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Seven Dead Pirates
A shy boy comes to life and finds his voice when the ghosts of seven dead pirates appear in his bedroom. A humorous, inspiring, critically acclaimed adventure!
Lewis Dearborn is a lonely, anxious, "terminally shy" boy of eleven when his great-grandfather passes away and leaves Lewis's family with his decaying seaside mansion. Lewis is initially delighted with his new bedroom, a secluded tower in a remote part of the house. Then he discovers that it's already occupied -- by the ghosts of seven dead pirates. Worse, the ghosts expect him to help them re-take their ship, now restored and on display in a local museum, so they can make their way to Libertalia, a legendary pirate utopia. The only problem is that this motley crew hasn't left the house in almost two hundred years and is terrified of going outside. As Lewis warily sets out to assist his new roommates -- a raucous, unruly bunch who exhibit a strange delight in thrift-store fashions and a thirst for storybooks -- he begins to open himself to the possibilities of friendship, passion and joie de vivre and finds the courage to speak up.
Lewis Dearborn is a lonely, anxious, "terminally shy" boy of eleven when his great-grandfather passes away and leaves Lewis's family with his decaying seaside mansion. Lewis is initially delighted with his new bedroom, a secluded tower in a remote part of the house. Then he discovers that it's already occupied -- by the ghosts of seven dead pirates. Worse, the ghosts expect him to help them re-take their ship, now restored and on display in a local museum, so they can make their way to Libertalia, a legendary pirate utopia. The only problem is that this motley crew hasn't left the house in almost two hundred years and is terrified of going outside. As Lewis warily sets out to assist his new roommates -- a raucous, unruly bunch who exhibit a strange delight in thrift-store fashions and a thirst for storybooks -- he begins to open himself to the possibilities of friendship, passion and joie de vivre and finds the courage to speak up.
304 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2015
25 people are currently reading
657 people want to read
About the author
Linda Bailey
123 books125 followers I was born and grew up in Winnipeg —a daydreamer with her nose in a book. In my twenties, I traveled around the world, mostly by ship. Later, I moved to Vancouver, where I earned a B.A. and M.Ed. at the University of British Columbia. Among my jobs were travel agent, college teacher, instructional designer and editor.
For years, I dabbled with writing. But I didn't begin to write in earnest until I had two young daughters. My first book was published in 1992, and I have since written more than thirty others, including novels, picture books and non-fiction.
I live in Vancouver, a short walk from the sea. I write full-time and still love to travel, read and daydream.
- Source
Series:
* Stanley
* Stevie Diamond Mystery
* Good Times Travel Agency
Awards:
Arthur Ellis Award
◊ Best Juvenile (1997): How Can a Frozen Detective Stay Hot on the Trail?
◊ Best Juvenile (2000): How Can a Brilliant Detective Shine in the Dark?
For years, I dabbled with writing. But I didn't begin to write in earnest until I had two young daughters. My first book was published in 1992, and I have since written more than thirty others, including novels, picture books and non-fiction.
I live in Vancouver, a short walk from the sea. I write full-time and still love to travel, read and daydream.
- Source
Series:
* Stanley
* Stevie Diamond Mystery
* Good Times Travel Agency
Awards:
Arthur Ellis Award
◊ Best Juvenile (1997): How Can a Frozen Detective Stay Hot on the Trail?
◊ Best Juvenile (2000): How Can a Brilliant Detective Shine in the Dark?
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 122 reviews
December 29, 2020
***RE-READ in August 2020!***
__________________________
One of the best books of 2016 for me!
When I saw this at the library I almost put it back because it was about pirates and I’m not really a pirate person BUT something told me to just go with it and I’m so glad I didn’t put it back. I loved every whimsical, heartwarming, and fun moment of this story and I now want a copy for my shelf right next to John Bellairs and Spiderwick cause it deserves it.
