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The Giant Rat of Sumatra: or Pirates Galore – An Action-Packed Tale of High Seas Adventure and a Boy's Journey Home for Children
A swashbuckling tale of thievery and revenge
The Giant Rat of Sumatra is the most notorious pirate ship in the Pacific. Its ferocious figurehead, a rat with crooked teeth and gouged-out eyes, strikes fear in the heart of every seafaring crew. Now the ship has dropped anchor in San Diego. Twelve-year-old cabin boy Shipwreck -- so named after he was rescued from the sea by the pirates -- is anxious to begin his long journey home to Boston. Instead, he finds himself swept up in a treacherous plot. It seems his adventure is only just beginning. . . .
The Giant Rat of Sumatra is the most notorious pirate ship in the Pacific. Its ferocious figurehead, a rat with crooked teeth and gouged-out eyes, strikes fear in the heart of every seafaring crew. Now the ship has dropped anchor in San Diego. Twelve-year-old cabin boy Shipwreck -- so named after he was rescued from the sea by the pirates -- is anxious to begin his long journey home to Boston. Instead, he finds himself swept up in a treacherous plot. It seems his adventure is only just beginning. . . .
208 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2005
3 people are currently reading
139 people want to read
About the author
Sid Fleischman
103 books150 followersAs a children's book author Sid Fleischman felt a special obligation to his readers. "The books we enjoy as children stay with us forever -- they have a special impact. Paragraph after paragraph and page after page, the author must deliver his or her best work." With almost 60 books to his credit, some of which have been made into motion pictures, Sid Fleischman can be assured that his work will make a special impact.
Sid Fleischman wrote his books at a huge table cluttered with projects: story ideas, library books, research, letters, notes, pens, pencils, and a computer. He lived in an old-fashioned, two-story house full of creaks and character, and enjoys hearing the sound of the nearby Pacific Ocean.
Fleischman passed away after a battle with cancer on March 17, 2010, the day after his ninetieth birthday.
He was the father of Newbery Medal winning writer and poet Paul Fleischman, author of Joyful Noise; they are the only father and son to receive Newbery awards.
Sid Fleischman wrote his books at a huge table cluttered with projects: story ideas, library books, research, letters, notes, pens, pencils, and a computer. He lived in an old-fashioned, two-story house full of creaks and character, and enjoys hearing the sound of the nearby Pacific Ocean.
Fleischman passed away after a battle with cancer on March 17, 2010, the day after his ninetieth birthday.
He was the father of Newbery Medal winning writer and poet Paul Fleischman, author of Joyful Noise; they are the only father and son to receive Newbery awards.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
December 10, 2020
If you want to laugh at my silliness read on :)
The Giant Rat of Sumatra has been recommended to me as another great adventure of Sherlock Holmes. I loved The Hound of the Baskervilles and wanted to read something similar.
What a silly name of a book I thought to myself, but went for it. It's about pirates...ok.... well last book had a giant evil dog with a fluorescent face, so pirates? Why not.....
About halfway through with no sign of Sherlock I started questioning myself. (Yes halfway - it's short and for kids, it was fast!)
No way there are 2 books of this silly name!!!!! I didn't even check the author.
And you know what it was lovely! :) It was beautifully written, good story line, there was bravery, adventure, coming of age, honesty, love, bad ass lady and a puppy. It was fast read and I am glad for this mistake :)
The Giant Rat of Sumatra has been recommended to me as another great adventure of Sherlock Holmes. I loved The Hound of the Baskervilles and wanted to read something similar.
What a silly name of a book I thought to myself, but went for it. It's about pirates...ok.... well last book had a giant evil dog with a fluorescent face, so pirates? Why not.....
About halfway through with no sign of Sherlock I started questioning myself. (Yes halfway - it's short and for kids, it was fast!)
No way there are 2 books of this silly name!!!!! I didn't even check the author.
