| Title | : | Thomas Jefferson and the Tripoli Pirates (Young Readers Adaptation) |
| Author | : | |
| Rating | : | |
| ISBN | : | 0425288951 |
| ISBN-10 | : | 9780425288955 |
| Format Type | : | Hardcover |
| Number of Pages | : | 176 |
| Publication | : | First published April 21, 2020 |
When Thomas Jefferson became president in 1801, America was deeply in debt and needed its economy to grow quickly, but its merchant ships were under attack. Pirates from North Africa routinely captured American sailors and held them as captives demanding ransom and tribute far beyond what the new country could afford.
Jefferson found it impossible to negotiate a truce, and decided to move beyond diplomacy. He sent the U.S. Navy and Marines to blockade Tripoli--launching the Barbary Wars and beginning America's journey toward future superpower status.
This vivid and accessible young readers adaptation of the New York Times bestseller features an exclusive new introduction, extensive back matter, and eye-catching art throughout. Chronicling a crucial moment in American history, this historical thriller will excite and inspire the next generation of patriots.
Thomas Jefferson and the Tripoli Pirates (Young Readers Adaptation) Reviews
-
What is a president to do when pirates kidnap the entire crew of one of your ships and hold them captive in Algiers? As a young country, you have no navy and you want to maintain a low international profile. After all, you just finished a revolt against one of the world superpowers. In this new young readers adaptation from Brian Kilmeade, we learn how Washington, Adams, Jefferson, and Madison all worked through the to pay ransom vs. using force continuum. It took twelve years. This book uses short chapters and lots of photos to bring this time in history to life. Readers will learn about the cooperation between the Navy and Marines. Ever wonder why the marine hymn speaks of the shores of Tripoli? Why the Marine dress uniform includes a Mameluke sword? As the wife of a former Marine, I loved seeing the crucial role played by the early members of this branch of our armed services. Highly recommended for kids who love reading about ships and pirates.
Thank you to Viking Books and Edelweiss for a DRC in exchange for an honest review. -
This volume presents a history of the Barbary War—a conflict that is sadly overlooked. While there are doubtless a few other books about this topic for students, this is the only one that I am aware of. The writing is in an engaging style with plenty of quotations from primary sources. Quick-paced, it is an exciting, easy read. The book includes a substantial appendix. This section fills in details not touched upon in the main text such as naval warfare in the early 19th century, the creation of the US Navy and the role that the Marine Corps played on “the shores of Tripoli.”
Those who recognized Kilmeade as a Fox News contributor might have objections based on politics, but this book mostly avoids such controversy. There are some appeals to American exceptionalism, but nothing that is overtly obvious. Some wording in the text is objectionable. For example, the Ottoman Empire is referred to as the leaders of the “Mohammedan world”—a phrase that has gone out of use. Nevertheless, this demonym is only used in a single instance. Slavery and the plight of the native tribes are mentioned, but only obliquely, giving the sense that the authors wished to smooth over these tragedies.
However, all things considered, this is an excellent book. It fills in a gap within youth non-fiction literature. The book is suggested for ages 10 and up. I concur with this assessment, though it is likely to pique the interest of advanced readers at the lower end of the suggested age range. Because it is on such a niche topic, I would suggest purchasing it only if the budget allows. [Reviewed by Charles Ross Hughes] -
Who knew? This collaboration of Kilmeade and Yaeger for exciting historical middle grade explanations of spy stories, espionage, pirates, diplomacy, and more is factual entertainment. Literally, who knew that pirates could really be a big threat, but they were and that's what's brought to the table for this young readers adaptations.
Straightforward factual information with some paintings/images gives you the inside look that moves along at a fast pace but provides a snapshot in early political maneuvering while the US built their military defenses while protecting prisoners of war.
I'll keep an eye out for more of these collaborations. -
I had no idea this happened in US history. Interesting!
-
Thought it would be more exciting.
-
SM
-
3 1/2 stars. Moderately interesting
