Pirateology, by Captain William Lubber

Pirateology, by Dugald A. Steer (from the perspective of Captain William Lubber).  New York: Candlewick Press, 2006. 32 pages.


Ahoy, mateys! The journal of Captain William Lubber, a notorious pirate hunter tracking the legendary pirate Arabella Drummond, was discovered in a treasure chest. Read the ship's log, see the map of his journeys, and learn more about pirate lore, weaponry, tying knots, weaponry, ocean navigation, and the Jolly Roger. This pop-up book, which was designed to look like worn parchment, is chock-full of sidebars, maps to unfold, and drawings of infamous real-life pirates. As Captain Lubber logs his journey around the globe, learn more about pirates from Tortuga and Port Royal in the Caribbean to China, Madagascar, and Nova Scotia.

This interactive, oversized volume offers a wealth of information and facts about pirates that reluctant readers will enjoy. While this book offers some interesting information, it is perhaps best as a first source for information about pirates. Tweens who want more may be interested in books such as Hannah Pritchard, Pirate of the Revolution, Pirate's Log: A Handbook for Aspiring Swashbucklers, or Under the Eagle's Beak: The Search for the Treasure of the Pirate's Pit.

Editorial reviews can be found at Amazon. The book's official website can be found at http://www.biblioweb.co.uk/pirateology/.

Bodies from the Bog, by James M. Deem

This nonfiction book examines the existence of "bog bodies"--bodies that were preserved as mummies in the peat bogs of Northern Europe. Some of these bodies are over 2000 years old! Deem looks at the history of bog body discoveries, as well as the life of a bog and the things anthropologists and other scientists look for as they examine these bodies.

This book is great because it combines gruesome photographs of found bodies with basic scientific discussions. It has great cover appeal (the ick factor of mummies!), and will interest boys who are reluctant readers, as well as any tween with a budding interest in anthropology (especially if they have ever watched the TV series Bones!).

This book was selected a Quick Pick for Reluctant Young Adult Readers by the ALA, and was placed on the VOYA Nonfiction Honor List in 1999. Additional awards and reviews can be found on the author's website at http://www.jamesmdeem.com/books.bogbodies.htm.