And you know what it was lovely! :) It was beautifully written, good story line, there was bravery, adventure, coming of age, honesty, love, bad ass lady and a puppy. It was fast read and I am glad for this mistake :)
September 23, 2024
3.5 stars
A pirate ship rescues a boy from a shipwreck, and he becomes their new cabin boy. Nicknamed "Shipwreck", he has a tenuous loyalty to the pirates, because they saved his life, but he is looking for an opportunity to leave them and make his way home on a trade ship. The pirate captain announces his intention to give up piracy and take up ranching just outside of San Diego, but the Mexicans are at war with America and the political climate is very unstable. Shipwreck has to rely on the captain for safety from bandits and the town militia, and the captain entrusts his greatest treasure to Shipwreck.
I liked the adventurous plot and interesting characters! Some of the pirates are not happy about the idea of giving up their life at sea, and Shipwreck learns of secret plans to mutiny and steal the captain's treasure. Shipwreck is an American himself, and he is terrified that he will be arrested by the Mexicans as a spy. The captain buys a huge ranch and hires cowboys, cooks, housekeepers, candlemakers, butchers, and lots of people to do a dozen other jobs. It's a busy place, and Shipwreck is swept up in the newness of it all, but he never forgets his former life at sea.
The captain encounters a bandit woman who intrigues him with her sass, and they have some funny repartee when she steals his red boots.
Shipwreck is torn between wanting to go home and wanting to stay with the captain. The captain takes Shipwreck under his wing, teaching and protecting and trusting the cabin boy. Shipwreck begins to look up to him and adopt his mannerisms, his way of walking with confidence. I really enjoyed seeing the character development as Shipwreck is trying to decide what kind of life he wants and where he wants to be.
Overall, it's a fun story, but they aren't ever at sea. The book begins when they come into port at San Diego, and they are mostly at the ranch or in the town. They return sometimes to the ship anchored in harbor, but they never go anywhere.
However, it was definitely an interesting exploration of the question of what do pirates DO when they stop being pirates.
I took off a half star because some of the plot twists were really predictable. Otherwise, it would have been a four star book.
A pirate ship rescues a boy from a shipwreck, and he becomes their new cabin boy. Nicknamed "Shipwreck", he has a tenuous loyalty to the pirates, because they saved his life, but he is looking for an opportunity to leave them and make his way home on a trade ship. The pirate captain announces his intention to give up piracy and take up ranching just outside of San Diego, but the Mexicans are at war with America and the political climate is very unstable. Shipwreck has to rely on the captain for safety from bandits and the town militia, and the captain entrusts his greatest treasure to Shipwreck.
I liked the adventurous plot and interesting characters! Some of the pirates are not happy about the idea of giving up their life at sea, and Shipwreck learns of secret plans to mutiny and steal the captain's treasure. Shipwreck is an American himself, and he is terrified that he will be arrested by the Mexicans as a spy. The captain buys a huge ranch and hires cowboys, cooks, housekeepers, candlemakers, butchers, and lots of people to do a dozen other jobs. It's a busy place, and Shipwreck is swept up in the newness of it all, but he never forgets his former life at sea.
The captain encounters a bandit woman who intrigues him with her sass, and they have some funny repartee when she steals his red boots.
Shipwreck is torn between wanting to go home and wanting to stay with the captain. The captain takes Shipwreck under his wing, teaching and protecting and trusting the cabin boy. Shipwreck begins to look up to him and adopt his mannerisms, his way of walking with confidence. I really enjoyed seeing the character development as Shipwreck is trying to decide what kind of life he wants and where he wants to be.
Overall, it's a fun story, but they aren't ever at sea. The book begins when they come into port at San Diego, and they are mostly at the ranch or in the town. They return sometimes to the ship anchored in harbor, but they never go anywhere.
However, it was definitely an interesting exploration of the question of what do pirates DO when they stop being pirates.
I took off a half star because some of the plot twists were really predictable. Otherwise, it would have been a four star book.
