The Sons of Live Oak: Blackbeard's Treasure

For Sammy, Jon, and Ben, school ending early was the beginning of a roller-coaster ride of emotional and dangerous physical trials.

This coming-of-age novel begins with the start of the Civil War-the bombing of Fort Sumter. While trying to understand the possible ramifications of war, the three boys stumble upon something magical: a treasure map made by none other than Blackbeard the Pirate.

The trio, along with a friend named Lucas, set out on a journey leading them across the state of South Carolina and into the home turf of the infamous Blackbeard, where they aim to accomplish two goals: successfully attain the necessary supplies for Jon and Sammy's parents' plantation, and find the mysterious treasure by following a cryptic map. Both goals must be accomplished without the boys being discovered by Yankee troops and looters who would gladly take their things "in the name of the South." Each boy is challenged physically, mentally, and emotionally as they figure out how life really works and as they struggle to race against time, the elements, and the war.