Now, this book isn’t crazy full of action or anything but I could not put it down. It’s a ghost story revolving around a young boy who’s very shy, keeps to himself and never sticks up for himself with the bullies in school. He moves into his great grandfather’s house by the shore and meets the seven dead pirates who just so happen to live in the tower bedroom he’s picked for himself and I loved every single one of them. By the end of the book, Lewis grows immensely and learns to open up and be himself. Now, there’s nothing scary or spooky about this book considering it says it’s a ghost story right on the cover but it’s a different type of ghost story, it’s more adventurous and heartwarming than scary and action packed. BUT don’t let that turn you away, it’s an amazing read and I’d say to pick it up if you want something short and whimsical to devour.
- Richard
__________________________
One of the best books of 2016 for me!
When I saw this at the library I almost put it back because it was about pirates and I’m not really a pirate person BUT something told me to just go with it and I’m so glad I didn’t put it back. I loved every whimsical, heartwarming, and fun moment of this story and I now want a copy for my shelf right next to John Bellairs and Spiderwick cause it deserves it.
Now, this book isn’t crazy full of action or anything but I could not put it down. It’s a ghost story revolving around a young boy who’s very shy, keeps to himself and never sticks up for himself with the bullies in school. He moves into his great grandfather’s house by the shore and meets the seven dead pirates who just so happen to live in the tower bedroom he’s picked for himself and I loved every single one of them. By the end of the book, Lewis grows immensely and learns to open up and be himself. Now, there’s nothing scary or spooky about this book considering it says it’s a ghost story right on the cover but it’s a different type of ghost story, it’s more adventurous and heartwarming than scary and action packed. BUT don’t let that turn you away, it’s an amazing read and I’d say to pick it up if you want something short and whimsical to devour.
- Richard
June 25, 2017
I love this book!! It's so interesting! ❤️❤️❤️
August 4, 2018
The absolutely delightful tale about a boy named Lewis and seven dead pirates who teach him how to live. Also a 2019 Intermediate Nutmeg Nominee.
July 11, 2021
Sadly I just felt like nothing happened until 3/4 into the book and it just wasn’t enough to save the book for me. It is very charming though with the seven dead pirates and the setting of the tower in a seaside mansion.
November 11, 2017
I've been a long time fan of Ms. Bailey and I have to say that I have yet to read a book of hers that I didn't like. This had the perfect amount of adventure, mischief and the rowdy crew of loveable characters was the cherry on top of it all. I loved Lewis' development throughout the book and the pirates had me cringing and laughing, sometime simultaneously! The ending was more fantastic than I could have imagined and I think that this would be a great read for people of all ages.
July 14, 2023
Fun family read.
July 2, 2023
Great read!! Read it to my four year old. No mention of tik tok, YouTube, etc. Just imagination, humor and fun.
November 10, 2018
Such an adorable story. I loved Lewis and all of the pirates, I really hope for more adventures with this crew!
January 19, 2020
4.0
Very well written. Great characters. Story not entirely original (it greatly reminded me of one old movie which I'll keep to myself to avoid spoilers). The book was maybe a bit too long for the simplicity of the plot, but it was a fun read.
Very well written. Great characters. Story not entirely original (it greatly reminded me of one old movie which I'll keep to myself to avoid spoilers). The book was maybe a bit too long for the simplicity of the plot, but it was a fun read.
August 14, 2015
Lewis thinks his great grandpa is pretty cool. So what if he talks to himself shouting at shadows as if they are real people? His parents think Grandpa's just senile and should be put in a home for his own good, but Lewis doesn't want to see the old man forced from his home he loves so much. It is then on Grandpa's 101st birthday, that he whispers an odd phrase for Lewis only to hear... Libertalia. The next day Great Grandpa is gone and with him any way of solving this odd name. From ghost pirates to a unique inheritance, Seven Dead Pirates is a perfect book for boys and girls alike.
