Coot Club. Arthur Ransome

Arthur Ransome's Swallows and Amazons series has stood the test of time. Ransome is not only a great storyteller, writing from first-hand experience, but each story celebrates eternally valuable qualities of practical knowledge, independence, and initiative. The twelve books are for children or grownups—anyone captivated by a world of sailing, adventure, and imagination. It all started with a coot’s nest. Dorothy and Dick meet Tom Dodgeon, Port and Starboard, and three pirate salvagers—all members of the Coot Club Bird Protection Society. When one of the coot’s nests is disturbed by a shipful of “Hullabaloos”—rude holiday boaters—trouble begins. Frantic chases, calamitous boat collisions, and near drownings fill the pages of this exciting fifth title in the series.