True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle, Avi

In 1832 thirteen-year-old Charlotte Doyle boards the Seahawk for the voyage from England to America where she will be reunited with her parents. Believing that she will be traveling with two other families, Charlotte arrives at the dock to discover that she will be the only passenger—and the only female—on the long journey. Evil, danger, mutiny, and, ultimately, courage await Charlotte in this tale of adventure and self-discovery.

Related Readings

from Catherine, Called Birdy—historical fiction by Karen Cushman

The Little Girl Who Dared—historical fiction by Henry W. Lanier

Whaling Wives—magazine article by Peg Connolly Schwabel

A Cornered Ship, 31 Men, and a Date with Doom—newspaper article by Cynthia Corzo, Curtis Morgan, and John Barry

The Gallant Ship—poem by Sir Walter Scott

Sea-Fever—poem by John Masefield

The Sea Gypsy—poem by Richard Hovey

Study Guide (PDF)