The Coral Island, published in 1857, was written by Scottish author R.M. Ballantyne. This story covers the life of three young boys fifteen-year-old Ralph (who is also the narrator), eighteen-year-old Jack, and fourteen-year-old Peterkin, who are shipwrecked and hence stranded on a South Sea island. They have an abundant supply of food and the trio explore the island and the surrounding ones leisurely. But trouble begins when a party of cannibals arrives and soon after a pirate ship. The boys retreat to their safe place. When Ralph goes out to check, he is captured by the pirates.