Barnaby Stump and the Soul Thief by Ezra Snukal

BARNABY STUMP never wanted much—just a quiet life with his grandma and a chance to become a fencing champion. But his dreams are shattered when his fencing tournament turns deadly, and he’s falsely accused of murder. On the run, he is whisked away to a mysterious island that houses a secret pirate school for outcasts and misunderstood teenagers. Here, the teachers all dress like sailors from the 17th century, and the students compete in intense, ferocious naval battles for sport. There’s also something oddly familiar about the school’s headmaster—perhaps something to do with his magnificent black beard… But before Barnaby can adjust to his new life, a sinister force begins possessing his classmates, turning them into killers. Worse still, Barnaby once again finds himself named the prime suspect. Determined to prove his innocence, he must uncover the true culprit and face a nautical horror thought to have been destroyed centuries ago.

Young Adult • Children’s Fiction/Science Fiction and Fantasy • Fantasy/Mythic, Retelling, and Folklore • Fantasy/Magical Realism