Pirate Queens: Dauntless Women Who Dared to Rule the High Seas

This was a fascinating look at a wide range of historical female pirates. The most recent being Ching Shi, who lived from 1775-1844. This historical aspects makes it much easier to frame the women's exploits as adventure and shattering stereotypical gender boundaries, since "pillaging and plundering" seem like activities that everyone is discouraged from these days! I loved the introduction explaining how Lewis and her daughters were fascinated by pirates, and how this led her to research them. The fact that a broad time period and wide range of cultures is represented is wonderful. Artemsia I of Caria, Sela, Sayyida al Hurra, Grace O'Malley, and Anne Bonny, in addition to Ching Shi, all get coverage.

In most pirate literature, the main character is usually a male, even in historical stories. It's nice seeing some female representation, especially how Leigh Lewis lays everything out to give you a little bit of everything. There are both cartoon-style illustrations and real photos which is more appealing. The only female I was familiar with was Grace so it was nice seeing women from all over the world rising up to be fierce.

As for the writing, it's so lyrical and well written that it feels more like a novel than a history lesson. There's a healthy mixture of poetry and facts that it holds my interest even as an adult. It's one I'll keep on hand for when my daughter gets older. My favorite one, because I'm a fan of Greek Mythology, was Artemisia and how she pretty much told her brother that she's coming for him. It's refreshing to read about strong female pirates who didn't care what other people thought about them. There's a lesson in that.


Final Verdict: Overall, this is a fascinating and educational collection of of strong female women who took charge on the raging seas. This is perfect for and of history, especially for those as equally intrigued by pirates as me!