Ching Shih was the most powerful pirate in China. She stole everything--from jewels, to people, to opium. In 1844, Ching Shih and her husband created a secret plan to move her fortune from China to Hawaii for safekeeping, even as a rival pirate fleet plotted to intercept her treasure ships. But the forces of nature intervened and in a mighty storm the treasure was lost before reaching safety. Almost two centuries later, a mysterious Mr. Chang visits California to request the scuba-loving Cali family's help in locating Ching Shih's treasure. The Calis travel to Hawaii and agree to dive for the treasure, but danger awaits. Faced off against a modern-day villain as ruthless and cunning as Ching Shih herself, the Cali family races to find a treasure far more sinister and deadly than anyone ever imagined.

Embark on a riveting journey through the captivating life of one of history's most formidable and fearless pirates in "Ching Shih: Queen of the South China Sea." This concise and gripping account unravels the extraordinary tale of Ching Shih, a woman who defied societal norms and rose to become the most powerful pirate lord in the annals of maritime history. In the early 19th century, Ching Shih commanded a vast fleet that dominated the South China Sea, terrorizing merchant ships and challenging the might of imperial navies. This book paints a vivid portrait of a woman who transformed from a Cantonese prostitute to a cunning strategist and fearless leader, earning her the moniker "The Terror of South China." Through meticulous research and compelling storytelling, "Ching Shih" navigates the treacherous waters of Ching Shih's rise to power, exploring her strategic alliances, tactical brilliance, and the establishment of a pirate code that maintained order within her formidable fleet. Discover the challenges she faced as a woman in a male-dominated world, and witness her audacious raids that struck fear into the hearts of both officials and sailors alike. As the pages unfold, readers will witness the dramatic climax of Ching Shih's career, including her audacious negotiations with the Chinese government, which ultimately led to her unprecedented retirement with full amnesty for her and her crew. This concise yet comprehensive account offers readers a thrilling glimpse into the life of a pirate queen whose legacy echoes through the ages. "Ching Shih" is a tale of adventure, empowerment, and resilience, perfect for history enthusiasts and those captivated by the untold stories of extraordinary women who defied the norms of their time.

Storming aboard a government trade ship, Ching Shih and her band of followers demand payment—or else! The traders soon come to fear Ching Shih, paying her for passage through the pirate-infested waters of the South China Sea. In this high-interest graphic title, readers will learn how Ching Shih became a pirate so fierce that even the government stood down to her power. They’ll discover her real-life feats through engaging dialogue and sharp illustrations, as well as historical quotes, a timeline, and a map.

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 Sao’s power rivaled the emperor himself. Time and again, her ships triumphed over the emperor’s 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 Sao’s powerful story is told in lyrical prose by award-winning author Helaine Becker. Liz Wong’s colorful, engaging illustrations illuminate this inspiring woman in history. An author’s note provides historical context and outlines the challenges of researching a figure about whom little is known. Key Text Features author’s 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).

Two intrepid girls hunt for a legendary treasure on the deadly high seas in this YA remix of the classic adventure novel Treasure Island. 1826. The sun is setting on the golden age of piracy, and the legendary Dragon Fleet, the scourge of the South China Sea, is no more. Its ruthless leader, a woman known only as the Head of the Dragon, is now only a story, like the ones Xiang has grown up with all her life. She desperately wants to prove her worth, especially to her mother, a shrewd businesswoman who never seems to have enough time for Xiang. Her father is also only a story, dead at sea before Xiang was born. Her single memento of him is a pendant she always wears, a simple but plain piece of gold jewelry. But the pendant's true nature is revealed when a mysterious girl named Anh steals it, only to return it to Xiang in exchange for her help in decoding the tiny map scroll hidden inside. The revelation that Xiang's father sailed with the Dragon Fleet and tucked away this secret changes everything. Rumor has it that the legendary Head of the Dragon had one last treasure—the plunder of a thousand ports—that for decades has only been a myth, a fool's journey. Xiang is convinced this map could lead to the fabled treasure. Captivated with the thrill of adventure, she joins Anh and her motley crew off in pursuit of the island. But the girls soon find that the sea—and especially those who sail it—are far more dangerous than the legends led them to believe. Praise for A Clash of Steel: A Cosmopolitan Best YA Book of 2021 "This deeply immersive adventure features deftly interwoven Chinese and Vietnamese, luscious culinary descriptions, and well-rendered explorations of imperialism, treasure, found family, and love." —Publishers Weekly, starred review "Vividly realized and brimming with romantic adventure. Rooted in the legend of Chinese pirate queen Ching Shih, C.B. Lee’s A Clash of Steel is richly imagined and thrilling to the end." —Malinda Lo, bestselling author of Last Night at the Telegraph Club "Lavishly drawn and studded with jewels from the original, C.B. Lee has written a remix that delves deep into questions of family, love, and treasure. This is a book I wish I'd had as a young, queer teen and it deserves a spot in any collection." —Natalie C. Parker, author of the Seafire trilogy The Remixed Classics Series A Clash of Steel: A Treasure Island Remix by C.B. Lee So Many Beginnings: A Little Women Remix by Bethany C. Morrow Travelers Along the Way: A Robin Hood Remix by Aminah Mae Safi What Souls Are Made Of: A Wuthering Heights Remix by Tasha Suri Self-Made Boys: A Great Gatsby Remix by Anna-Marie McLemore My Dear Henry: A Jekyll & Hyde Remix by Kalynn Bayron Teach the Torches to Burn: A Romeo & Juliet Remix by Caleb Roehrig Into the Bright Open: A Secret Garden Remix by Cherie Dimaline Most Ardently: A Pride & Prejudice Remix by Gabe Cole Novoa

Treasures of many kinds still lie hidden below crumbling castles and ruined monasteries; in macabre tombs; in subterranean labyrinths and sinister caverns. Many sunken treasures lie beneath the seas, oceans and lakes of the world. Vast stores of pirate gold are still hidden on many a real life treasure island such as Oak Island at Mahone Bay, Nova Scotia. Many treasures were looted, hidden and lost after the two World Wars - Hermann Goering, for example, one of most powerful leaders of Nazi Germany, is strongly suspected of hiding huge treasures at Veldenstein and Lake Zeller. This fascinating, expertly researched book brilliantly reveals all these unsolved mysteries. The final section covers useful ideas for treasure-seekers: the study of old maps and charts; coded messages; secret symbols; and intensive research into the lives and locations of those people through out history who probably in all certainty, had treasure to hide.