Pirates & Privateers: Michael Northrop's Books

Owen Ward eagerly watches the coast of Brazil from the deck of Polaris. He’s certain the crew distrusts him, perhaps even dislikes him, because he’s the captain’s nephew. This is particularly true of the other boys, since he holds the coveted position of cabin boy, while their duties are mundane and irksome. The launch disappears a week ago, when eight of the ship’s best sailors transport his uncle, the first mate, the ship’s doctor, and the odd botanist upriver to collect specimens from the exotic flowers and trees.

Henry Neap, the botanist’s apprentice, is deemed too scrawny for an arduous journey. He also searches for the boat’s return; when the botanist chooses him for an apprentice, he finally belongs. On the ship, he keeps clear of Owen, who reminds him of the bullies who persecute him at school. When Henry spots the launch, it’s half-empty and among the missing are the botanist and ship’s doctor. Which means he alone . . . again.

A single trunk is hauled up and given to Obed Macy, a strong boy who rarely comes up from the dark, stinky hold. Ordered to stow the trunk, he takes it below and doesn’t return. One of the returning sailors stumbles aboard and, over the next few days, grows clumsier and sicker. Angry whispers spread among the crew until finally, the captain orders the men to gather on deck, but locks all the boys except Obed in his cabin. Soon after shots are fired, and Owen knows that his uncle is dead.

After a time, the ship becomes eerily quiet. The boys force open the door to their prison, but no one is on deck. The crew have set the ship on fire and flown in the launch. The boys stop the flames before they ignite the gunpowder, which will blow the ship to smithereens. Henry wonders why the mutineers abandon Polaris. Owen takes command, knowing it’s up to him to take the ship home. But there are only five others left to help him sail Polaris: Manny and Mario Iglesias, hardworking brothers who share a secret; Aaron Burnett, the exceedingly slow and cautious powder monkey; Thacher Maybin, the new hold rat with the scarred face; and Henry, who is totally useless when it comes to working the sails and doing other ship-related tasks.

Another problem to overcome is the low food supply. Whenever they go below to bring some up, they encounter a strange smell, hear odd sounds, and feel as if something watches them. If they can work together, they may just get home despite the fact that none of them know much about running a ship. If they make it through the storms. If the leaks don’t get bigger. If whatever lurks below, stays there.

Polaris is a spine-tingling tale of historical science fiction. The intended audience of this Junior Library Guild selection is students in grades three through eight, but even adults will find themselves sitting on the edge of their seats, holding their breath as they turn page after page. Northrop takes factual elements from the 1830s and spins a plausible, yet terrifying and compelling, story that is not for the squeamish or faint of heart.

Meet the author