Lewis and the cast of pirate ghosts fill these pages with adventure and fun, with fantastic high jinks and a thrilling 'rescue' mission from a Moo-see-um. Characters such as the mighty Captain Crawley and Adam the ship's boy, the mystery and well researched pirate lingo makes this book great for kids who might have trouble reading other books. Ms. Bailey works in her details with the plot making sure to keep the reader interested, instead of bogged down with lengthy passages.
I really enjoyed this book. It reminded me a great deal of the How To Train Your Dragon books and would be very good for parents with young boys. With its boyish humor (ghosts that are falling apart and sea worthy language), it would hold attention where some of the more serious novels do not. It's humorous, but also a well versed adventure where a young boy heads out to save a group of pirates and learns a little bit about himself in the process.
Batten Down the Hatches, Mate... and read this Book!!
Lewis and the cast of pirate ghosts fill these pages with adventure and fun, with fantastic high jinks and a thrilling 'rescue' mission from a Moo-see-um. Characters such as the mighty Captain Crawley and Adam the ship's boy, the mystery and well researched pirate lingo makes this book great for kids who might have trouble reading other books. Ms. Bailey works in her details with the plot making sure to keep the reader interested, instead of bogged down with lengthy passages.
I really enjoyed this book. It reminded me a great deal of the How To Train Your Dragon books and would be very good for parents with young boys. With its boyish humor (ghosts that are falling apart and sea worthy language), it would hold attention where some of the more serious novels do not. It's humorous, but also a well versed adventure where a young boy heads out to save a group of pirates and learns a little bit about himself in the process.
Batten Down the Hatches, Mate... and read this Book!!
July 24, 2016
Well-written adventure novel for young readers. Lewis' family moves into an old home and he is surprised to meet the seven dead pirates that live there. They want his help, but Lewis is a timid young boy with overbearing parents, can he rise to the occasion and perhaps help himself along the way too?
Seven Dead Pirates would be a fantastic read aloud in a middle grade classroom.
Shortlisted for the 2017 MYRCA.
Seven Dead Pirates would be a fantastic read aloud in a middle grade classroom.
Shortlisted for the 2017 MYRCA.
July 27, 2016
Argggh! This is the perfect book for "Talk like a Pirate Day" on September 19th. Lonely Lewis gets a cool new bedroom in the tower of his departed grandfather's mansion, but it comes with a dangerous secret - seven dead pirates have taken up residence there! Although they can be dangerous, they are mostly hilarious, and are relying on Lewis to get them back to where they belong. If you enjoy pirate movies, you have to read this book!
September 23, 2016
What a fun ghost story! Poor Lewis is "terminally shy" at school, as he puts it, until some very strange friends help him find his own strength. A lighthearted story of overcoming fears of all kinds.
February 6, 2017
A rollicking piratical adventure for middle grades. I liked this one much more than I expected - super fun read.
May 25, 2017
A Slow Start Builds To A Rousing, Socko Finish
I'm thinking ice cream sundae here. We start with a scoop of bland vanilla, and then we add more ingredients - nuts, sauces, fudge and sprinkles until by gosh we've got something marvelous. That's how this book is built.
Lewis is pathologically shy and unassertive. His parents are so smothering it's practically child abuse. The only possible lifesaver is Lewis's great-grandfather, who sees something of substance in Lewis that just needs to be drawn out and kickstarted. So, of course, within a few pages grandfather passes away. The family moves to grandfather's ancient seaside manse, and Lewis finds a tower room to call his own. It's great, except for those seven ghost pirates.
