Meet
Samantha Smee!
Samantha Smee is the leading character in M.C. Dingman's debut middle grade fiction novel, Samantha Smee: A Pirate's Life
Growing up on Captain Hook’s pirate ship in the 1800’s, Samantha Smee, the precocious daughter of Hook’s gentle boatswain, Mr. Smee, does not face the usual obstacles of young girls her age. Constantly in disguise ever since she was a baby, Sammi sails from the North Pole, to the South Pole, with stops in Atlantis and Siam along the way. All the while, young Sammi learns the skills she will need to navigate an adventure through the Neverland in order to save her framily (friends and family). Her journey brings her face to face with mermaids, giants, and Amazons who help her battle the fiercest pirate of all time-the dreaded Captain Blackbread. Along the way she discovers new friends and a new appreciation for who she really is and for what really matters.
Meet Samantha's Friends
Fleurdemer
The loyal pup with the royal pedigree
Reviews
"Samantha Smee: A Pirate’s Life is a captivating, thought provoking novel offering a unique addition to the (middle grade fiction) genre as an immersive and inspiring read well suited to the target age group. Throughout there is a surprising, compelling honesty in the explorations of self-belief as well as independence well-paced against the exciting, adventurous twists and turns, combining an emotional effect with an excitement that drags the reader to the edge of their seat beyond the final happy ending. Samantha’s multiple destinations lend the narrative to introduce various lively characters, who help her identify what is most important in her journey: the loyalty and unbreakable bonds of her framily (friends and family). The authorial voice is rhythmic, engaging and age-appropriate in its use of language in line with reading development standards. The important moral and positive effect of the work is sure to be appreciated by adult story tellers and young readers alike."
AUSTIN MACAULEY PUBLISHERS
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"M.C. Dingman keeps the story flying and does everything an author is supposed to do - compelling characters, exciting plot, exquisite details, and dramatic conflict after dramatic conflict that keeps the action moving forward. And keeps the reader constantly engaged. But not only engaged, amused as well. And interested. And laughing. And giggling. And anticipating. This book needs to find its way to every child’s bedside table. Required reading, a chapter every night before bed. It’s so fun and engaging that you don’t realize the positive themes that are also being expressed. Girl power. Kid power. Diversity. Non-binary acceptance. This is a first time author finding their voice."
HARRY REDLICH
Author, Essayist, Screenwriter, Playwright
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"All I can say is…WOW! Samantha Smee: A Pirate's Life is a step in the right direction!!!!!! She takes you on a really unbelievable rollercoaster of emotions. The characters are so precious and lovable. Living for #2 book!! The writer is intelligent and pays attention to details."
KINDLE CUSTOMER
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Amazon Customer
MARTHA EDWARDS
"…Samantha Smee: A Pirate’s Life is so visual, you see it so clearly and effortlessly. It reminds me very much of The Wind and Willows and A Wrinkle in Time - a classic work of fiction for the ages…"
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"I have just read Samantha Smee: A Pirate’s Life by M.C. Dingman. I read it twice. As with so many classic works of fiction, there was more to be found in the second reading, and, clearly, there will be still more in the third. It is the tale of a very young pirate’s life, and so much more. I will read this book to every kid I know and share it with every teacher and parent I know, so they can share it with their kids. If you are a kid at heart or a young avid reader, it’s a page-turner. If you are just working up to your stride as a reader, you will enjoy it being read to you by an older friend or family member. It is about adventure and love and there is magic at every turn in this tale of family and friends from diverse backgrounds - as well as some endearing furry and feathery characters. Great read, again and again."
TERESA COTNER, PHD
Art Educator, Teacher Educator