Presents the life and career of John Paul Jones, a naval hero of the American Revolution, who is considered called the father of the American navy.

John Paul (1747-1792) was born at Arbigland, Scotland. He apprenticed and went to sea on the Friendship. He assumed the name of "Jones" when his brother William Paul "Jones" (d.1772) died and left property to him in North Carolina. He was appointed first of the first lieutenants in the Continental Navy by Congress in 1775. He was the Naval Commander of the Bonhomme Richard in 1780. Admiral John Paul Hones died in Paris at his residence, No. 42 Rue de Tournon. He is remembered as a national hero of the United States.

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.