As I noted, the book's opening is almost painful and shy-Lewis is a grim and frustrating character. But, we get Lewis into the tower bedroom pretty quickly, and we introduce the pirates without a lot of shilly-shallying. Once they appear the book starts to take off. I'm not automatically in love with pirate characters and I think there are more ways to do pirates badly than there are to do them well. But, these are easily the best pirate characters that I've read in quite a while. They are rough and tough and scary. They're also full of life, (you know, for dead guys), and energy. They can be charming, funny, good-humored, threatening, crude, polite, friendly, nasty, petulant, impatient, and childish. They can also be noble and inspiring. In short, they are fascinating, fun, daunting, and the best thing that could ever have happened to Lewis. (We don't waste any time with the usual "ghost" and "haunting" stuff. The pirates appear and disappear as the mood strikes and are basically just characters who happen to be ghosts.)
Once the pirates show up, the main plotline emerges. Lewis has to get them back to their ship, which is in the local museum, in order to free them from their centuries old bondage to the house. How he figures out how to do that, and how he screws up the courage and moxie to pull it off, makes up the balance of the book. But along the way we give Lewis a gal-pal sidekick, (the unflappable Abbie), we tie up some clever plot threads, we take down some bullies, we get the parents back on track, and we add a few interesting side characters. We get great set pieces - pirate ghosts at the thrift store, the world's toughest kindergärtner, reading pirate books to the ghosts, Abbie's first meeting with the ghosts. Page by page Lewis becomes less of a dysfunctional sad sack. In keeping with that, and along the same lines, page by page the book picks up more energy and color and humor and character.
All of this builds to a socko finish at the museum. And get this - while I promise NO SPOILERS I will note that this was one of the most exciting, tightly written, fast-paced, breathless, inspiring and upbeat finishes I've ever read in a middle grade book. You're almost cheering for Lewis by the end, which, to follow my sundae analogy, is most definitely the cherry on top.
So, this was just so much more than a semi-predictable pirate-ghost story. I was delighted with this find. (Please note that I received a free advance ecopy of this book without a review requirement, or any influence regarding review content should I choose to post a review. Apart from that I have no connection at all to either the author or the publisher of this book.)
I'm thinking ice cream sundae here. We start with a scoop of bland vanilla, and then we add more ingredients - nuts, sauces, fudge and sprinkles until by gosh we've got something marvelous. That's how this book is built.
Lewis is pathologically shy and unassertive. His parents are so smothering it's practically child abuse. The only possible lifesaver is Lewis's great-grandfather, who sees something of substance in Lewis that just needs to be drawn out and kickstarted. So, of course, within a few pages grandfather passes away. The family moves to grandfather's ancient seaside manse, and Lewis finds a tower room to call his own. It's great, except for those seven ghost pirates.
As I noted, the book's opening is almost painful and shy-Lewis is a grim and frustrating character. But, we get Lewis into the tower bedroom pretty quickly, and we introduce the pirates without a lot of shilly-shallying. Once they appear the book starts to take off. I'm not automatically in love with pirate characters and I think there are more ways to do pirates badly than there are to do them well. But, these are easily the best pirate characters that I've read in quite a while. They are rough and tough and scary. They're also full of life, (you know, for dead guys), and energy. They can be charming, funny, good-humored, threatening, crude, polite, friendly, nasty, petulant, impatient, and childish. They can also be noble and inspiring. In short, they are fascinating, fun, daunting, and the best thing that could ever have happened to Lewis. (We don't waste any time with the usual "ghost" and "haunting" stuff. The pirates appear and disappear as the mood strikes and are basically just characters who happen to be ghosts.)
Once the pirates show up, the main plotline emerges. Lewis has to get them back to their ship, which is in the local museum, in order to free them from their centuries old bondage to the house. How he figures out how to do that, and how he screws up the courage and moxie to pull it off, makes up the balance of the book. But along the way we give Lewis a gal-pal sidekick, (the unflappable Abbie), we tie up some clever plot threads, we take down some bullies, we get the parents back on track, and we add a few interesting side characters. We get great set pieces - pirate ghosts at the thrift store, the world's toughest kindergärtner, reading pirate books to the ghosts, Abbie's first meeting with the ghosts. Page by page Lewis becomes less of a dysfunctional sad sack. In keeping with that, and along the same lines, page by page the book picks up more energy and color and humor and character.
