Under the Black Flag

In the 18th century, as 14-year-old William Bernard sails from his father's plantation in Jamaica to study in England, his ship is suddenly overtaken by the nefarious pirate Blackbeard. Although he kidnaps William, he treats him with relative benevolence. The seizing of a pirate vessel from Barbados leads to William's befriending Sam, age 16, the slave and illegitimate son of weak-willed Major Bonnet. The teenagers plan and execute a successful escape that yields an adventurous voyage to Jamaica. Haugaard sets the stage for William's windswept adventures with evocative details about brigantines and plenty of swashbuckler talk (``We shall blow the ship up,'' says Blackbeard. ``Methinks the crew has grown thirsty from this day's work. It will be fitting to celebrate with a bit of fireworks''). Nevertheless, a dark tone permeates much of the novel: Sam shows the scars he bears from his father's whippings, and the boys meet a terrified 11-year-old girl who has been raped by pirates. For all the exotic color, the pacing is sluggish, and the ending abrupt and unsatisfying. Ages 12-up. (Jan.)