Monkey Boy by Donovan Bixley
In Monkey Boy, young Jimmy Grimholt joins a loathsome crew of misfits and bullies and sets sail on the warship H.M.S Fury. As the smallest person onboard, Jimmy is picked to be a powder monkey with the dangerous job of scampering through the ship to fetch gunpowder for the cannons. To add to his worries, Jimmy can also see ghosts, a terrifying curse that may turn out to be a gift as he fights in battles against both the French Army and enemies closer to home – those he shares the ship with.
This book is part novel and part comic, and all of the grossest characters and most exciting action scenes are brought to life by Donovan Bixley’s lively illustrations. Monkey Boy is an action-packed, creepy and frequently revolting read that will entertain good readers aged 9 and up.