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Drake #1
Drake: The Man They Called a Pirate
Hero or pirate? This is the question not only history but his contemporaries asked of Francis Drake. According to this text, the bold Englishman, servant to Queen Elizabeth, was every inch the patriot. Shrewd, fearless, and enterprising, the young man, who, before reaching the age of seventeen, was captain of his own ship, recognized the menace of the Spaniards to England and foresaw that England's destiny lay in securing their naval power. In his capacity of self-elected protector of England's rights against Spain, often the tactics that he used were unorthodox. Alone, he and the men of his ship raided Spanish vessels and harried the Spanish fleet in the Caribbean. But this he did in order to cut off supplies from Philip. The author, winner of the 1955 Newbery Award, stresses the fact that he refused to kill women, children or unarmed men. Sir Francis Drake's life was one of colorful achievement and this biography does much to convey the richness of event and atmosphere which was the portion of one of Elizabeth's most celebrated knights.
278 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1960
141 people are currently reading
400 people want to read
About the author
Jean Lee Latham
63 books68 followersBorn on April 19th, Jean Lee Latham grew up in Buckhannon, West Virginia. She attended West Virginia Wesleyan College, where she wrote plays and operated the county newspaper’s linotype machine. She earned a master’s degree at Cornell University. While completing her degree, Ms. Latham taught English, history, and drama at Ithaca.
Once she graduated, she became editor-in-chief of the Dramatic Publishing Company in Chicago. She worked hard to become a radio writer, but WWII changed her plans. She signed up for the US Signal Corps Inspection Agency, where she trained women inspectors. The U.S. War Department gave her a Silver Wreath for her work.
After D-Day, Ms. Latham made the decision to write biographies for children. Her first book was The Story of Eli Whitney, published in 1953. Her third book, Carry On, Mr. Bowditch, earned the Newbery Medal in 1956.
Playwright, author, and teacher, Ms. Latham died on June 13, 1995, at the age of 93. Her manuscripts are housed in the Children’s Literature Research Collection at the University of Minnesota.
Once she graduated, she became editor-in-chief of the Dramatic Publishing Company in Chicago. She worked hard to become a radio writer, but WWII changed her plans. She signed up for the US Signal Corps Inspection Agency, where she trained women inspectors. The U.S. War Department gave her a Silver Wreath for her work.
After D-Day, Ms. Latham made the decision to write biographies for children. Her first book was The Story of Eli Whitney, published in 1953. Her third book, Carry On, Mr. Bowditch, earned the Newbery Medal in 1956.
Playwright, author, and teacher, Ms. Latham died on June 13, 1995, at the age of 93. Her manuscripts are housed in the Children’s Literature Research Collection at the University of Minnesota.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
October 16, 2020
This children's biographical story of Sir Francis Drake, the pirate, takes its readers back in time to when Drake stole treasure and helped defeat the Spanish. It begins with him as a youth working as a cabin boy for years until he earns his own ship. Filled with adventure!
November 27, 2015
This novel was a good read! A lot going on and not sure when all is said and done who'll be left standing. All I know Villain and Tazz are ruthless. Hopefully justice will be served.
February 12, 2021
This book had me on such a rollercoaster with the characters. I didn’t know whether to hate or love them lol. The amount of go hard was crazy!! So many people crossed the line in this book that I literally didn’t know who to root for. I already know Part 2 is about to be insane!!
December 12, 2018
This read was crazy good!
February 12, 2021
Excellent
This book was good from the beginning to the end. I really enjoyed this book. I can't wait to read part2.
This book was good from the beginning to the end. I really enjoyed this book. I can't wait to read part2.
June 25, 2015
'I'm not gon' cry, I'm not gon' shed no tears...'
Drake is grinding, getting it in, putting it down in West and North Philly. He has life all mapped out...his lady has been riding with him, they are preparing to ride off into the sunset. But when you 'bout that life, life happens and it gives no warning. Drake and his partner in crime, Veronica mastermind a caper to rob Tazz of his ill gotten riches and the games begin. Tazz owns several legitimate businesses and allows his best friend, Villain to manage his drug activity in the streets. He has attained a comfort level where he can keep his hands clean and reap the benefits of riches that he amasses by any means necessary. Cindy is dat chick that wants it all...she has no fear when it comes to getting that gwap...she rocks hard in South Philly! When Cindy finds herself in a compromising position and Lady Luck blesses her with Drake who steps in and becomes a knight in shining armor. These powerful and driven individuals find themselves and their loved ones fighting for the keys to the kingdom as well as their rights to enjoy the riches...above ground.
Drake is new to the castle that Deja built, the characters and storyline are fresh and have a fascinating foundation. There are a lot of different twists that she orchestrates that will intrigue you as she continues to pull the okey dokey with each plot. I loved the fact that no one feels familiar or recycled...I felt as if I was getting acquainted with a stranger...and as each layer is revealed, I want to know more about this character. Action packed drama in its finest element. Deja pulls an alley oop on us with the firecracker introduction crackling with gunfire and a cliffhanger at the beginning of this story. Can you say she pimped curiosity on the block for real!!! As for Drake's introduction, she solidified his ranking as a bonafied gangsta...not gon' cry! Deja mastered a TKO with Drake!!! Drake, an OG for real!!! The finale was nothing but GANGSTA!!!