All of this builds to a socko finish at the museum. And get this - while I promise NO SPOILERS I will note that this was one of the most exciting, tightly written, fast-paced, breathless, inspiring and upbeat finishes I've ever read in a middle grade book. You're almost cheering for Lewis by the end, which, to follow my sundae analogy, is most definitely the cherry on top.
So, this was just so much more than a semi-predictable pirate-ghost story. I was delighted with this find. (Please note that I received a free advance ecopy of this book without a review requirement, or any influence regarding review content should I choose to post a review. Apart from that I have no connection at all to either the author or the publisher of this book.)
January 19, 2018
3.3-ish stars.
Seven Dead Pirates is a cute middle grade book that is, frankly, less about pirates than it is about overcoming shyness and fears and blooming into your own interests and longings.
Lewis Dearborn is a very socially anxious boy who reminds me of my wee self: he literally goes all blushing and non-verbal when people at school talk to him, especially in public. He has no friends, he is bullied, and his parents are quite old-fashioned and perhaps a bit overprotective of their son. Basically, he goes on in life hiding himself and then scolding himself for not being brave and bold.
Then Lewis's family have to move into Mrs Dearborn's grandfather's ancient sea-side house after the latter dies at the modest age of 100 year old. Part of the heritage is a contract to live in the house for at least 6 months. Surprisingly, Lewis is immediately enchanted with the house of his great-granddad. He is especially enamored with a round room in a small tower that gives him a view on the sea. What he didn't account for is the presence of seven ghosts, all of them part of a crew of dynamic, but not so polite pirates, and they might have a favor to ask of the shy 11 year old boy.
Now, this is a fun premise and Lewis will be relatable to any kid who, like me, was more of the awkward introvert sort who struggled to connect with other people. It is definitely heart-warming to see this character evolve and figure out his place in the world, growing a bit more steady on his feet as he does so, with the help of his new crass acquaintances.
However, if you are looking for a pirate books, I'm afraid this is not exactly the best of its kind. The pirates, safe for one, are not very fleshed out and serve more as comedic-relief, fish-out-of-water characters. They are there to be funny and to contrast their brash, all-guns-out behavior with that of shy, scaredy cat Lewis's. They're very stereotypical and childish, which felt more to me like I was reading about people who pretends to be pirates in attraction parks or something. Now, of course, this is a book for kids so I already expected the pirates to be of the colorful, cartoonesque sort. But this is made so glaring by the fact that the pirates are stuck on land in the 21rst century and don't have a lot of piraty things to do, that it was hard to get my fill of pirate-love out of all this.
As I mentionned, the story is more about Lewis' struggles to feel better about who he is, and to fit in. While the pirates are very much there, they feel a tad removed. The most piraty action stuff happens nearing the end, and it lacks higher stakes.
Don't get me wrong, it's a satisfying book nonetheless. It is funny and the cast of characters are charming. The writing is easy to absorb and make it a quick read. It's never boring. You might just be deceived in what content it holds though, and not get what you came for. I also thought some things needed to be addressed more, but were left hanging or resolved in a flash, which was a bit anticlimactic, despite the action-fun ending.
All in all, I don't regret reading it, but I would qualify this as a small in-between fun that's most probably going to be overshadowed by the next middle grade book I read.
Seven Dead Pirates is a cute middle grade book that is, frankly, less about pirates than it is about overcoming shyness and fears and blooming into your own interests and longings.
Lewis Dearborn is a very socially anxious boy who reminds me of my wee self: he literally goes all blushing and non-verbal when people at school talk to him, especially in public. He has no friends, he is bullied, and his parents are quite old-fashioned and perhaps a bit overprotective of their son. Basically, he goes on in life hiding himself and then scolding himself for not being brave and bold.
