This is an intriguing book that includes the life of Blackbeard -- his adventures, conquests, near-arrests, and ultimately, his demise. Each two-page spread includes a poem about a specific adventure with a piece of impressive artwork on the facing page. The artwork includes the earliest known image of Blackbeard by Thomas Nicholls c. 1730, several from the 1920s and up through the last two decades. At the bottom of most pages, underneath the poem is italicized print that shares facts and information about Blackbeard-related ships, battles, flags, wars, etc. The poems are short and informational, much easier to access than long blocks of text. The last two pages of the book include a "Note from the Author," in which he discusses the primary sources (and secondary) that were used to chronicle Blackbeard's "story." There's also a great map of his last voyage alongside the note. A succinct timeline that stretches from 1680 (the birth of Edward Teach - aka Blackbeard) through 1718 (the death of Blackbeard at the hands of Lt. Robert Maynard). The entire book and Blackbeard's voyages and antics are intriguing, if a little barbaric. But, it's the realistic life of a pirate. The words aren't overly graphic...it says "The end came quickly" for Blackbeard's death. But the "ghostly headless figure" and "severed head" (including a sketch of the head hanging from the mast) may be too much for younger elementary students. Overall, a great book!

Told in Verse. Lee to read this to the kids

Lewis retells Blackbeard's life in poems combined with vibrant illustrations that bring history to life. He includes a time line and map at the end of the book for curious minds to continue learning about Blackbeard. ( )