Pirate Diary....

Pirate Diary The Journal of Jake Carpenter by Richard Platt is an excellent adventure story about life on board a pirate ship during the golden age of piracy in the eighteenth century. Young Jake Carpenter joins his uncle aboard a merchant vessel, the Greyhound, bound for the Caribbean.  But, when the Greyhound is taken over by pirates, Jake is forced to live the life of an outlaw.  Pirate Diary gives the account of the daily activities in the life of pirate.  The story is written in the form of a diary by 9-year old Jake Carpenter. 

Don't let the idea of pirate adventure give you an image for boys only.   The adventurous story line and lively illustrations will appeal to girls as well.  Pirate Diary gives an excellent account of piracy with historical accuracy.  It's historical fiction at its best!

While I was reading Pirate Diary, the kids worked on a notebooking page that I printed from New World Explorers Time Traveler CD-Rom by Homeschool in the Woods.  It's a little hard to tell from the photo, but each piece of pirate clothing and gear can be lifted to see the layers underneath.  The kids had fun with this and they turned out really well!