March 14, 2024
Una historia llena de aventuras, en las que un niño apodado “Náufrago” es rescatado por un barco pirata y navega con ellos hasta llegar a San Diego, en una California que aún era territorio mexicano. Ahí se sentirá como en casa a lado del Capitán Cadalso y entenderá que, en ocasiones, personas que no tienen lazos de sangre, se convierten en familia. Y también aprenderá que a la vida hay que enfrentarla con valor y lealtad.
Una novela de crecimiento, en la que también participaremos de una guerra, conoceremos a unos salteadores de camino muy interesantes y acompañaremos a Cadalso a cobrarse una antigua deuda. Unas esmeraldas enormes que antes fueron los ojos de una rata, pesarán en nuestros bolsillos, para al final entregarlas a la persona a la que siempre pertenecieron.
Es un libro con una narrativa limpia, cuyo relato capta inmediatamente la atención, nos hechiza con sus mapas, que nos hace aprender de Historia y nos deja buenas enseñanzas.
Una novela de crecimiento, en la que también participaremos de una guerra, conoceremos a unos salteadores de camino muy interesantes y acompañaremos a Cadalso a cobrarse una antigua deuda. Unas esmeraldas enormes que antes fueron los ojos de una rata, pesarán en nuestros bolsillos, para al final entregarlas a la persona a la que siempre pertenecieron.
Es un libro con una narrativa limpia, cuyo relato capta inmediatamente la atención, nos hechiza con sus mapas, que nos hace aprender de Historia y nos deja buenas enseñanzas.
May 9, 2024
Very quick read - Fleischman writes well, but this felt rushed and superficial. It is part of a very loosely associated trilogy with By the Great Horn Spoon, which I have read, and Bandit's Moon, which I haven't. All are set around the time of the California Gold Rush.
When compared to other Fleischmans, this had the feeling of something thrown together instead of being carefully woven. I didn't get that wonderful satisfaction when beautifully laid plans come together without being predictable. I also didn't find much about the narrator to care for. His relationship with the Captain wasn't clear cut, but instead of being nuanced and complex, it was just vague and vacillating. Maybe it would have helped if we had first encountered him with his family instead of picking up with him already on board the Rat and getting a little bit of reminiscing to tell the backstory.
When compared to other Fleischmans, this had the feeling of something thrown together instead of being carefully woven. I didn't get that wonderful satisfaction when beautifully laid plans come together without being predictable. I also didn't find much about the narrator to care for. His relationship with the Captain wasn't clear cut, but instead of being nuanced and complex, it was just vague and vacillating. Maybe it would have helped if we had first encountered him with his family instead of picking up with him already on board the Rat and getting a little bit of reminiscing to tell the backstory.
January 25, 2019
Me siento súper feliz de haber terminado de leer este libro porque lo llevo postergando desde que estaba el el primer año de secundaria (ya estoy por terminar la universidad, por cierto), olvidado en mi librero porque me obligaron a comprarlo en mi escuela y porque estaba enganchadísima con la primera parte de la saga de Percy Jackson.
Es una lectura súper ligera y la letra está enorme así que no es una historia corta pero entretenida. Me la leí en el autobús y me sorprendió que me mantuviera interesada porque no le veía mucha trama a la historia. Me gustó los pequeños giros en la trama que ocurrieron. Me gustó que sucediera en el México de 1846 y explicara de forma breve cómo estaba la situación en el México de aquel entonces con Estados Unidos (no muy diferente de los roces que aún existen) pero pues antes México tenía desventajas en muchas áreas y lo peor es sigue igual (so sad).
Cabe aclarar que no me gustó leer como México perdía la parte de San Diego contra E.E.U.U. pese a la falta de atención que la capital de México le prestaba a esa zona, pero ya qué.
