Reviewed by Wendy Lipke
What an exciting way to encourage late primary school children to read. Justin Somper has written a futuristic pirate tale with danger at every corner, missing people, kidnapping, not knowing who you can trust and a sea battle. Throughout this story are black and white sketches by Teo Skaffa to enhance the reading experience.
The author takes the reader forward to 2507. The map of the world has changed due to the rising oceans and pirates rule the seas. The children of these seafarers now attend Pirate Academies of which there are nine around the world with only fifteen admitted each year. The teachers are all legendary sea captains. Students receive ten years training, beginning at age seven, and at the end of this time they are ready to take their place in the Pirate Federation as Captains and Deputies.
The group of students who play a central role in this story are the thirteen-year-old Barracuda class. For the once-a-year Captains’ Evening, parents of the students arrive, and this becomes a race for the students to see which boat arrives first. However, this year one boat does not arrive leaving Jasmine Peacock greatly concerned about the safety of her parents. Another student from their class leaves unexpectedly and a newcomer arrives. For a while this upsets the cohesiveness of the group. Strange things begin to happen, and they all feel the change in the atmosphere. Danger soon presents itself when two students are kidnapped.
Before the story at the academy begins the reader can peruse the temporary Visitor Permit to allow them entry to the Academy. At the end of the book, where the story finishes with the words ‘TO BE CONTINUED’, can be found information about the Academy classes, their names, flags and mottos with a challenge from the author if you feel so inspired.
Justin Somper is the British worldwide bestselling author of the Vampirates series of which there are six books. These have been published in twenty-five languages throughout the world. He has also written two books under the title Allies and Assassins. While these books were written in the UK the Pirate Academy books were written in Western Australia. Coming soon will be the second book of this series called Missing at Sea which no doubt will be another Swashbuckling adventure.
Though not as young as the reader this book was intended for, I thoroughly enjoyed reading this action-packed story which embraced friendship especially in times of need.
Pirate Academy – New Kid on Deck
(2025)
by Justin Somper
Allen & Unwin
ISBN:978-1761182044
$16.99; 224pp