Pirates and Privateers - Helaine Becker's Books

Dreams and reality are very different, and fate cares little for a person’s hopes. When pirates attack a village, they take the usual plunder, as well as girls. So it is that one of these finds herself desired by the pirate captain. But she refuses to marry Zheng Yi unless he gives her an equal share. Her boldness pleases him and they wed, but six years later he dies. Since fate has dealt her a path she didn’t expect, she assumes control of the pirates with the help of a lieutenant named Zhang Bao. Together they forge a pirate confederation that is invincible.

This first-person narrative recounts the story of the most successful pirate, a woman whose name is unknown, but is known as Zheng Yi Sao (“wife of Zheng Yi”). Although this is a picture book, it is geared toward young pirates who can read. Yet it is also a tale that will engage adult pirates as well. Becker does a commendable job keeping the narrative g-rated, historically accurate, and on an even keel. The combination of subtle text and expressive pictures weaves a convincing tale filled with emotion and conveys a sense of place that transports readers back to China at the turn of the nineteenth century. For readers who wish to know more about the real Zheng Yi Sao, Becker summarizes what we know of her and includes resources where additional information can be found. Pirate Queen is a wonderful introduction to a successful pirate who never forgot she was a woman and who forged a second life once she retired from the sea.

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