Summary:   Two boys playing “pirate” on a steamship off the coast of New Jersey in 1882 find themselves in real danger when their ship runs aground.   Hope is almost lost when waves are too high to lower the life boats.  Someone spots something on the horizon.  Is it pirates?   No, there are rescuers in the surf!   Local people have prepared for ships running aground and are on their way to help!

What I liked about it: Introduces the history of the Coast Guard through a fictionalized story, but based on a actual event.   Illustrator Nancy Carpenter’s drawings vividly capture life on a steamship and the movement of the waves.

Who I would recommend it to: Grade 2-4.  This would be a great classroom read-aloud.