Then Lewis's family have to move into Mrs Dearborn's grandfather's ancient sea-side house after the latter dies at the modest age of 100 year old. Part of the heritage is a contract to live in the house for at least 6 months. Surprisingly, Lewis is immediately enchanted with the house of his great-granddad. He is especially enamored with a round room in a small tower that gives him a view on the sea. What he didn't account for is the presence of seven ghosts, all of them part of a crew of dynamic, but not so polite pirates, and they might have a favor to ask of the shy 11 year old boy.
Now, this is a fun premise and Lewis will be relatable to any kid who, like me, was more of the awkward introvert sort who struggled to connect with other people. It is definitely heart-warming to see this character evolve and figure out his place in the world, growing a bit more steady on his feet as he does so, with the help of his new crass acquaintances.
However, if you are looking for a pirate books, I'm afraid this is not exactly the best of its kind. The pirates, safe for one, are not very fleshed out and serve more as comedic-relief, fish-out-of-water characters. They are there to be funny and to contrast their brash, all-guns-out behavior with that of shy, scaredy cat Lewis's. They're very stereotypical and childish, which felt more to me like I was reading about people who pretends to be pirates in attraction parks or something. Now, of course, this is a book for kids so I already expected the pirates to be of the colorful, cartoonesque sort. But this is made so glaring by the fact that the pirates are stuck on land in the 21rst century and don't have a lot of piraty things to do, that it was hard to get my fill of pirate-love out of all this.
As I mentionned, the story is more about Lewis' struggles to feel better about who he is, and to fit in. While the pirates are very much there, they feel a tad removed. The most piraty action stuff happens nearing the end, and it lacks higher stakes.
Don't get me wrong, it's a satisfying book nonetheless. It is funny and the cast of characters are charming. The writing is easy to absorb and make it a quick read. It's never boring. You might just be deceived in what content it holds though, and not get what you came for. I also thought some things needed to be addressed more, but were left hanging or resolved in a flash, which was a bit anticlimactic, despite the action-fun ending.
All in all, I don't regret reading it, but I would qualify this as a small in-between fun that's most probably going to be overshadowed by the next middle grade book I read.
May 29, 2019
Sixth-grader Lewis Dearborn has a bunch of problems. He's "terminally shy," meaning he hardly talks at school and has no ability to stand up to bully Seth. His great-granddad just passed away and left the spooky, rundown old house on the cliff to his parents. They keep the house only if they live there for six months. His parents are older and over-protective, so they are not enthusiastic about living in the moldy old fixer-upper. Lewis's reputation for being weird is only going to get worse when people find out he lives there. Lewis does get the bedroom at the top of the house's tower, which has spectacular views, old-fashioned toys, and the ghosts of seven pirates. They washed up on the shore after they were tossed overboard by evil pirate Dire two hundred years ago. At first, Lewis is frightened by the ghosts. Eventually, he learns to get along with them. His great-granddad's plan was that Lewis would help the pirates by reuniting them with their ship, which is now on display at the town museum. Can Lewis come up with a plan to get them passed the scary cars and potential onlookers?
The story is very charming. Lewis is a fun protagonist. His school problems are familiar and he handles them with varying degrees of incompetence. Other characters come to the rescue, especially the new girl at school Abbie, whose parents are just as weird. She gets by because she can talk to just about anybody. Lewis grows as a character in expected fashion. His interactions with the pirates and the other people in town (including his parents) are fun. He slowly grows into a more active player in his own life. The ending is action-packed and satisfying.
Recommended--a fun, light book for young and old.
The story is very charming. Lewis is a fun protagonist. His school problems are familiar and he handles them with varying degrees of incompetence. Other characters come to the rescue, especially the new girl at school Abbie, whose parents are just as weird. She gets by because she can talk to just about anybody. Lewis grows as a character in expected fashion. His interactions with the pirates and the other people in town (including his parents) are fun. He slowly grows into a more active player in his own life. The ending is action-packed and satisfying.
