Best known for his series Swallows and Amazons (also the title of the first book), Arthur Ransome was born on January 8, 1884.  This series has everything you need for adventure----desert islands, sailboats, 2 groups of siblings battling for the supremacy of the lake----oh, and did I forget pirates?  A magical summer vacation of sailing, treasure hunts and walking the plank with hardly a grownup in sight (although they are there in a supporting role!).  If you haven’t read Swallows and Amazons, give it a try matey!