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Charlotte Boards Seahawk for America
Charlotte Doyle, age 13, begins her journey from England to America to rejoin her parents. But, the two families who are supposed to travel with her do not show up. She must board the Seahawk alone with only the crew - all men! -
Charlotte Meets Zachariah
Zachariah is the old, African American cook on the Seahawk. He tells Charlotte that they will be friends and gives her a 'dirk' (knife) for protection. Charlotte is horrified by the dirk and his stories about the Captain. -
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The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle
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Becoming Friends with the Captain
Captain Jaggeryis much hated by the crew. Since he is a rich "gentleman", Charlotte is relieved to have his protection from the "dirty" crew. She goes to his cabin every day for tea. -
Discoveries in the Forecastle
Charlotte goes to the crews' quarters. She overhears talk about mutiny and sees both a pistol and a round robin. This scares her and she goes to the Captain for help. -
Mutiny!
The crew, along with a stowaway and former crew member, Mr. Cranick, try to attack Captain Jaggery and take over the ship. But Charlotte had warned the Captain and he was ready. He shoots Mr. Cranick and whips Zachariah until Charlotte thinks he is dead. -
Becoming Part of the Crew
Charlotte now believes the Captain is evil. She feels responsible for the deaths of two men and decides she will join the crew. To prove she can, the crew makes her climb to the top of the main mast. This is very dangerous. She succeeds and the crew accepts her. -
Hurricane
Captain Jaggery refuses to sail around the hurricane. Charlotte and the rest of the crew have to climb up the sails in the storm. She almost falls, but is saved by who she thinks is Zachariah. She believed him dead, so she is very confused. -
Mr. Hollybrass Found Dead
During the hurricane, Mr. Hollybrass, the first mate, is found dead with Charlotte's knife in his back. Captain Jaggery accuses Charlotte of the murder! -
Charlotte Imprisoned
Captain Jaggery locks Charlotte in the hold until her trial. She finds that Zachariah has been hiding there. Together, they decide that Jaggery killed Mr. Hollybrass. -
The Unfair Trial
Captain Jaggery is the judge of this unfair trial. The crew is too scared to say anything in Charlotte's defense. Jaggery finds her guilty and she will be hanged. -
Jaggery Falls to His Death
The crew tries to organize another rebellion, but a crewmember, Mr. Keetch, has been informing the Captain. The second attempt fails. The Captain chases Charlotte on to the bowsprit and falls in to the sea! Charlotte is voted Captain by the crew. Zachariah is the real captain, in command of the ship and a true friend. -
Arriving in Providence
The Seahawk reaches Providence, Rhode Island. Charlotte's parents are horrified by her appearance. It is reported that Captain Jaggery died as a hero at sea. None of the crew shares the real story of what happened during the crossing. -
Hard To Be Home
It is hard for Charlotte to return to her proper, lady-like life. Her parents burn her diary, horrified by what it says. Charlotte goes to see the Seahawk set sail again for England. She says goodbye to the crew and Zachariah. She wishes she could return with them.
