Reviewed by Rod McLary
Who doesn’t love a good adventure story – especially when it is one set on the oceans with hardly a parent in sight? And that is exactly what Justin Somper has crafted in Missing at Sea – volume two in the Pirate Academy series. The cast is a group of eleven-year-olds – boys and girls – who as the title suggests are students at the pirate academy learning how to become captains and deputies in the Pirate Federation. But there is an opposing organisation called League of True Pirates – or LOT P – which to add intrigue and mystery to this situation has members related to some of the students at the Academy.
Now it is time for Oceans Bound – the name for forty-eight hours of sailing and challenges and all designed to test the students’ BRONTE skills [Bravery, Resilience, Observation, Navigation, Teamwork and general Excellence]. Five captains are to be chosen and each will have a crew of two. There is much jostling and positioning between the students as the captains are chosen with some resultant disappointment. The reader – especially those belonging to the cohort for whom the books are written – will no doubt be cheering on their favourite character.
As the competition begins, so does the excitement and adventure especially when pirates from LOT P attempt to hijack the proceedings. And the skills and resilience of our three heroes – Jasmine, Neo and Jacoby – are tested to the limit. There are dangerous times ahead – all of which contribute to an exciting read.
One of the strengths of the book is that while there is a competitive edge to the relationships between the students, there is also a deep sense of loyalty and camaraderie between them. The students clearly care for and about each other and this sets a warm tone around the narrative and makes it an enjoyable and satisfying read. Most the adults in the book – apart from those in LOT P! – are similarly loyal and caring.
All in all, Missing at Sea is a fine book for children from nine to thirteen – and perhaps beyond.
The text is complemented by graphics by Ted Skaffa. As it is the second book in the series, there is a helpful ‘The Story So Far’ at the beginning just in case a new reader is joining. For a more immersive reader experience, there are also activities at the end of the book and readers can download a Pirate Academy Activity Kit.
Justin Somper has written eleven books for children including the Vampirates series of six books. Although born in Britain, Justin now lives in Perth.
Pirate Academy – Missing at Sea
[2026]
by Justin Somper
Allen and Unwin
ISBN: 978 1 7611 8205 1
$16.99; 238pp