The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle by Avi was published in 1990 and has won several children’s book awards. You really have to suspend your disbelief while reading this book in order to enjoy it as the whole thing is most unlikely, but that didn’t stop it from being an enjoyable read.
It’s 1832 and thirteen year old Charlotte Doyle is in a crowded dock in Liverpool where she is to board a ship bound for America. Her father had arranged for her to be in the company of two families who would also be passengers and would look after her, but when Charlotte boards the Seahawk she discovers that those families have changed their plans, and she is alone on the ship, apart from a crew of mainly ragged ruffians.
Captain Jaggery is a cruel master and it isn’t long before Charlotte witnesses his harsh command. The only person that Charlotte befriends is the ship’s cook, but he is the target of Jaggery’s cruelty, with disastrous consequences.
Charlotte ends up becoming a member of the crew, casting off her dainty frocks in favour of the more practical clothing of a sailor boy and in no time she’s crawling up the masts to the crow’s nest as if she has been born to do it – you see what I mean about having to suspend your disbelief!
Things go from bad to worse when Charlotte is accused of murder – but all’s well that ends well. I can imagine this one being very popular with young girls hankering after adventure – vicariously.
This does sound unbelievable but it could be fun anyway, and especially for young readers.
tracybham,
Yes I was definitely not the target age but it was still enjoyable.
I haven’t read this since I was about 12, but as part of the target audience, I was so hooked on this book!
Alisha,
I enjoyed it but I think if I had read it when I was a youngster I would have loved it. Thanks for dropping by!
Celia loved this when she was younger and I think she still has it on her bookshelves. A little improbable adventure is just the ticket sometimes.
Jennifer,
It certainly is just the ticket sometimes, and I can see why Celia would love it as it is a bit pirate-ish!
Hi Katrina,
It’s been so long since I’ve responded to one of your posts, regretfully. I read this in the midst of my ten years of teaching 11 and 12 year olds (sixth grade). I enjoyed it, and my copy got passed along to lots of my students who loved the adventure! I thought it was well done. And as we liked to say back then, “anything that gets them reading!” Although I thought this one was a cut above just “anything.” I really liked it, too.
Judith,
It’s lovely to hear from you again, I hope you’re both fine. Yes I can imagine that girls of around Charlotte’s age would have been enthralled by the thought that she could have such a great adventure, no matter how unlikely! I’ll look for more by Avi.