The Voyage of Lucy P. Simmons

A fair amount of violence here for a middle-grade novel. "The Brute" is forceful and selfish; he causes Lucy's parents' accident by trying to force his way onto their boat, and he beats his own children, knocks down an old man, and raises his hand to strike Addie. The novel includes a chase scene in which Lucy and others are pursued by the Brute, who tries to force his way onto their carriage.

Readers don't witness any drinking, but it's explained that "the Brute" beats his children when he's drunk, which is quite often.

Parents need to know that Barbara Mariconda's The Voyage of Lucy P. Simmons includes adventure on land and the high seas, magic, diabolical villains, and a pure-hearted young heroine. Early in the novel, the main character is involved in a sailing accident in which her parents apparently drown. The book also includes a child-beater who's also a drunkard. Though readers don't "see" him hit the children or drink, they do see him threaten violence and endanger others. There are several dramatic, dangerous situations involving the potential injury or drowning of children.