From the looks of Laurel’s play dates and preschool, it certainly seems as if the boys are always the pirates. But that wasn’t always the case, and award winning local author Jane Yolen makes clear – with captivating detail and a historical look - in Sea Queens: Women Pirates Around the World that women have been crossing gender boundaries around the world for centuries. Yolen will bring these swashbuckling ladies to life in person at local bookstores starting this Wednesday, 9/17 at Porter Square Books. For additional appearances, click the “Who I’d Like to Meet” tab at publisher Charlesbridge’s MySpace page.

Want to be one of 2 winners to receive a signed copy of Sea Queens*? Here’s how: