This book was on an assigned reading list for fourth and fifth graders. It was not a typical pirate book, as the main character wants to stop being a pirate and figure out what else he should do. So the story is less about pillaging and more about finding out how people fit in. The book has several funny parts. A 9-year-old boy really enjoyed this, more than he thought. The language is not too difficult
Jack Plank Tells Tales
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Is it age appropriate?
About our ratings(Flash is loading. If this text does not disappear you need to install the latest flash version)
Not age appropriate for kids under 6, age appropriate for kids over 8; suggested age 8. -
Is it any good?
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Common Sense says
An ex-pirate spins captivating yarns.
Why We Rated This
for Ages 8 and Up
The good stuff
What to watch out for
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Violence:
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Sex:
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Language:
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Consumerism:
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Drinking, drugs, & smoking:
What Parents Need to Know
About Jack Plank Tells Tales
Parents need to know that mentions of the pirates' crimes and nasty habits are minimal, and a few scenes show their gentler sides. References to violence are non-graphic and brief, including scenes in which a pirate captain threatens to shoot one of his cowardly crewmen, treasure hunters are found stabbed, and an ancient Egyptian king gets his hand chopped off. In one tale a girl in her early teens gets married, but this fits the 18th-century Caribbean setting. Pirates drink rum and beer.
Read our full review by Ellen Dendy
Families Can Talk About
- Families can talk about which stories they enjoyed the most and why. Do you think Jack's stories were true? If not, how do you think Jack came up with them? Can you come up with your own stories that incorporate mysteries and magic? Families can also use this as a starting point to learn more about and enjoy the art of storytelling.
Our Members Say
Most Recent Reviews
- I rate this title on for age 7 and give it
- My highlights are:
- Educational
Great twist on pirate stories
- I rate this title on for age 8 and give it
mild pirate tales
Fairly restrained, non-graphic pirate stories, so it's okay for younger kids (7+). The resolution of Jack Plank's future is likely affirming for kids with literary or artistic interests.


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