A spotlight on Devil's Ballast by Meg Caddy

Devil’s Ballast is one of the six books shortlisted for this year’s Readings Young Adult Book Prize.


Anne Bonny was eighteen when she ran away from her violent husband, James, and teamed up with the pirate Calico Jack. Now she’s passing as a cabin boy on Jack’s ship and playing her part in a ruthless crew that is causing terror for all aboard the ships of the Caribbean. But James Bonny still wants her back and will do whatever is necessary to get her.


Here’s what the judges said…

‘Based on the true story of the pirate Anne Bonny, this is a swashbuckling adventure story set on the high seas with fascinating and diverse characters and some really evil baddies. Every character has their motivations and their quirks. This is smart writing and an absolute treat. Suitable for ages 13+.’
Angela Crocombe, Chair of the judging panel


Meet the author…

Meg Caddy is a bookseller by day and a boarding-school tutor by night. Her first book, Waer, was shortlisted for the 2013 Text Prize, published in 2016, and shortlisted in the 2017 CBCA Children’s Book Awards. She lives with two rescue cats and an ever-expanding bookshelf.


Read more about the Readings Young Adult Book Prize 2020 shortlist here.

Cover image for Devil's Ballast

Devil’s Ballast

Meg Caddy

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