Recommended--a fun, light book for young and old.
January 2, 2026
This was such fun.
Very shy Lewis moves into run-down, inherited, seaside Victorian (only condition--they must live there for 6 mos), and finds his bequeathed, cool tower room. Which is haunted by 7 pirates who drowned on the nearby shore. At first Lewis is terrified, and then he's charmed. They want him to read to them--Peter Pan, but only the Hook parts.
After almost 200 years, they also want to be restored to their ship, which was taken by an evil pirate who drowned them all, and which is now sitting in a nearby museum-- so they can sail to Libertalia, a legendary pirate utopia in Madagascar. Easy, right? Except that they can't always stay invisible, and so need new clothes (theirs are all torn)(turns out they love Hawaiian shirts) and they are terrified of being out of the house. And cars.
Lewis never speaks at school, shyness made worse by the ruthless and relentless bully Eric. Grows to love the house, but his mom wants to sell it ASAP. Managing the pirates and his friendship with new, also weird but-doesn't-care Abbie gives him courage to speak up for his dreams.
I loved this.
Very shy Lewis moves into run-down, inherited, seaside Victorian (only condition--they must live there for 6 mos), and finds his bequeathed, cool tower room. Which is haunted by 7 pirates who drowned on the nearby shore. At first Lewis is terrified, and then he's charmed. They want him to read to them--Peter Pan, but only the Hook parts.
After almost 200 years, they also want to be restored to their ship, which was taken by an evil pirate who drowned them all, and which is now sitting in a nearby museum-- so they can sail to Libertalia, a legendary pirate utopia in Madagascar. Easy, right? Except that they can't always stay invisible, and so need new clothes (theirs are all torn)(turns out they love Hawaiian shirts) and they are terrified of being out of the house. And cars.
Lewis never speaks at school, shyness made worse by the ruthless and relentless bully Eric. Grows to love the house, but his mom wants to sell it ASAP. Managing the pirates and his friendship with new, also weird but-doesn't-care Abbie gives him courage to speak up for his dreams.
I loved this.
December 18, 2018
I really enjoyed this book! Lewis Dearborn's Great-Grandfather has died and has left Lewis' family his big old house. There's is a catch however. The family must live in the house for at least 6 months before they can claim it. Lewis loves living there and loves his bedroom - the tower room. Until he discovers that he has seven dead pirates as roommates! The pirates all drowned while fighting a really nasty pirate who sends them to a watery grave. Their ship has been scalvaged, restored and put into a nearby museum. The pirates want to return to their ship but they need Lewis' help. In order to get to the museum they have to cross some busy roads and cars terrify them! When they become nervous, scared or terrified they become visible to everyone. How can Lewis bring seven visible dead pirates back to their ship? This is a funny, good story for upper elementary readers.
July 10, 2018
This is the 3rd 2018-19 Nutmeg Nominee I've read - I loved it! My favorite so far! Lewis Dearborn, a very shy eleven year old, struggles fitting in at school, has older, eccentric and embarrassing parents and loses his great-grandfather. But his life changes when his family moves into Great Granddad's old mansion, and he moves into the tower bedroom, which is already occupied by seven dead pirates! The pirates give Lewis a special mission - and Lewis has to overcome fear and be BOLD to help the pirates. This novel has terrific descriptions, lots of action and will definitely grab the interest of elementary students! Great for a read-aloud!
April 16, 2019
Once I started reading this humorous adventure story I could not put it down. I feel my younger self would relate to the main character Lewis Dearborn. Lewis is shy when he is at school. Everything changes when he moves into a mansion he and his mother inherit from his great-grandfather. He now lives with his mother, father, and Mrs. Binchy. After moving into his new room he is introduced to ghosts. Each ghost has their own distinct personality. I liked how the book when into some detail about the ghosts’ past lives. I have multiple favorite characters from this book. I really cannot pick just one. This was a good book to read during my spring break!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 20, 2019
Five stars? More like five thousand stars.
