The Ghost Ship — Carole Marsh

This historical charmer about a real shrimp trawler docked at the last working oystering operation on the east coast is a fun read that touches on old traditions and follows our main character as he explores one of Bluffton, South Carolina's most unique landmarks!

When Evan visits Palmetto Bluff and the May River with his grandparents, he only thinks of sunshine, water, fishing and swimming. He never thought he'd ever come across a real ghost ship…a big storm…and spooky ghost boys!! Meet them all for yourself in this exciting read-aloud that will make children of all ages crave their own summer lowcountry adventure!

This charming read-aloud picture book was inspired by a real visit to Palmetto Bluff, where I live, by my seven-year-old grandson, Evan. We took him by boat up the May River and docked near an old shrimp trawler. Evan (a city boy!) was flabbergasted. He had never seen such a beat up, old rust-bucket of a boat and was very curious if it was a "ghost ship."

Somehow, this notion got mixed with some black and white photographs I'd made of his cousin, Grant. The camera had done something odd and made Grant look ghostly, as in see-thru! So my imagination took this creative soup of ideas and I wrote this book, which is that combo of scary-ish and humorous that boys love!

As Papa trots off to the Old Oyster Factory, Evan is enticed up the gangplank, and can't resist going aboard! Of course, he meets the "ghost boys," who (like many very young children back in history) went to sea with brothers, fathers, uncles, etc. Their tale intrigues Evan, who enjoys their company, but realizes that he has it pretty good as a kid today!Great for ages 6-10.

The amazing illustrations are by Savannah College of Art and Design graduate Lee Barrow, who was in Japan teaching English, when he drew these for me.

Below is the Reading Levels Guide for this book:
Accelerated Reader Reading Level: 4.1
Accelerated Reader Points: .5
Accelerated Reader Quiz Number: 178937
Lexile Measure: 640
Fountas & Pinnell Guided Reading Level: M
Developmental Reading Assessment Level: 28