Backlist books need love too! For this series, each bookseller is shouting out a few backlist titles (as opposed to recent frontlist books) that you should put at the top of your TBR. This week’s bookseller is Children’s Specialist, Jacque, coming through with a wonderfully specific list of favorites about sea-faring young heroines.

There is something about the sea that is so freeing. All books can be an escape from reality, but seafaring ones truly take you to unseen lands. Salty wind in my hair, full-steam ahead, unknown horizons or dangers - that’s where you’ll find me.

True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle by Avi

For ages 9-13 who enjoy historical fiction. Instead of a classic rags to riches story, this is an inspiring riches to rags story. Summer 1832, upper-class Charlotte must sail on the Seahawk from Liverpool to her family’s home on Providence Rhode Island. The narrow minded men on the ship think it’s a curse she is the only girl on the voyage. Nonetheless, she proves her worth & becomes one of the crew.

She is my OG pirate girl inspiration. I’ve been seeking seafaring thrills ever since.

Fable & Namesake by Adrienne Young

For ages 12 and up who enjoy fantasy (with a splash of romance) I’ve been recommending this swashbuckling duology to everybody who asks for a young adult fantasy recommendation. Sometimes I recommend it to customers who don’t ask because I’m that obsessed. In the event that you haven’t crossed my path at Books Are Magic - here is what I’d tell you, “I devoured Fable in one night; its wild, nautical world is such an escape. I’m super jealous you can read both books in one sitting because I had to wait for what felt like an eternity for its sequel, Namesake.”

The Last Legacy also takes place in the very same Fable realm! Check it out!

The Girl Who Circumnavigated Fairyland In a Ship of Her Own Making By Catherynne M. Valente

For ages 10 and up who enjoy fantasy. Out of all the books on this list, you might think this one doesn’t belong - but if you respect the world of symbolism you’d give it a go!

Think Alice's Adventures in Wonderland and The Wizard of Oz made a powerful baby.

One day twelve-year-old September is swept away by the Green Wind to Fairyland, a magical place full of danger and delightful adventure. September is reluctantly pulled into a quest by the cruel ruler of Fairyland. Adoringly fanciful, whimsical, and even absurd; I think you actually have to be crazy to read it.

Compass South and Knife’s Edge by Hope Larson

For ages 10-14 who enjoy historical fiction graphic novels. 12-year-old twins escape the 1860s New York’s gang-ridden streets. They set sail to New Orleans aboard the Black Hook. They discover the danger of the streets is nothing compared to the treachery of the ocean. This book is like a breath of sea-air.

Salt to The Sea by Ruta Sepetys

For ages 12 and up who enjoy historical fiction (with a splash of romance). Truly heart-wrenching, engaging storytelling based on true events with fictionalized characters. A World War II novel about refugees seeking freedom on the Wilhelm Gustloff, a ship that promises safety to all. One of my favorites is Joana, a humble Lithuanian nurse who promises to help all in order to relieve the guilt of not saving a loved one.

While the Titanic is arguably the most infamous sinking ever, with around 1,517 casualties, the lesser known Wilhelm Gustloff sinking had around 9,000 casualties! That is six times deadlier! While this list mostly consists of light-hearted reads, I can’t deny that seafaring is dark and treacherous too.