Caribbean.  They spend their summer days like many sisters- trying to stay out of the house so they don't get assigned chores, having adventures with friends that appear tame in retrospect but seemed epic at the time, and enjoying childhood.  It was sweet in its innocence, without being cheesy.