Bloody Jack

Grades 6-8.  In L.A. Meyer's novel, Bloody Jack (Harcourt, 2004),  Mary "Jacky" Faber transforms herself into Bloody Jack Faber to escape her life in Dickensian London.  Orphaned on "The Dark Day" her parents were killed by "pestilence," young Mary survives on the streets, scrounging just enough to get by.  In search of a better life, Mary disguises herself as a boy and seeks out a job as a ship's boy on a naval vessel on its way to South America after French pirates.  All Mary is looking for is a square meal and a roof over her head, but she winds up with a lot more.  Part Treasure Island, part Twelfth Night, and a dash of Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret, Jacky faces not only pirates and scalawags, but also her first period.  At times Jacky's narrative in 'mockney' is a little cumbersome, and may be challenging for some readers, but at it's best it adds playfulness to the character.  Full of fun and adventure, this book also alludes to very some very adult themes.  Overall, Mary "Jacky" Faber will appeal to both boys and girls, just as she is able to slip between the genders with artful costumes. And if you can't get enough of this saucy, sea-faring lass, she continues her adventures in a series of eight further books (so far!).  Recommended, ***