Hook's Revenge

Twelve-year-old Jocelyn dreams of becoming a pirate, defying her grandfather's wishes that she remain at finishing school. As the daughter of the infamous Captain Hook, she believes adventure runs in her blood, even though she's never met her father. When Jocelyn receives word of her father's death, along with a mysterious message requesting her help, she sets sail for Neverland. She assembles a crew and embarks on a mission to avenge Captain Hook, facing the dangers of the high seas and magical realm. The story blends classic Peter Pan elements with new characters and adventures, building on the foundation of J.M. Barrie's original tale while creating its own path. The narrative shifts between Neverland's familiar landscape and new territories. This middle-grade novel explores themes of identity, family legacy, and the challenge of charting one's own course in life. Through Jocelyn's journey, the story considers what it means to live up to - or break free from - a parent's reputation.

Readers praise the book's humor, witty narration style, and reimagining of Peter Pan's world from Captain Hook's daughter's perspective. Many note the sarcastic chapter introductions and voice of the narrator as highlights. Parents and teachers report it works well as a read-aloud book. Multiple reviews mention children ages 8-12 staying engaged throughout. Several readers appreciate that the female protagonist shows both strength and realistic flaws. Common criticisms include a slow start to the story and some readers finding the narrator's voice too intrusive. A few note the plot becomes predictable in places. Average Ratings: Goodreads: 4.0/5 (2,400+ ratings) Amazon: 4.5/5 (90+ ratings) Barnes & Noble: 4.3/5 (25+ ratings) "Perfect blend of humor and heart" appears in multiple reader reviews. "The narrator stole the show" is another frequent comment. Critical reviews often mention "took too long to get going" as their main complaint.

Peter and the Starcatchers by Dave Barry This origin story of Peter Pan follows an orphan boy who protects magical treasure while battling pirates aboard a sailing ship.

The Pirate Code by Caroline Carlson A proper young lady enrolls in a pirate training school and finds herself caught between rival crews searching for treasure.

Magic Marks the Spot by Caroline Carlson A girl rejected from the Royal Navy becomes a pirate apprentice and sails the High Seas in search of missing magical treasures.

The Very Nearly Honorable League of Pirates by Caroline Carlson The daughter of an admiral defies her father's wishes by joining a pirate crew and pursuing her own path at sea.

Steel by Carrie Vaughn A modern teenager is transported back in time to a pirate ship where she learns swordplay and discovers her own strength through sea battles.

🏴‍☠️ Like her main character Jocelyn, author Heidi Schulz was also sent to a finishing school as a young girl—though hers was a summer etiquette class rather than a full-time school. ⚔️ The book's narrator is an old, cranky pirate who was specifically chosen by the author because she wanted someone who would be annoyed by having to tell a 12-year-old girl's story. 🗺️ Though it's a sequel to Peter Pan, Hook's Revenge takes place approximately 20 years after the events of J.M. Barrie's original story. 🦜 The character Roger, Jocelyn's best friend at finishing school, was not in the original draft of the book but was added later at the suggestion of the author's editor. 📚 Hook's Revenge was selected as a Bank Street Best Book of 2014 and was nominated for the Oregon Book Award, Oregon Reader's Choice Award, and the Louisiana Young Reader's Choice Award.