Pirates: Raiders of the High Seas

by Christopher Maynard

Proficient Level 4 readers will be totally absorbed by this dramatic story. The rich vocabulary and factual panels will set them on a lifelong path to reading for information.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Childrens, Pirates

48 pages, Paperback

First published September 15, 1998

Reviews

[Jamie Jonas · Rating 4 out of 5]

This short book features the usual excellent DK format and a perfect blend of pictures and text for an early reader. I've read a number of other reviews, which said that they felt the grisly facts of torture and punishment and general pirate misbehavior were possibly inappropriate for children. On balance, I agree this might be true, but it depends on the child him or herself and the family's general outlook. The truth, of course, is that there is no escaping the brutal nature of a typical sea-raider's life, and I feel that too much sugarcoating would eventually create another kind of problem for a child who wanted to do a 'deep dive' into this subject. All in all, I like the book and feel that it features high production values and has storytelling honesty.

[Stephanie Littig · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a bit more challenging so it is a level 4 book. I do believe this would interest both boys and girls and I found it interesting. It is filled with short stories so could easily be read over a period of time. It also gives a list and details of the lives of the most infamous pirates. Included in back is a glossary of vocabulary words and definitions to help the reader. A pretty good read.

[Molly · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought this was a pretty good one for beginning readers who might be interested in history/true stories. It's just too bad that the kids I have to give this to are only interested in fart jokes.

[James · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked that it told me all about pirates.

[Lola Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

A like it a lot!!!!! Wish i had pots of gold!!!

[Lizzie]

The word buccaneer originally comes from the Arawak word buccan, a wooden frame used for smoking meat. The French hunters in Hisponola who used this grill started calling themselves "boucaniers". Then the English colonists, of course, just made made it "buccaneer."

Before this, I believed from a childhood joke that word derived from the price of corn (buck-an-ear). I enjoyed this book so much, for this one etymology factoid. :)

[Kristina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Eye Witness Reader. This book describes the lives of different pirates. It includes some illustrations (not very historic looking though) and has pics of some real artifacts. I would say a second grader could pick up this book and read it on their own.