This is a middle grade book, but it kept my interest and I really enjoyed it. Christopher is a 13 year old orphan who ends up in an orphanage where the orphans are taken advantage of and worked to the bone. He runs away and hopes to get a job on a ship. He overhears a couple of pirates talking about stealing a shipment of guns and when he gets caught, the pirates take him captive with the plan to sell him once they reach the Carribbean Islands. He is taken board a merchant ship where he is threatened and made to pretend he is mute. Christopher has very little self-esteem and does not think anyone will believe his story. The captain's daughter Lucy, figures out he can talk and has been hiding something. With the help of a mouseguide, Leo and a monkey, Sugar, he learns the five lessons and develops a lot of confidence. With lots of ups and downs, Christopher saves the day with the help of his friends, Lucy, Leo and Sugar. A fun read for middle school children and up.

Thanks to netgalley for a copy of this book to read and review. ( )