How to Be a Pirate

How to Be

by John Malam

The book is packed with facts and investigates all aspects of your life on the open seas, including food, weaponry, medicine and of course treasure. The book features illustrations of contemporary characters and artefacts to elucidate the text. Informative captions, a quiz, a complete glossary and an index make this title an ideal educational text,

Paperback

First published August 1, 2005

About the author

John Malam is a British historian, archaeologist, and author of numerous children's non-fiction books. He attended the University of Birmingham.

Reviews

[C.J. Miller · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was on a recommended reading list for Pre-K and K. However, the book discusses torture, hanging (with a graphic picture about the body decomposing inside its metal cage), and there's a scene with barroom *ahem* women and it felt like not a good choice for such young kids.

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book made me realize how much a pirate actually does that is not killing and stuff, it's a ton of cleaning. It was really interesting.

[The Brothers · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dexter (11yo) read for school. "Good illustrations. I wouldn't want to be a pirate."

[Kristina · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a book by national geographic. It engages readers by telling them what they need to do to be a pirate. This goes through al the different subtopics of pirate life. Good for independent reading in 2nd grade an up. I would use this as a fun read aloud or have it in a book bin for the kids to pick up as an extra read during a pirate unit.

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

The illustrations alone were worth the library rental and my 30 minutes.

[Cara]

This is part of a How to be series by national geographic. It’s geared more towards primary.