Es una lectura súper ligera y la letra está enorme así que no es una historia corta pero entretenida. Me la leí en el autobús y me sorprendió que me mantuviera interesada porque no le veía mucha trama a la historia. Me gustó los pequeños giros en la trama que ocurrieron. Me gustó que sucediera en el México de 1846 y explicara de forma breve cómo estaba la situación en el México de aquel entonces con Estados Unidos (no muy diferente de los roces que aún existen) pero pues antes México tenía desventajas en muchas áreas y lo peor es sigue igual (so sad).
Cabe aclarar que no me gustó leer como México perdía la parte de San Diego contra E.E.U.U. pese a la falta de atención que la capital de México le prestaba a esa zona, pero ya qué.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 28, 2023
A childhood favorite originally read to my class in 3rd grade. Finally found and re-read it, and now I remember why 8-year-old me was enthralled. Pirates, bandits, and a little mystery. Now that I'm older I can appreciate the clever writing and witty statements by the characters, even though the plot is quite transparent. But still, I remember loving the story as a kid and wondering if Shipwreck ever made it back to his true family in Mexico.
April 22, 2019
My 9 year old daughter enjoyed this book and wants to read more from this author. The five star rating is based on her opinion of this book. I thought it was entertaining as well. A nice, light read with a good amount of humor. It was a great way to supplement our California history studies.
April 15, 2024
I loved it! The ending wasn't as strong as the other in this series and it left me wanting more. I highly recommend it. I only gave it 4 stars just because I feel like it should be read after The Great Horn Spoon and after Bandit's Moon.
October 27, 2017
Lo dejo en 3.5... Me pasé un muy buen rato, entre piratas y el carácter genuino de un chico, y nada más :)
May 24, 2018
See als: Peter and the Star Catchers by Dave Barry, Shipwrecked! By Rhoda Blumberg (nonfiction biography)
June 19, 2019
Quick and fun! I need some more answers about goings-on back in Boston, though.
January 5, 2020
Es un libro que habla sobre fidelidad entre compañeros, habla sobre respeto y promesas. El amor, no está tan presente.
August 17, 2020
Es un libro muy tedioso de leer.
No me gustó NADA
No me gustó NADA
April 5, 2022
Similar premise to The Grand Rascal, but not as good
September 22, 2017
Decent book with good characters I read when I was young.
August 1, 2007
This is a "pirate" story that takes place on land. If you can get over that, it's actually an enjoyable read. It's written by the author of The Whipping Boy, which I wasn't a huge fan of, but you can really see in this how his writing has progressed.
The story is about a boy who goes off to sea at 11 on his stepfather's whaling boat. His boat sinks, and he is rescued by a pirating ship. When they get to land in San Diego, then part of Mexico, he finds out that Mexico and America are at war, and there aren't going to be any ships sailing to Boston, so he can't get home. He decides to join his pirate captain who has retired from pirating and has bought a ranch. Ends up the captain has alterior motives, and a secret past. Adventure ensues.
This had a few plot holes and gaps, but overall it was an enjoyable read. The best parts, and what I think would make it worth the read alone were the hilariously polite hold up, and later the duel with Madame Wildcat.
Oh, about the title, it's the name of the pirate ship, and comes from Sherlock Holmes.
The story is about a boy who goes off to sea at 11 on his stepfather's whaling boat. His boat sinks, and he is rescued by a pirating ship. When they get to land in San Diego, then part of Mexico, he finds out that Mexico and America are at war, and there aren't going to be any ships sailing to Boston, so he can't get home. He decides to join his pirate captain who has retired from pirating and has bought a ranch. Ends up the captain has alterior motives, and a secret past. Adventure ensues.
This had a few plot holes and gaps, but overall it was an enjoyable read. The best parts, and what I think would make it worth the read alone were the hilariously polite hold up, and later the duel with Madame Wildcat.
Oh, about the title, it's the name of the pirate ship, and comes from Sherlock Holmes.
