Nick Young, a 12-year-old American orphan, sails the Southern Seas with Captain James Cook. From Tahiti to Australia they sail, discovering peoples, animals and plants previously unknown to Europeans. Forced into service for the British Navy, Nick escapes and joins the Americans, serving under Captain John Paul Jones.John Paul Jones tells Nick and a friend: "I see love of liberty, hope of glory written on both your faces. A few scratches of the pen and you'll be members of my squadron."When he learns that his elder brother has been murdered and an imposter is now in charge of their American plantation he knows he has to find a way home to reclaim his rightful place. But how?Louise Andrews Kent is a master storyteller, weaving historical accuracy and immersive adventure into one epic voyage of discovery. In this story she shares the hardships of war and the cowardly acts and heroism that it brings out in people. The weaknesses, strengths and struggles of John Paul Jones, a well-known Naval Commander in the American Revolutionary War, are described honestly and fairly.This new edition features all the original illustrations and clean, readable text. It is a fantastic living book teaching about history and geography, recommended for ages 10 and up.