The Treasure of Savage Island

Starred review from August 1, 2005
Gr 6-9 -Pirates, a runaway slave, buried treasure, and deceit and friendship are the ingredients of this gripping adventure that takes place on Virginia's eastern shore following the Revolutionary War. Motherless Molly Savage, 15, lives with her ne'er-do-well father on Savage Island. The two eke out a debtor's paltry living at the Hog's Head Tavern, now owned by domineering, abusive Mrs. Ben Pruitt since the girl's father lost it gambling. Into Molly's life comes Rafe, 14, a runaway slave from North Carolina. Favored and then spurned by his white master and father, the teen is shipwrecked on Savage Island; Molly discovers and hides him. When a British warship appears offshore and picaroon pirates launch terrorizing raids on the island in search of rumored treasure, Molly and Rafe warn the residents, save her injured father, and reveal the true identity of Mrs. Ben. Finally, the girl discovers the treasure that has eluded generations, and she helps Rafe escape toward freedom. Loaded with vivid geographic descriptions, barrier island lore, and historical detail, this fast-paced, compassionate story explores the friendship that develops between Molly and Rafe, who confront their mutual oppression and racial biases, share their hopes for a better life, and unite in their efforts to save one another. Post-Revolutionary War complexities of anti-British sentiment, pirate activity, and fugitive slave laws are smoothly woven into the story. The blend of lively dialogue, distinctive personalities, emotional conflicts, suspense, and resourceful protagonists makes this an exciting, informative, and insightful coming-of-age historical novel." -Gerry Larson, Durham School of the Arts, NC"

Copyright 2005 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

September 1, 2005
Gr. 5-8. The only thing her father hasn't lost gambling is the useless soil of the Virginian island that bears his name, so Molly Savage must spend her days toiling in a tavern for miserly Mrs. Ben. Like other islanders, Molly supplements the family income with pillage from wrecked ships. While searching for washed up goods, she discovers Rafe, a half-drowned slave. She hides the boy, but before she can decide whether to turn Rafe in, disenfranchised Tories-turned-pirates attack Savage Island looking for a lost British treasure. The two young people form an unlikely alliance and join the Savage Islanders in battle against the marauders. The pacing is decidedly measured for what purports to be a swashbuckling tale (the pirates don't even show up until halfway through the novel), but the unusual setting and strong historical detail still make this a good recommendation for fans of L. A. Meyer's\b \b0" Bloody Jack\b" \b0 (2002)\b \b0 and Celia Rees'\b \b0" Pirates" (2003).\b (Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2005, American Library Association.)