The Ghost in the Noonday Sun

The Ghost in the Noonday Sun follows twelve-year-old Oliver Finch, who is shanghaied onto a pirate ship in 1753 from his home in the colonial port of New Haven. The ship's captain, a one-handed former schoolteacher named Scratch, believes Oliver can help him find buried treasure through the boy's supposed ability to see ghosts. The journey takes Oliver and the crew through treacherous waters of the Caribbean as they search for the treasure's location. Along the way, Oliver must navigate life aboard a pirate vessel while dealing with the eccentric Captain Scratch and a superstitious crew of buccaneers. The story combines historical seafaring adventure with supernatural elements and humor. Through Oliver's experiences at sea, the book explores themes of bravery, resourcefulness, and the sometimes blurry line between truth and deception.

Readers call this a fast-paced pirate adventure that appeals to middle-grade audiences. Most reviews note it's a lighter, more humorous take on pirate stories compared to other books in the genre. Liked: - Quick pace keeps young readers engaged - Funny dialogue and situations - Historical pirate details woven into story - Works well as a read-aloud book for families Disliked: - Some found the plot too simplistic - Character development feels limited - Several readers mention it's not as memorable as Fleischman's other works Ratings: Goodreads: 3.5/5 (127 ratings) Amazon: 4.2/5 (12 reviews) LibraryThing: 3.3/5 (24 ratings) "A fun pirate romp that doesn't take itself too seriously" - Goodreads reviewer "Entertaining but lacks the depth of By the Great Horn Spoon" - School librarian on Amazon "My 9-year-old loved it but older kids might find it basic" - Parent reviewer

Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson A young boy becomes entangled with pirates during a sea voyage in search of buried treasure.

Peter and the Starcatchers by Dave Barry An orphan boy guards magical treasure aboard a ship while evading pirates who seek its power.

The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle by Avi A proper thirteen-year-old girl finds herself caught in a mutiny during an 1832 transatlantic crossing.

The Pyrates by George MacDonald Fraser A Royal Navy captain faces pirates, sea battles, and treasure hunts in the seventeenth-century Caribbean.

Magic Marks the Spot by Caroline Carlson A girl rejected from pirate school stows away on a ship and discovers hidden treasure with her gang of misfit friends.

🏴‍☠️ The book was inspired by real-life pirate lore from the American colonial period, particularly the legends of Captain Kidd and other pirates who operated along the New England coast. 📚 Author Sid Fleischman won the Newbery Medal in 1987 for his book "The Whipping Boy," though "The Ghost in the Noonday Sun" remains one of his most beloved pirate adventures. ⚓ The story's setting in 1706 coincides with the end of the Golden Age of Piracy, when many famous pirates were active in the Caribbean and along the American coastline. 🌊 The book incorporates authentic nautical terminology and sailing practices from the 18th century, making it both entertaining and educational for young readers. ✍️ Fleischman wrote the book while living in California, but conducted extensive research about colonial-era Maine and maritime history to create an authentic historical backdrop for the story.