• Age: 8 to 12
• Grade: 3 to 7

Ching Shih was the most powerful pirate in China. She stole everything--from jewels, to people, to opium. In 1844, Ching Shih and her husband created a secret plan to move her fortune from China to Hawaii for safekeeping, even as a rival pirate fleet plotted to intercept her treasure ships. But the forces of nature intervened and in a mighty storm the treasure was lost before reaching safety.Almost two centuries later, a mysterious Mr. Chang visits California to request the scuba-loving Cali family's help in locating Ching Shih's treasure. The Calis travel to Hawaii and agree to dive for the treasure, but danger awaits. Faced off against a modern-day villain as ruthless and cunning as Ching Shih herself, the Cali family races to find a treasure far more sinister and deadly than anyone ever imagined.

Born in California at the end of World War II, John lived there until his father was transferred to Japan where he graduated from high school. He graduated from Nile C. Kinnick (YO-HI) where he excelled in track and field. He served with the US Army Special Forces for 13 years, then joined the US Department of State and served another 14 years. He has traveled to over 100 countries. He is a graduate of George Mason University with a BS Degree in Education and has a Master's Degree from the University of Leicester, UK. John is married to Joyce and they have 5 children. He and his wife are now retired and living in northern Florida.

John Gilgren's profile page