Joe Bronson is bored with school. Worse yet, his father is threatening to send him to a military academy. When Joe skips classes to take the ferry across San Francisco Bay to Oakland, the sight of boats along the wharf inspires him to abandon his dreary routine. He joins French Pete and 'Frisco Kid aboard the Dazzler, eagerly anticipating the independence and excitement of a sailor's life. But Joe quickly discovers that he's far from free -- he's trapped aboard a pirate ship!

This thrilling novel for young readers, based on Jack London's days as an oyster pirate, crackles with energy and authenticity. The action-packed adventure vividly recaptures the rhythms of life aboard a schooner, the perils of storms at sea, and the constant danger of death or capture.