John Paul Jones

Children's Literature

Born in Scotland in 1747, Jones became an important figure during the American Revolution. Although most of the war occurred on land, several battles took place at sea. Jones accosted British ships at sea, seizing the ships and the cargo, which was often used against the British. He even staged a daring raid on a small English town. Despite his actions for the Continental Congress and later for the new government, the ship Jones was promised was given to the French, and Jones ended up sailing with the French fleet and later became a rear admiral for the Russian Navy. He died in France in 1792 and was virtually forgotten by the American people until 1905 when new interest in his life brought him to attention again and his body was brought to the United States and buried at the Naval Academy in Maryland. Burgan has given a brief look into the life of John Paul Jones, and does not mince words when discussing questionable activity in Jones' life. Fully illustrated with images from Jones' life and the American Revolution, the text is straightforward and easy to read. At the end of each chapter is a brief look at events that shaped the world Jones lived in. A time line of Jones' life, additional sources to consult, an index and a glossary are also included. This book is part of the "Our People" series. 2004, The Child's World, Ages 7 to 12.
—Danielle Williams