Black Bart (Bartholomew Roberts)

Gr 4–7—These solidly upper elementary to middle grade narratives on pirates are punctuated by short sidebar articles under headings like "More About Pirates" or "How Much Is True?" The quality of these asides is mixed. An article on careening a ship for repairs is compelling. But many of the volumes, particularly Anne Bonny, present the stories as though they are historical fiction (with dialogue and internal musings) and then employ sidebars to make corrections or reinforce what is reliably historical, a strategy that is highly repetitive and potentially confusing. Illustrations are copious, often using what appear to be period paintings or etchings, though some lack captions. Back matter includes significant chapter notes and a helpful, clearly written glossary. The lists of Internet resources are impressive and well vetted.