Don't Mention Pirates

Author: Sarah McConnell

First line: Scarlet Silver had a secret that nobody could guess:

Why you should read this book: Despite descending from a line of pirates and living in a boat (planted firmly in dry land), Scarlet and her brother are forbidden from discussing pirates, on account of the terrible accident that befell their grandmother, Long Joan Silver, during an encounter with a giant shrimp. Still, Scarlet is attracted to all things piratical, most particularly treasure hunting, and when she strikes gold, the family forgets their long-held taboos and fall back into the pattern of doing what pirates do best. A crowd-pleasing tale.

Why you shouldn't read this book: Recent maritime disasters haunt your family.