Ocean of No Escape — Susan K. Marlow

Is escape even possible when you've been shanghaied? Jem Coulter, his family, and Strike-It-Rich Sam journey to San Francisco with the newfound gold to see if surgery can fix Nathan's broken legs. The uncertainty of Nathan's recovery leaves Jem bored and worried, so he heads how to the waterfront to explore. The merchant ships look exciting—where could they be sailing? A sailor's invitation turns into an unexpected kidnapping that forces Jem into the life of a cabin boy. Forced to eat awful food and filled with a fear he'll never see his family again, Jem wonders if he can escape by jumping ship. Join Jem on the deck as he navigates the rough seas.