Pirate Queen: A Story of Zheng Yi Sao (Hardcover) (ISBN-13: 9781773061245)

An inspiring story of Zheng Yi Sao, the real-life pirate queen who took control of her life -- and the South China seas -- in the early 19th century.

The most powerful pirate in history was a woman who was born into poverty in Guangzhou, China, in the late 1700s. When pirates attacked her town and the captain took a liking to her, she saw a way out. Zheng Yi Sao agreed to marry him only if she got an equal share of his business. When her husband died six years later, she took command of the fleet.

Over the next decade, the pirate queen built a fleet of over 1,800 ships and 70,000 men. On land and sea, Zheng Yi Sao's power rivaled the emperor himself. Time and again, her ships triumphed over the emperor's ships.

When she was ready to retire, Zheng Yi Sao surrendered -- on her own terms, of course. Even though there was a price on her head, she was able to negotiate her freedom, living in peace and prosperity for the rest of her days.

Zheng Yi Sao's powerful story is told in lyrical prose by award-winning author Helaine Becker. Liz Wong's colorful, engaging illustrations illuminate this inspiring woman in history.

An author's note provides historical context and outlines the challenges of researching a figure about whom little is known.

Key Text Features
author's note
historical context
sources

Correlates to the Common Core State Standards in English Language Arts:

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.2.3
Describe how characters in a story respond to major events and challenges.

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.4.3
Describe in depth a character, setting, or event in a story or drama, drawing on specific details in the text (e.g., a character's thoughts, words, or actions).

Author: Helaine Becker
ISBN-10: 1773061240
ISBN-13: 9781773061245
Publisher: Groundwood Books
Language: English
Published: 03/03/2020
Pages: 36
Format: Hardcover
Weight: 0.65lbs
Size: 9.10h x 6.60w x 0.40d

Accelerated Reader:
Reading Level: 4.1
Point Value: 0.5
Interest Level: Lower Grade
Quiz #/Name: 512415 / Pirate Queen: A Story of Zheng Yi Sao


Review Citation(s):
School Library Journal 01/01/2020 pg. 53
Booklist 02/15/2020 pg. 89
Kirkus Reviews 01/01/2020