In memoir style, a contemporary adult narrator (who takes the name “Jim Hawkins”) recounts a tale of his twelfth year of life when an ancient sailboat bearing a mysterious old sea captain is blown off course into his Nova Scotia bay. Captain Charles Johnson, a lover of rum and a teller of tales, not only becomes a guest at the inn run by Jim’s widowed mother but also Jim’s tutor on pirate history. Throughout, the Captain’s origin, motives, and even his integrity remain uncertain. Noted marine artist Gilkerson produced amaz ingly detailed illustrations as well as vignettes of ships, cannons, and maps to illuminate chapter openers. 2006 Canadian Governor General’s Award, 2006 New York Library Association “Book of the Season” Award. nlr