Raiders' Ransom

Emily Diamand's swashbuckling futuristic tale generated quite a buzz in England, winning the Times of London's Children's Fiction Competition. It's the 22nd century and, thanks to climate change, much of the former British Empire rests under the sea. While out fishing one day, young Lilly Melkun witnesses a brazen band of pirates kidnapping the Prime Minister's daughter. With her village blamed for the tragedy, Lilly takes it upon herself to set sail and rescue the young girl, with only her wits and considerable seamanship skills to help her.