Jean Laffite: The Pirate Who Saved America

Move over, Jack Sparrow. Jean Laffite grew up hearing stories of how his Jewish family was persecuted in Spain and forced to flee to Port-au-Prince in what is now Haiti. Carrying a letter of marque from France, Laffite (c. 1776–c. 1823) and his brothers sailed the high seas, capturing vessels flying the Spanish flag. Debut illustrator Himmelman’s copper-toned digital illustrations are warm and cinematic: whether Laffite is staring down his enemy on a ship engulfed in flames or looking fiercely contemplative as leader of the first “pirate convention,” he emerges as a handsome and magnetic hero. Readers will be captivated by this exciting story of a little known privateer. Endnotes offer more in-depth biographical information, including Laffite’s conflicted attitude toward slavery and the possibility that he faked his own death. Ages 6–9. Agent: George Nicholson, Sterling Lord Literistic. (Apr.)