Lackbeard by Cody B. Stewart and Adam Rocke

The youngest brother has dreamed of being a pirate since he was small.  His mother told him he had the heart of one.  But she died before he was very old and he and his older brother are in an orphanage.  The bad news?  They are being moved, separated, and being sent quite a distance from each other.  He refuses to do it.  He's going to become a pirate.

Common Deer Press and Net Galley let me read this book for review (thank you).   It will be published December 3rd.

This story is a bit silly and a bit far-out but it's very entertaining.  They begin by raiding a pirate exhibit and sneaking out a map and an ancient artifact.  Then they have to escape the home they are in.  When they do, the other orphans hitch along for the adventure.  The older brother doesn't know that but the younger brother doesn't give them away.  Next, they steal a boat...

The first thing that happens is that they run into some pirates that want the boat they stole.  They escape them and head for the island with the treasure.

They end up on the island with not only the other pirates but the military man who wants the older brother and the crazy old man who lived next door to them at home.  It makes for an exciting encounter that could go any which way!

It was busy, made me laugh in places, and it was great fun to read.  Your middle graders should love this one.