Barefoot Pirate — Sherwood Smith

With two bossy older sisters, Joe doesn't like girls. Nan doesn't have any friends.

Joe and Nan would never have spoken if they hadn't both reached for the same odd little book on a shelf in their favorite part of the library, the adventure stories.

They agree to share it . . . and discover not just a story, but a promise that magic is real, and that someone from another world is needed to break a spell. Do they want to join Blackeye's gang of pirate kids, who are determined to rescue an enchanted prince?

Nan is desperate to escape an unhappy life; Joe loves the idea of adventure. When the magic works, Joe is delighted to find himself in another world, one without school, homework -- or sisters.

Nan is even more thrilled, not the least because now she gets a chance at a completely different life from an unwanted foster child. She can't resist telling a very small lie, just a little one . . . that she's a princess.

Pirates -- orphan gangs -- magic -- castles -- and spies abound as Nan and Joe discover magic and adventure . . . and who they really are.