The most powerful pirate in history was a woman who was born into poverty in Guangzhou, China, in
the late eighteenth century. When pirates attacked Zheng Yi Saos town and the captain took a liking to
her, she saw a way out. She agreed to marry him only if she got an equal share of his business. When her
husband died, she took command of the fleet.
On land and sea, Zheng Yi Saos power rivaled that of the emperor himself. Over the next decade, the
pirate queen built a fleet of more than 1,800 ships and 70,000 men. Time and again, her ships triumphed
over the emperors ships.
When she was ready to retire, the pirate queen surrendered on her own terms, of course.
Zheng Yi Saos story is told in lyrical prose by award-winning author Helaine Becker. Liz Wongs
colorful, engaging illustrations capture the courage and grit of this remarkable woman.
An authors note provides historical context and outlines the challenges of researching a figure about
whom little is known.
In this fun and funny celebration of literacy, kids of all ages will discover that the act of reading is a daring adventure that can take you anywhere! You can read at the playground, under the sea, at the opera and even in outer space! It turns out you can read everywhere! And when you do, you open yourself to a universe of adventure.
Presented in light-hearted, rib-tickling verse that's perfect for reading aloud, You Can Read sings it loud and proud: Books are awesome. And so are the people who read them.
