1650 – 1730
The Age of Piracy was a time when pirates roamed the seas, particularly in the Caribbean. Infamous figures like Blackbeard and Sir Francis Drake plundered ships and coastal settlements. This era was fueled by rivalries between countries like England and Spain and the exploration of the New World, creating a legacy of adventure, lawlessness, and maritime legend that still captures imaginations today.
Picture books
Everything I Know About Pirates
Delightful introduction to the playful side of pirate life, while being based in history
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Granuaile: The Pirate Queen
Exciting introduction to a real Irish pirate
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The Pirate King Of China: The Story Of Koxinga – in English and Chinese
Bilingual story of a real Chinese pirate
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Who Wants to Be a Pirate? What It Was Really Like in the Golden Age of Piracy
Description of life aboard real pirate ships alongside the fictional Captain Parrot
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Chapter books
Tell No Tales: Pirates of the Southern Seas
Joyful graphic novel based on a real female pirate
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The Golden Age of Pirates: An Interactive History Adventure
Choose-your-own-adventure book set during the age of piracy
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Treasure Island
Classic novel from which we get many of our pirate stereotypes
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Pirates!
Compelling story about two girls running away to become pirates
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The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle
Classic story of a girl on a voyage that takes a turn toward lawlessness
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Non-fiction books
Pirate (DK Eyewitness)
Comprehensive reference with great photos
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Terror of the Spanish Main: Sir Henry Morgan & His Buccaneers
Story of Sir Henry Morgan, his crew, and their adventures
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The Whydah: A Pirate Ship Feared, Wrecked, and Found
True story of one pirate ship’s adventures and rediscovery, with a focus on marine archaeology
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Inside Out Pirate Ship: Explore the Golden Age of Piracy!
Look inside a pirate ship and learn about life onboard
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Horrible Histories: Pirates
Playful overview of pirate life
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You Wouldn’t Want to Explore With Sir Francis Drake!: A Pirate You’d Rather Not Know
Irreverent explanation of life under Sir Francis Drake
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Biographies
The Sea King: Sir Francis Drake and His Times
Life of Sir Francis Drake, including his naval exploits and explorations
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Lives of the Pirates: Swashbucklers, Scoundrels (Neighbors Beware!)
Lively but historically accurate biographies of 19 real pirates
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Who Was Blackbeard?
Great biography of the famous pirate, Blackbeard, and his context
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Sir Francis Drake: Slave Trader And Pirate
The dark side of Sir Francis Drake, royally-sanctioned pirate
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