I love being a shelver at my local library, it means I find gems like this book that I wouldn’t normally know about. This is a wonderful story that made me laugh, and I got a little teary-eyed more than once. Something about this book pulled at me when I saw the cover, not to mention the promise of ghostly pirates, and I just had to read it. I'm so glad I listened to my instinct.
It works perfectly as a standalone book, but should the author ever decide to write a sequel I would devour it just like I did this book. I would love to read more adventures about Lewis and the Pirates of the Maria Louisa.
I love being a shelver at my local library, it means I find gems like this book that I wouldn’t normally know about. This is a wonderful story that made me laugh, and I got a little teary-eyed more than once. Something about this book pulled at me when I saw the cover, not to mention the promise of ghostly pirates, and I just had to read it. I'm so glad I listened to my instinct.
It works perfectly as a standalone book, but should the author ever decide to write a sequel I would devour it just like I did this book. I would love to read more adventures about Lewis and the Pirates of the Maria Louisa.
January 19, 2017
When Lewis inherits the best room in the world from his great grandfather, he also inherits a problem. Seven problems. The ghosts of seven pirates, who need a favor from a brave lad. But anyone at school could tell you that Lewis is not a brave lad. Lewis's struggles with overprotective (but unobservant) parents, school bullies, and his own fears make for a mostly quiet adventure. The pirates, however, are noisy enough for anyone, and Lewis's eventual triumph is inspiring. Fun story!
October 19, 2017
A great little YA read. I actually read the print version of this book. Linda Bailey has crafted a wonderfully funny book about the power of believing in yourself, the overcoming of obstacles and the never ending source of fun found when friends "dead or alive" come together for a common purpose. An interesting twist takes place in the story and I think this will add to it's appeal for both boy and girl readers.
Who doesn't like a good pirate story - right mateys?!!!
Who doesn't like a good pirate story - right mateys?!!!
November 28, 2017
This book was a pleasant surprise! I originally read the novel because it is up for a Kids Choice Award in South Dakota this year. I'm glad I did! It is a fun story full of adventure! Plus, there are pirates! I totally recommend this book for boys in grades four and up. There is nothing bad in this book. No terrible language or graphic content. Great read!
Keep up the awesome work, Linda Bailey!
P.S. It also inspired me to finally read "Treasure Island"! :)
Keep up the awesome work, Linda Bailey!
P.S. It also inspired me to finally read "Treasure Island"! :)
May 14, 2021
For those who like a bit of humor with their ghosts, this is the story for you! Quirky, fun read - characters are clearly developed and interesting. It's a fun trip seeing how it develops. The ending is a bit over the top, but with seven dead pirates, over the top seems appropriate. Would love more stories! Underrated gem.
July 27, 2022
This is such a fun read! I love how much the character of Lewis, the boy, grows! And I love his spirit in the last few chapters.
Of course all the pirates have great personalities, especially their leader, Crawley. Not only does he lead his crew, but he leads Lewis into a whole new way of thinking, helping him become who he is meant to be.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book!!
Of course all the pirates have great personalities, especially their leader, Crawley. Not only does he lead his crew, but he leads Lewis into a whole new way of thinking, helping him become who he is meant to be.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book!!
April 22, 2018
Loved this book from the very first to the very last word. A perfect combination of adventure and mischief and laugh out loud moments. I cheered on Lewis and his crew of rowdy, dead pirates as I turned each page. Highly recommend!
November 7, 2018
Actual rating: 3.5 stars. A fun, comical tale that doesn't take itself too seriously. It's nice to see Lewis overcome his shyness over the course of the book (actual character development, ya'll!) and the pirates were a hoot. Overall, an enjoyable, middle grade work.
December 23, 2018
Read this with Cam. It was really cute. I don't generally like blah male characters paired with spunky (and more interesting) female side characters. I'll let it slide since the book was so well done.
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