April 3, 2009
The Giant Rat of Sumatra was a quick, 193-page read. It’s a kid’s book, by Newberry-winner Sid Fleischman. I’ve enjoyed Fleischman’s books in the past, and I generally enjoy reading children’s books, but I felt like this one wasn’t as good as previous works of Fleischman’s. It felt a little predictable to me, and also a little lacking in detail.
San Diego in 1846 is Mexican territory, and Mexico is at war with the United States, which is a problem for Shipwreck, cabin boy of the pirate ship, Giant Rat of Sumatra, which has just anchored in San Diego’s harbor. See, Shipwreck is from Boston, and he’s trying to get home. He had been to sea with his stepfather, but a nasty storm wrecked their ship, drowned the stepfather, stuck him with a crew of pirates, and gave him his nickname. Oh, and he’s carrying around two giant emeralds and trying to dodge Mexican banditos.
It’s certainly full of action, and is a great book for entertaining late elementary-age kids. If I’m ever in a position to recommend a good children’s book to somebody, this one will get some consideration from me.
San Diego in 1846 is Mexican territory, and Mexico is at war with the United States, which is a problem for Shipwreck, cabin boy of the pirate ship, Giant Rat of Sumatra, which has just anchored in San Diego’s harbor. See, Shipwreck is from Boston, and he’s trying to get home. He had been to sea with his stepfather, but a nasty storm wrecked their ship, drowned the stepfather, stuck him with a crew of pirates, and gave him his nickname. Oh, and he’s carrying around two giant emeralds and trying to dodge Mexican banditos.
It’s certainly full of action, and is a great book for entertaining late elementary-age kids. If I’m ever in a position to recommend a good children’s book to somebody, this one will get some consideration from me.
September 10, 2016
Twelve-year-old cabin boy Shipwreck was plucked from the Pacific and tossed into a world of mutineers, bandits, lost love, treasure, and revenge aboard the notorious Giant Rat of Sumatra. Young Shipwreck simply wants to begin the long voyage home to Boston from San Diego, but befriends the great pirate turned hidalgo Captain Alejandro Gallows from whom he learns the importance of loyalty, acceptance, and bravery amidst greed and war. The story is set in 1846 during the Mexican-American War and an author’s note helps the reader put the book’s events into a historical context. Cartoonish illustrations are well done and found at the beginning of each chapter, foreshadowing the ominous, mysterious, or thrilling events that will take place in the following pages. Recommended for ages 9 and up.
February 2, 2016
Sid Fleishman had a cool setting, some interesting characters, and interesting plot hook....they just never quite grew into an actual book.
The laconic main character has character growth that is mostly hinted at as having occurred sometime in the last 8 months (the story covers maybe 3 months). We certainly don't get to watch it. He doesn't talk much, which would be fine if he did more. He tries a couple of things, but never really pulls off anything properly heroic or of worth. Mostly he observes as the secondary character, his captain, does things.
I wanted the book to be three times as long. I wanted things to happen. I wanted our hero to struggle, to grow, and to triumph. And I feel like I got cheated of an ending...so let's add one of those to our wish list, too.
The laconic main character has character growth that is mostly hinted at as having occurred sometime in the last 8 months (the story covers maybe 3 months). We certainly don't get to watch it. He doesn't talk much, which would be fine if he did more. He tries a couple of things, but never really pulls off anything properly heroic or of worth. Mostly he observes as the secondary character, his captain, does things.
I wanted the book to be three times as long. I wanted things to happen. I wanted our hero to struggle, to grow, and to triumph. And I feel like I got cheated of an ending...so let's add one of those to our wish list, too.
January 19, 2009
I'm not too proud to read books labeled "10 and up," and you shouldn't be either. Sometimes they're a lot of fun - especially if they're historical adventure stories. In 1846 San Diego, California, twelve-year-old Shipwreck is brought ashore by the pirate captain who rescued him from the sea, and who is now bent on becoming an hidalgo - and completing his revenge on the local man who wronged him years ago. A fast-paced, mostly credible, and often funny yarn, this story did have a few continuity problems but was enjoyable to read (even for a historian).
