Pirates & Privateers: J. Howland Woodward's Books

Tyler, David, and Josh have a special closet in their house. It is a doorway to the past, but they only have twenty-four hours to return once they enter the past. Tyler, ever curious, wants to learn more about Bill Johnston, Buccaneer of the Islands, so he ventures back to 1838. His older brothers follow, intent on retrieving Tyler before it’s too late and they are condemned to live in the past forever.

All three boys emerge from the wardrobe in a passenger’s cabin aboard Robert S. Peel. As they tour the paddle-wheel ship, they bump into a stranger dressed in black. He threatens to turn them in to the captain unless the boys deliver a mysterious message to a man ashore wearing a red kerchief. Left with little choice – the gateway to their time is aboard the ship – the boys agree. They assume they will deliver the message and figure out a way to get back on the ship. The man with the kerchief has other ideas, for he and his partners take the brothers prisoners. Once at their hideout, Tyler comes face-to-face with Bill Johnston. Will Tyler learn the truth about this notorious pirate? Will he and his brothers escape? How will they get back to Robert S. Peel and the doorway back to the present?

Mrs. Woodward combines her love of teaching and historical novels into a captivating time travel for children. While not a pirate in the truest sense, Bill Johnston is a Canadian patriot who wants for his country what Americans already have – independence from Britain. Based on a little-known incident in history, Pirates!, the second title in A Moment in Time series, combines riveting adventure with mystery and intrigue. A fast-paced story for children, especially boys, who dream of the past and pirates and enjoy what-if puzzles.