Escape Under the Forever Sky by Eve Yohalem

A driver escorts her from the gated compound to private school. By all appearances she lives a charmed life in the middle of one of the poorest countries in Africa. Ages 10 up.Lucy Hoffman is the 13-year old daughter of the US Ambassador to Ethiopia. An author's note details Yohalem's extensive research, as well as the nonfictional underpinnings of her story. Vibrant descriptions and sometimes gruesome imagery make for an absorbing, informative read. As the ship faces illness, pirates, mutiny, and other hazards, Yohalem (Escape Under the Forever Sky) explores the limited options for women and minorities through Bram and Petra's first-person narratives. Despite her privileged background, Petra is a hard worker, and she covertly completes Bram's chores, impressing Captain De Ridder, who has the power to get Bram a certificate of legitimacy as a Dutch citizen. Petra is quickly discovered by Bram Broen, the illegitimate half-Dutch, half-Javanese son of the ship's carpenter, and he risks his future by hiding her in the hold, smuggling her food, and disguising her as a boy. Twelve-year-old Petra De Winter escapes her abusive father in Amsterdam by stowing away on the Golden Lion, which is sailing for Batavia (now Jakarta) and carrying more than 300 passengers, as well as the Dutch East India Company's payroll. Set in 1663, Yohalem's seafaring adventure is saturated with action and historical detail. Told in alternating voices and filled with secrets and intrigue, this richly researched novel is historical fiction at its best.

As tensions rise on the ship, with pirates attacking, deadly illness, and even mutiny, Petra and Bram face impossible decisions that test their friendship and threaten their dreams of freedom.

And if Bram is exposed for helping her, he could lose the only home-and family-he has. If Petra is discovered and exposed as a girl, she could be tossed overboard, or worse. But she quickly realizes that surviving for months at sea will be impossible without help. So when Bram, the half-Dutch / Half-Javanese son of the ship’s carpenter, finds her hiding spot, Petra convinces him to help her stay hidden. Twelve-year-old Petra has stowed away to escape her abusive father. It’s 1663 and there is an extra passenger on board a Dutch merchant ship setting sail for the East Indies.

A tale of pirates, mutiny, and friendship on the high seas, perfect for fans of The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle

Escape Under the Forever Sky by Eve Yohalem