From School Library Journal
Grade 7-10 Jones is presented here as a tragically flawed man who nonetheless possessed an instinctive understanding of naval tactics and the importance of naval power to the newly independent United States. Brager begins with Jones's Scottish childhood, where he developed a bitter resentment of the British class system. He then traces the man's career as a commercial seaman, privateer, naval commander, and soldier of fortune. He is brutally honest about Jones's flaws and unceasing quest for fame and importance, describing his many misadventures and troubled relations with his crews and superiors. However, he also describes the man's unquestionable bravery and the military acumen that made him a naval hero. The text is well documented, and the author draws on both primary sources and recent scholarship. Colorful maps and reproductions of period art appear throughout. This often-unflattering portrait of Jones will require readers who can place his good and bad traits in perspective and judge his place in history, making it a good choice for mature students. Mary Mueller, Rolla Junior High School, MO
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Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
From Booklist
Gr. 7-10. Hot-tempered, proud, progressive in his feelings about the Enlightenment, and adamant in his disdain for the British, Jones proves a compelling biographical subject with much of interest beyond his work as a sea captain and American revolutionary to keep young readers turning the pages. Along with chronicling Jones' life, the narrative encompasses historical events that influenced him and that he in turn influenced. Benefiting from the publisher's recent upgrade in the quality of its illustrations and design, this is a very attractive book, filled with full-color pictures and appealing chapter-opener graphics. Such aesthetic qualities combine with the author's seamless presentation of ideas to make this title an excellent choice for research projects or biography assignments. Appended material includes a time line, sources, a bibliography, and an index. Roger Leslie
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved
