In the Golden Age of Piracy, none was more dreaded than Blackbeard…

Sam, Derek, and Caitlin head for a week's vacation at Virginia Beach, where three hundred years ago, pirates sailed the waters off the Atlantic Coast. As the kids explore the beach, they find suspicious activity from the neighboring military base that points to the discovery of a historic shipwreck—maybe even lost pirate treasure!

When they meet a mysterious stranger named One-Eyed Jack, they're captivated by the tale of Edward Teach, better known as the notorious pirate Blackbeard. Legend says he may have left valuable plunder buried in the nearby dunes before his final battle and violent death. Could the treasure still be out there, waiting to be discovered?

When the clues lead them on a perilous trip across the Chesapeake Bay, danger lurks at every turn. Will they find a hidden bounty, or will competing treasure seekers —or even Blackbeard's ghost— send them to a watery grave at the bottom of the sea?

Pirates on the Bay is the tenth book in The Virginia Mysteries series, but it can easily be read as a standalone. The story is the perfect complement to social studies units, field trips, and family vacations related to Virginia Beach, First Landing State Park, Cape Henry Lighthouse, Colonial America, and piracy of the early 1700's.

About the Author

Steven K. Smith writes The Virginia Mysteries, a middle-grade adventure series with a twist of history.  Steven lives in Richmond, Virginia, with his wife, three sons, and a golden retriever named Charlie.  Born and raised in rural northwestern New Jersey, he moved to Virginia in 2011 and quickly fell in love with its history and charm.

You can find him at MyBoys3.com, where he blogs about the adventures of raising three young boys.

When he's not writing, Steven works in e-healthcare and enjoys coaching his boys in sports, hiking and camping, photography, and taking naps.

Some of his favorite children's books include Where the Red Fern Grows, Rascal, The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, Bridge to Terabithia, and the Chronicles of Narnia series.