J. Robert Whittle's first bestselling novel features a young Lizzie Short, a character who has become a revered and inspirational figure to his avid readers. Lizzie is a street smart, spunky 9-year-old street waif in early 1800s London, England, who finds a new life thrust upon her due to the deportation of her friends. Alone, and wandering the streets, she goes to the aid of an old sailor hurt by a rampaging carriage. Her kindness becomes a life-changing event, furnishing her with a home, the beginning of a family, and an education.

Over the next few years as the Napoleonic Wars rage, the hierarchy of the dockland area reels from a new challenge - a female in business - as Lizzie, encouraged by her new friends, discovers previously unknown talents. Becoming partners with her adopted father, a Chinese street waif she befriends, and a local sea captain, she assumes the role of both pirate and hero to the British cause. Through her often hilarious and totally unexpected antics (some of which were used by the author himself in real life when he was a young entrepreneur), Lizzie makes both friends and enemies as she sets out to achieve her goals.

Sited by teachers, parents and readers of all ages as page-turning and inspirational adventure. www.jrobertwhittle.com