4.78
Drake is grinding, getting it in, putting it down in West and North Philly. He has life all mapped out...his lady has been riding with him, they are preparing to ride off into the sunset. But when you 'bout that life, life happens and it gives no warning. Drake and his partner in crime, Veronica mastermind a caper to rob Tazz of his ill gotten riches and the games begin. Tazz owns several legitimate businesses and allows his best friend, Villain to manage his drug activity in the streets. He has attained a comfort level where he can keep his hands clean and reap the benefits of riches that he amasses by any means necessary. Cindy is dat chick that wants it all...she has no fear when it comes to getting that gwap...she rocks hard in South Philly! When Cindy finds herself in a compromising position and Lady Luck blesses her with Drake who steps in and becomes a knight in shining armor. These powerful and driven individuals find themselves and their loved ones fighting for the keys to the kingdom as well as their rights to enjoy the riches...above ground.
Drake is new to the castle that Deja built, the characters and storyline are fresh and have a fascinating foundation. There are a lot of different twists that she orchestrates that will intrigue you as she continues to pull the okey dokey with each plot. I loved the fact that no one feels familiar or recycled...I felt as if I was getting acquainted with a stranger...and as each layer is revealed, I want to know more about this character. Action packed drama in its finest element. Deja pulls an alley oop on us with the firecracker introduction crackling with gunfire and a cliffhanger at the beginning of this story. Can you say she pimped curiosity on the block for real!!! As for Drake's introduction, she solidified his ranking as a bonafied gangsta...not gon' cry! Deja mastered a TKO with Drake!!! Drake, an OG for real!!! The finale was nothing but GANGSTA!!!
4.78
December 19, 2014
I haven't been keeping up with King's books lately after the b. series (which I have to read again). But when I went to the library and saw it on the shelf, I knew I had to give it a go. I started reading it and was immediately hooked. The story Pulled me in and the characters intrigued me. Well, I can say this much, I hated Drake with a passion. Mostly because he was a player who wanted his cake and to eat it too. I simply cannot stand when guys play with women's emotions, especially a woman whose been by his side and is giving him a child. But, I also blame Kim (Drake's girl;one of them at least) for being air headed and staying with him.
The book was full of action and drama drama drama. I do admire the fact that Cindy is one of those women that you just cannot mess with, although she's had a few mishaps of her own. I hope in the next book her and Drake meet in the middle, and you know live that happily ever after story. I won't post a huge review so as not to give the book away, however, you will like the book.
The book was full of action and drama drama drama. I do admire the fact that Cindy is one of those women that you just cannot mess with, although she's had a few mishaps of her own. I hope in the next book her and Drake meet in the middle, and you know live that happily ever after story. I won't post a huge review so as not to give the book away, however, you will like the book.
February 28, 2025
I really like Latham’s writing style, and how she connects the tidbits of information she drops in the “learning”/“coming of age” portion with later events. She’s great at storytelling.
I will say I did not enjoy this book as much as I enjoyed Carry On, Mr. Bowditch. I think it has to do with connection to character. Plus, Drake is far earlier in history (1500s) than Bowditch (late 1700/early 1800) and I feel like that made researching the people/time period harder. It was “drier” as a text, more like reading a history textbook (which, I like).
What is really emphasized in Drake are the ship names, the battles, the politics, and the frustration with Queen Elizabeth I changing her mind.
I will say I did not enjoy this book as much as I enjoyed Carry On, Mr. Bowditch. I think it has to do with connection to character. Plus, Drake is far earlier in history (1500s) than Bowditch (late 1700/early 1800) and I feel like that made researching the people/time period harder. It was “drier” as a text, more like reading a history textbook (which, I like).
What is really emphasized in Drake are the ship names, the battles, the politics, and the frustration with Queen Elizabeth I changing her mind.
January 25, 2015
Damn. I just about cried when Villian came and killed Kim & her new born baby. That ish was sad, and what Drake had to go through. I think it was pretty cool that Cindy was there to help him like he was for her in the beginning. I wonder whats gonna happen wth Peaches now. If Rick is using or if Cindy will figure out that Mike is a snitch for the feds. A lot of questions. Ready to start part two.
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September 2, 2014o.m.g
August 22, 2015
this was a page turner. she never disappoints at all.
October 27, 2015
OMG..cannot wait to get to Drake II. For all of them to survive in order to have a street war is crazy.
November 16, 2015
Awesome read, this book was really a good read, once I started it I couldn't put it down. I love Joy Deja King style of writing. Great Job!!!
March 6, 2023
The story and history were okay, but the writing style was abrupt and contained a lot of jargon. I found that I didn't feel a connection to any of the characters.
August 7, 2015
you wont be able to put this book down
November 11, 2014
revenge is going be served
November 25, 2014
A very good read... Speeds up at the end... Can't wait to read book II...
March 3, 2015
I Love All Of Joy Deja King Books its always So thrilling
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 12, 2019
Good book
This is a good book. It doesn't pack the fire power that I am accustomed to when reading her books, but I hope that the next book brings this story to an happening conclusion. I am really looking the character Cindy and I hope it goes well for her in the next book. Drake is a man after my own heart, but Villain is the character that you love to hate. The story flowed from page to page but it did seem to leave out vital parts of the story. Overall, I would say that this is a book to be placed on your list to read. Looking forward to part 2!
This is a good book. It doesn't pack the fire power that I am accustomed to when reading her books, but I hope that the next book brings this story to an happening conclusion. I am really looking the character Cindy and I hope it goes well for her in the next book. Drake is a man after my own heart, but Villain is the character that you love to hate. The story flowed from page to page but it did seem to leave out vital parts of the story. Overall, I would say that this is a book to be placed on your list to read. Looking forward to part 2!
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews