<P> The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle is a historical novel by the American author Avi published in 1990 . The book is geared towards children at a reading level of grades 6--8 . </P> <P> It takes place during the crossing of a ship from England to America in 1832 . The book chronicles the evolution of the title character as she is pushed outside her naive existence and learns about life aboard a ship . The novel was well received and won several awards, including being named as a Newbery Honor book . </P> <P> The story starts in the early summer of 1832, as thirteen - year - old Charlotte Doyle prepares to take a big voyage from Liverpool, England to her family's new home in Providence, Rhode Island . Her upper class upbringing and her education gives her a very sheltered and narrow view of life . Charlotte finds herself the only passenger and the only female on the ship, the Seahawk . Repeatedly, people tell her she shouldn't be on the ship, but her escort, Mr. Grummage, insists Charlotte go . </P> <P> On her first day aboard, a black sailor named Zachariah gives her a dirk for protection . He also warns Charlotte about Captain Jaggery which Charlotte does not believe . The captain and Charlotte become very close, and he says that if she ever sees anything suspicious, she must tell him . </P>

Captain jaggery from the true confessions of charlotte doyle