The Strengths of the Windward Pirate Girls
When we first started visioning the Windward Ho! series, we discussed in depth the importance of telling stories about strong girls. And not just strong in one way – but strong in a wide variety of ways. We want the girls of our world to know that they can be confident and kind, thoughtful and analytical, spirited and gentle.
Below you'll find all of the Windward Ho! characters and their various qualities so you can get a sense of what we’re trying to model in our stories.
If you haven’t yet started listening to the Windward Ho! stories, jump on in!
Wink
Once a shy nine-year-old girl who loved to read adventure books, Periwinkle "Wink" Mackenzie now captains her own pirate ship! Wink is knowledgeable on the topics of ships, nautical terms, sail-rigging, and even dabbles in cartography — but all her book knowledge is put to the test on the high seas.
Strengths: intelligent, planner, servant leader, considerate, wise, learned, patient
Val
Val is the ship's Boatswain — the officer in charge of the equipment and the crew. This role suits Val perfectly as she's a natural peacekeeper — loyal, protective, and capable of keeping the Windward and its crew ship-shape.
STRENGTHS: peacekeeping, protective, capable, loyal, sensible, engineering, methodical
Polly & Bonny
Polly and Bonny are sassy and energetic twin sisters from Australia. This athletic and confident duo make the perfect mates to handle the rigging and sails of the Windward as they deftly scramble fore and aft, up and down the ship.
STRENGTHS: athletic, confident, spirited, dynamic attention
Jessica
Jessica has always been an avid learner with a special affinity for mathematics, astronomy, and geography. Her interest and ability to absorb knowledge will serve the Windward crew well as she is tasked with navigating their beloved ship as Steering Master.
STRENGTHS: love of learning, math-mind, photographic memory, focused, analytical
Harriet
Harriet is by far the boldest and most confident Windward crew member. Her self-assured nature and leadership skills give rise to some conflict as the girls navigate their roles. She'd really like to be Captain, but Harriet is tasked as Quartermaster — a role she learns to value highly in the end.
STRENGTHS: natural leader, bold, confident, protective, practical smarts, resourceful, resilient
Martha
Martha is the nurturer of the Windward crew. Her sweet disposition, desire to care for others, and love of food make her the perfect person to take on the role of the ship's Cook.
STRENGTHS: kind, nurturing, caring, empathetic, intuitive, strong
Fiona
Fiona is the ship's doctor — the healer who uses what she has available to mend wounds, help with discomfort, soothe worries, and occasionally use her knowledge and creativity to solve some major challenges — both for herself and the crew!
STRENGTHS: healer, playful, clear-headed, intuitive, spontaneous, curious
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About the Author
KC Pagano
KC is a full-time radical homemaker and mama to two spunky little girls. She writes about all kinds of radical goodness, from gardening and cooking with whole foods to crafting, sewing, homeschooling, and mama musings. Read more on her blog The Nettlesome Life.
