Pirates on the Bay

n nIn the Golden Age of Piracy, none was more dreaded than Blackbeard. n n nn nSam, 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!n n nn nWhen 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?n n nn nWhen 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? n n nn nPirates 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 1700s.n n nn nIf you enjoy mystery and adventure like the Hardy Boys, Nancy Drew, Magic Tree House, or National Treasure, you'll love author Steven K. Smith's exciting middle-grade series. The stories are modern-day fictional mysteries with twists of real locations and events from history. These fast-paced books are popular with both boys and girls ages 7-12, appealing to even reluctant readers!n n nn nThe Virginia Mysteries Seriesn nBook 1 - Summer of the Woodsn nBook 2 - Mystery on Church Hilln nBook 3 - Ghosts of Belle Islen nBook 4 - Secret of the Staircasen nBook 5 - Midnight at the Mansionn nBook 6 - Shadows at Jamestownn nBook 7 - Spies at Mount Vernonn nBook 8 - Escape from Monticellon nBook 9 - Pictures at the Protestn nBook 10 - Pirates on the Bayn n nn nBrother Warsn nCabin Elevenn nThe Big Applen n nn nThe Missingn nThe Recruitn nThe Bridgen