January 23, 2015
gr 5-8 194 pgs
1846, San Diego, CA. 12 year old "Shipwreck" finds himself stranded when Captain Gallows decides to leave sea life to become a ranch owner. Since Mexico (which includes California) is at war with the United States, the chances of him finding a ship to take him back to Boston are slim. So, Shipwreck decides to work for Captain Gallows while he figures out his next move.
Part of a trilogy started in "By the Great Horn Spoon!". Great follow up to Fleischman's "Bandit Moon". Funny and providing an interesting view of San Diego in the 1800s
1846, San Diego, CA. 12 year old "Shipwreck" finds himself stranded when Captain Gallows decides to leave sea life to become a ranch owner. Since Mexico (which includes California) is at war with the United States, the chances of him finding a ship to take him back to Boston are slim. So, Shipwreck decides to work for Captain Gallows while he figures out his next move.
Part of a trilogy started in "By the Great Horn Spoon!". Great follow up to Fleischman's "Bandit Moon". Funny and providing an interesting view of San Diego in the 1800s
November 14, 2016
This book helped me rediscover Sid Fleischman in my 20s, and I'm so glad.
When it came out I just happened upon a copy and quickly realized that this was the type of book I'd always been looking for. Fleischman has the most muscle power for words of any author I've read and a matchless sense for story and humor. "The Giant Rat of Sumatra" blends pirates and the Old West like two paints on a pallet--a delightfully fun, adventure-filled read that led me straight to Fleischman's other books, each of which I've loved.
Time for another read through!
When it came out I just happened upon a copy and quickly realized that this was the type of book I'd always been looking for. Fleischman has the most muscle power for words of any author I've read and a matchless sense for story and humor. "The Giant Rat of Sumatra" blends pirates and the Old West like two paints on a pallet--a delightfully fun, adventure-filled read that led me straight to Fleischman's other books, each of which I've loved.
Time for another read through!
June 25, 2012
What a fun and entertaining read for kids (and adults like myself who enjoy kids' books). Lots of adventure and I learned some new things about San Diego, California's history and the Mexican-American War. I love the main character, Shipwreck, and Captain Gallows the pirate. I found the relationship that developed between them quite endearing. I recommend this book to kids, especially boys who are reluctant to read. This is a story that's funny, amusing, and engaging.
February 14, 2010
Hi my name is Dylan Hull, my dad is Brian Hull. I read the book and it was just okay. There are many reasons why the book was not that good, like there was not enough adventure. The middle and the end were very sloww. I read this book for my historical fiction report. By chapter eight, it started to get less entertaining. All in all, the book was pretty good.
June 13, 2009
San Diego in 1946. Ranchos, bandits, sailors, pirates, and a young boy making his way and finding his identity. What's not to like? Clever and funny. Would be especially appealing to boys, I think.
December 19, 2009
Not as good as By the Great Horn Spoon, but still a great swashbuckling tale for kids that brings Californian history alive. Whereas the Great Horn book was about the gold rush, this one is about California being won from Mexico by the US. A fun read full of great characters.
November 27, 2012
I liked it a lot, I don't know if I REALLY liked it, but I'm going to read more Sid, as I've read a lot of Paul already. Read this because I like the cover AND it takes place in San Diego. And PIRATES! Ran across it during inventory, it's funny the books I find while scanning'n'dusting!
February 20, 2014
had to read it for langley book of the year. what were they thinking. honestly. i was expecting swashbuckling adventure on the high seas, not border skirmishes, farming and terrible spanish impersonations. not enjoyable for anyone who appreciates a little more plot
August 3, 2015
What a master story-teller Sid Fleischman is! From the very first sentence, I was hooked. And my interest was held throughout this wonderful, action-packed, humorous book that is destined to become a modern classic.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews