John Paul Jones: The Pirate Patriot

U.S. Landmark Books #39

by Armstrong Sperry

A classic biography of John Paul Jones for young readers in a new, illustrated edition.

Called a pirate by the British and a patriot by the Americans, John Paul Jones was a brilliant sea captain, a true American hero, and the father of the U.S. Navy. With this classic biography for young readers by Newbery Medal winner Armstrong Sperry, readers will imagine themselves on deck at the side of the great captain, engaging enemy ships in close combat. Jones became an invaluable asset to the rebellious American colonists in their fight for independence when he offered his services to the newly established Continental Navy. In a barely seaworthy ship, the Bonhomme Richard, named in honor of his benefactor Benjamin Franklin, Jones harassed and captured British ships and took cargoes desperately needed by the impoverished rebels. Sperry draws a full and brilliant portrait of America's first naval hero.

Genres: History, Biography, Historical, American History, School, Nonfiction, Childrens

168 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1953

About the author

Armstrong Wells Sperry was an American writer and illustrator of children's literature. His books include historical fiction and biography, often set on sailing ships, and stories of boys from Polynesia, Asia and indigenous American cultures. He is best known for his 1941 Newbery Medal-winning book Call It Courage.

Reviews

[Luann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read aloud to 12 year old. Wonderful, well-written Landmark book full of adventure.

[Heidi · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a hero for America JPJ was! This was definitely one of the best written of the Landmark books we have read. We both thoroughly enjoyed it.

[Janice · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this book. Very well written, a good read for anyone who enjoys reading of hero's in history. Especially hero's of the United States. He was fighting for our country even tho our country did not recognize him at that time. Very good book.

My copy of this book has this dust jacket, does not have a ISBN number. It does state in the front that it is the Third Printing. The book itself without the dust jacket is teal in color.

[Marilyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Informative YA book that was interesting as well. I learned many things about Jones: his Scottish heritage that fed his passion against the British, pirate-like methods against much larger British ships, gentlemanly protocol that was legendary, and his sad death at a young age as a friendless, penniless beggar. He was a fascinating early patriot and this book piqued my interest in a way that makes me want to read more about John Paul Jones.

[Katelyn Marie · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was a good story, very well written. I just wished they would go into more detail about after JPJ was relieved of his last command. Such an interesting and incredible man, sadly not many people know or remember this vailant captain.

[Douglas Wilson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Okay.

[Scottmangan · Rating 3 out of 5]

read as child, long long ago. Like all the Landmark books, highly romanticized. Still, a good children's point of entry to a slice american history.

[J. · Rating 5 out of 5]

BEST. BOOK. EVER.

[Marian · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good story of a man who helped in the navel part of the Rev. War.

[Dawnya · Rating 4 out of 5]

A well written story, full of figurative language and now we know about hero John Paul Jones! It was a hard read-aloud with all the ship talk, but overall a great read!

[Sarah Grace Grzy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVE this biography about John Paul Jones! So so good. I couldn't put it down!

[Caleb Meyers · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is on the whole a very inspiring biography. His life is especially sad considering how often he was slandered and falsely accused, and how little Congress did for him after he served his nation so bravely.

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

A well written account of John Paul Jones and his indomitable character. Slightly romanticized but inspiring. The boys loved it.

[Brent Krebs · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pretty good children's book, another garage sale find. Apparently based on a true story.

[LaWindes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lots of excitement! Uses lots of sailing vocabulary. Lack of maps and diagrams make following the battles difficult. Shows that incompetence in top levels of government has been a problem for a long time.

[Tim Powell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very enjoyable historical narrative of JPJ. It somewhat reminded me of Timothy Tackett's "When the King Took Flight." The author adds some fictional flare, but let's you know what & when he is adding to history so you are never confused as to what is fact and what is fiction.

I feel like I now have a much clearer understanding and appreciation for Captain John Paul Jones. Dude was clearly nuts, but still one Hell of a patriot, pirate, and marine.

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a read aloud to accompany Heart of Dakota’s “Revival to Revolution” curriculum. I gave this 4 stars because my son loved it (5 stars) but I didn’t (3 stars). From my son’s perspective, it was exciting, full of fighting, and had just enough blood and gore to seem real. It’s a great adventure story. From my perspective, it had too much description of the sea battles Jones led; I got lost in a muddle of detail and didn’t even care who won by the end of each one.

[Momschooled · Rating 4 out of 5]

The language is a bit complicated for a child of 10.

This is a book about bravery and honor. Ideal for boys 12+

Death is described but not too gory.