The Whydah: A Pirate Ship Feared, Wrecked, and Found is a 2017 nonfiction children's book by Martin W. Sandler about the Whydah, "a large, fast, and heavily armed slave ship", which was captured by pirates in 1716 and sunk shortly after. The ship was rediscovered on the ocean's floor in the 1980s, along with its tremendous riches. Throughout the book, Sandler discusses the pirates, led by Samuel Bellamy, "the causes and practices of piracy", including their "barbarous cruelty", as well as the more democratic nature of their culture.[1]
.jpg) First edition book cover | |
| Author | Martin W. Sandler |
|---|---|
| Genre | Children's historical fiction |
| Publisher | Candlewick Press |
Publication date | March 13, 2017 |
| Award | Cybils Award (2019) |
| ISBN | 978-0-763-68033-6 |
Reception
editReviews
editIn a starred review, School Library Journal's Anne Jung-Mathews described The Whydah as "a captivating read on pirates, with insights into contemporary underwater research techniques". Jung-Mathews discussed how "Sandler's approach to the Whydah and other submerged ships as "sunken time capsules" is an interesting angle that is sure to resonate with aspiring archaeologists. " She also noted that "occasional sidebars on specific topics, such as the mythic origins of the Jolly Roger flag and artifact restoration, break up the narrative flow but do contain valuable information".[2] In a review for Booklist, Carolyn Phelan similarly discussed how "the text branches into side issues at times", though found that "Sandler’s broad research and his evident fascination with the subject result in a multifaceted story that many readers will find rewarding". Phelan also highlighted the book's "black-and-white illustrations", which "include archival prints, maps, and documents as well as photos of the excavation process and the objects recovered".[1]
Awards and honors
editThe Whydah is a Junior Library Guild book.[3] School Library Journal and the New York Public Library named it one of the best nonfiction children's books of 2017.[4][5] The following year, the Association for Library Service to Children included it on their list of Notable Children's Books.[6]
| Year | Award | Result | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | YALSA Award for Excellence in Nonfiction | Finalist | [7][8] |
| 2019 | Cybils Award for Junior High Nonfiction | Winner | [9] |
| 2019 | Dorothy Canfield Fisher Children's Book Award | Nominee | [10] |
References
edit- ^ a b "The Whydah". Booklist. March 1, 2017. Archived from the original on March 31, 2018. Retrieved August 31, 2024.
- ^ Jung-Mathews, Anne (February 1, 2017). "The Whydah: A Pirate Ship Feared, Wrecked, and Found". School Library Journal. Archived from the original on August 31, 2024. Retrieved August 31, 2024.
- ^ "The Whydah: A Pirate Ship Feared, Wrecked, and Found". Junior Library Guild. Archived from the original on August 31, 2024. Retrieved August 31, 2024.
- ^ "The Whydah". New York Public Library. Archived from the original on August 31, 2024. Retrieved August 31, 2024.
- ^ Cappiello, Mary Ann (December 18, 2017). "The Best of 2017". School Library Journal. Archived from the original on August 31, 2024. Retrieved August 31, 2024.
- ^ "Notable Children's Books: 2018". Booklist. April 1, 2018. Archived from the original on December 14, 2022. Retrieved August 31, 2024.
- ^ "YALSA Award for Excellence in Nonfiction for Young Adults Finalists: 2018 Award winner". Booklist. February 12, 2018. Archived from the original on August 31, 2024. Retrieved August 31, 2024.
- ^ ""2018 Nonfiction Award Nominations", American Library Association". American Library Association. February 20, 2018. Archived from the original on January 28, 2020. Retrieved December 30, 2023.
- ^ "2017 Cybils Winners". Children's and Young Adult Book Lover's Literary Awards. Archived from the original on March 25, 2023. Retrieved March 25, 2023.
- ^ "Vermont Golden Dome Book Award". Vermont Department of Libraries. Archived from the original on August 23, 2024. Retrieved August 31, 2024.