Pirate Queen: A Story of Zheng Yi Sao

An inspiring story of Zheng Yi Sao, the real-life pirate queen who took control of her life and the South China seas in the early 19th century.

The most powerful pirate in history was a woman who was born into poverty in Guangzhou, China, in the late 1700s. When pirates attacked her town and the captain took a liking to her, she saw a way out. Zheng Yi Sao agreed to marry him only if she got an equal share of his business. When her husband died six years later, she took command of the fleet.

Over the next decade, the pirate queen built a fleet of over 1,800 ships and 70,000 men. On land and sea, Zheng Yi Saos power rivaled the emperor himself. Time and again, her ships triumphed over the emperors ships.

When she was ready to retire, Zheng Yi Sao surrendered on her own terms, of course. Even though there was a price on her head, she was able to negotiate her freedom, living in peace and prosperity for the rest of her days.

Zheng Yi Saos powerful story is told in lyrical prose by award-winning author Helaine Becker. Liz Wongs colorful, engaging illustrations illuminate this inspiring woman in history.

An authors note provides historical context and outlines the challenges of researching a figure about whom little is known.

Key Text Features
authors note
historical context
sources

Correlates to the Common Core State Standards in English Language Arts:

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.2.3
Describe how characters in a story respond to major events and challenges.

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.4.3
Describe in depth a character, setting, or event in a story or drama, drawing on specific details in the text (e.g., a character's thoughts, words, or actions).