"For stealing a loaf of bread, Jameson Cooper, thirteen years old, is sentenced to labor for seven year at our Queen's pleasure. Who will offer 35 pounds for this lad?" The baker who accused Jameson bought him at auction for 25 pounds. Jameson's mother and father had died of the same illness (Yellow Fever) and a scheming reprobate swindled his father's print shop away from him. Homeless and living on the streets, Jameson has entered the bakery to smell the bread and offer his services in exchange for food. On the first night of his indenture, he is shanghaied and made to serve on board the Destiny under Attack Jack and Solitaire Peep. This is an excellent piece of historical fiction, filled with pirates, interesting insights into life in 1713 Charles Towne, Carolina Territory, and one young man's commitment to his father's esteemed profession and his determination to do the right thing.
"A man who permits another to speak falsely about him stamps the words with truth."
"A foolish man casts his memories to the wind. A wise man puts them to paper."
Mark Twain Award Preliminary Nominee 2014-15
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