Newbery Medal Winner

The Dark Frigate

by Charles Boardman Hawes

Summary

Set in seventeenth century England, this seafaring adventure follows orphaned Philip Marsham, who is forced aboard a ship that falls into the hands of pirates. Hawes writes in a dense, period flavored style packed with nautical detail and moral testing as Philip struggles to survive among ruthless men. The novel remains a notable example of the historical sea story for young readers.

Historical Context & Significance

Hawes died in 1923 at the age of thirty four, several months before the book was named the Newbery winner, making him the only author to receive the medal posthumously.