THE VOYAGE TO MAGICAL NORTH, by Claire Fayers

The story: Brine is a girl without a past. Peter is a boy with a future: a magical future. But when fate throws them together aboard the pirate ship Onion, all that changes--or does it? Peter will need to use his magical abilities in order to help defeat the evil magician Marfak West; Brine will need to use her common sense to help the pirates get to the treasure that lies hidden at Magical North. Unless, of course, Marfak West betrays them, which he undoubtedly will.

June Cleaver's ratings: Language G; Violence PG (there is pirate fighting where people get killed, but it is remarkably non-graphic); Sexual content G; Nudity G; Substance abuse PG; Magic & the occult PG-13; GLBT content G; adult themes (betrayal) PG; overall rating PG.

Liz's comments: Here's another charming fantasy tale (most likely the first in a series) to hand to kids who liked "The Story Thieves" and "The Map to Everywhere." Brine is a girl looking for a home--and luckily, it's clear that home can be a ship full of good-hearted pirates--while Peter is looking for acceptance. Who knew? That would also appear to be available on the good ship Onion!