You may have heard the news: I have a new book, The Barbary Chronicles: The Lost Prince!
The game is on!
No one plays the game like Jack London. Only eleven years old, she can pickpocket and flummox any unsuspecting rube who wanders into the muck of the Barbary Coast.
All Jack's skills are tested when one of her own falls ill and she pinches a gold pocketwatch to pay for a doctor. The watch belongs to the richest man in San Francisco, and it plunges Jack into a whole world of trouble. She soon finds herself on the run from rival gangs, corrupt coppers, and the ruthless, self-proclaimed King of the Barbary Coast.
Jack may be little, but she's clever and bold. With the help of a devoted stray dog, a kidnapped prince, and the scummiest ex-best friend ever, she'll do everything she can to save her found family!
Art by Allysa Adams
“Vivid settings lend authenticity to the tale, while memorably rendered supporting characters and themes of loyalty, found family, and resilience give the story emotional depth. It’s a spirited romp that brings a swashbuckling era and location to life. Ages 9–12." – Publishers Weekly
History inspires me, especially American history. I write historical American fantasy, a blend of American history with the tall tale tradition that captures so much of the American identity. In exploring themes of racial and social justice, I recreate historical communities of those who often feel unseen and unheard, those whose isolated lives were complex and multi-layered, not only defined by class, gender and race, but also lived experiences. In Barbary Chronicles, Jack London and her crew live in the shadows of San Francisco’s elite. They build a community that connects their diverse experiences. They eventually realize they are stronger together and ultimately discover that in rising up, united in resistance, they empower each other to write their own story and to create their own destiny. Such stories empower the young, and often reluctant, reader to seek and discover the hero within herself.
"Rich Historical Setting: Bobbi Miller brings the sights, sounds, and atmosphere of post-Gold Rush San Francisco to life with vivid detail and historical accuracy.
Intrigue & Survival: The plot weaves together mysterious secrets, thrilling action sequences, and tight-knit loyalty on the city streets.
Chosen Family: Beyond the thrilling adventure, the book explores powerful, heart-warming themes of friendship, trust, and forming a chosen family. . . . This is pure, high-octane entertainment from start to finish...
“Fantastic” crossover appeal and “a wonderful bedtime read-aloud book that parents and kids can enjoy together!”
– Valerie Mitchell, Mama Likes This
Let's Celebrate with a Giveaway!
To enter our drawing for an autographed copy of Barbary Chronicles: The Lost Prince, send an email to teachingauthors [at] gmail [dot] com with "Book Giveaway" in the subject line. To qualify, you must provide your first and last name in the body of the email and be a follower of our TeachingAuthors blog, either via Follow.It (see link in our website sidebar) or Facebook at www.facebook.com/teachingauthors
We'd also love if you would post a comment below telling us what you'll do with the book if you win: keep it for yourself or give it to someone special.
NOTE: Because of mailing costs, the giveaway is open only to residents of the United States. Incomplete entries will be discarded. Entry deadline is 11 pm (CST) Wednesday, October 14, 2026.
Be sure to check your inbox on Thursday--if the winner doesn't reply within 48 hours of notification, we will choose an alternate. The winner's name will be announced as soon after verification as possible. Good luck to all!
"...The book held my attention and interest and made me keep wanting to read. I think most middle grade readers will feel the same. They will be rooting for the underdogs..." -- Carrie, Crafty Moms Share
To celebrate girls as heroes, and Poetry Friday, I highlight one of my heroes, Phillis Wheatley. Kidnapped from Gambia, West Africa as a child, enslaved in Boston by the Wheatley family, she was educated in Greek and Latin classics. She was emancipated in 1773 after the publication of her first book and gained international fame. In 1775, at age twenty-two, she sent this poem to George Washington, imploring him to seek freedom for enslaved peoples as he did for the colonies from British rule. An interesting sidenote, she refers to “Columbia’ in this poem. Columbia is the female national personification of the United States at the time.
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| Credit: MPI/Getty Images |
His Excellency General Washington
Fix’d are the eyes of nations on the scales,
For in their hopes Columbia’s arm prevails.
Anon Britannia droops the pensive head,
While round increase the rising hills of dead.
Ah! Cruel blindness to Columbia’s state!
Lament thy thirst of boundless power too late.
Proceed, great chief, with virtue on thy side,
Thy ev’ry action let the Goddess guide.
A crown, a mansion, and a throne that shine,
With gold unfading, WASHINGTON! Be thine.
For more information about this revolutionary poet and hero, read A Tribute to Phillis Wheatley.
Who is your hero? Let me know what you think!
-- Bobbi Miller
Want to buy a copy of Barbary Chronicles? Here!
For more details about Barbary Chronicles, including a downloadable reader’s guide and activities, visit Charlesbridge Moves book page here!