Take Command, Captain Farragut!

Personally, I love this story. Other than the DC metro stop, I had never heard of Farragut. I learned so much about him in this book. However, my son who is in the latter end of the book's age target spectrum said, "Mom, this story is confusing." I had to agree, it is definitely not a straightforward read. The sequence of events is presented in somewhat reverse order. Also, it is written in the very formal style of early 1800's American English. Because I was interested in the content, I did not let these facts hinder me. With that said, this book is probably better suited as a "read-aloud". This will help young readers overcome the style and plot barriers. They are worth overcoming as the actual information will be quite inspiring and exciting to young readers. Farragut started sailing as a very young boy with his dad on Lake Pontchartrain. Upon his mom's death 9 year old Farragut was sent to live with the family of Commodore David Porter. At 10 Farragut was appointed midshipman on Porter's boat, the Essex. By 12 he'd captained a ship (captured British whaler, the Barclay). This story might have captured my son's imagination a little more quickly if it had been written in simpler style and if the plot had been more straightforward. At the same time, I feel that the author's approach helps give the reader a good feel for the type of person Farragut was. I'm glad I purchased it, and will read it aloud to my children.