The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle

It's 1835, and 13-year-old Charlotte Doyle is a well-educated, proper young lady who is traveling from her boarding school in England to join her family in America. Although she is somewhat scandalized to discover that she will be the only female (and, in fact, the only non-crew member) on the ship, Charlotte nonetheless boards the Seahawk and embarks on what proves to be a most perilous journey. Initially drawn into a friendship with the ship's commander, Captain Jaggery, Charlotte eventually discovers that he is a cruel and unreasonable taskmaster, and that his crew is planning a mutiny. As she becomes more aware of the injustice on the Seahawk. Charlotte retreats from her cultured background and becomes a full-fledged, and hardworking member of the crew. Captain Jaggery, however, will not stand for such a betrayal, and Charlotte soon finds herself in grave danger--and accused of murder. A reflection on class, the roles of women in society, and racism, THE TRUE CONFESSIONS OF CHARLOTTE DOYLE is a 1991 Newbery Honor book. Copyright (C) Muze Inc. 2005. For personal use only. All rights reserved.