Lafayette’s Young Patriots: : The Sons of the Revolution at Sea

Lafayette’s Chosen Companions: From Revolution’s Sons to Heroes of the SeaBy Elizabeth A. NoonThey weren’t just passengers.They were the future of the Navy—handpicked to sail a hero home.In 1825, the newly built USS Brandywine carried General Lafayette back to France after his triumphant Farewell Tour of the United States. But this wasn’t just a diplomatic mission—it was a voyage of legacy.Aboard were twenty-six midshipmen, many descended from heroes of the American Revolution. Among them: a boy destined to become the Navy’s first admiral, a stargazer who would chart the world’s oceans, a prankster armed with a cannon, and a quiet teen who would one day shout, “Damn the torpedoes!”This richly illustrated nonfiction book for readers ages 10–14 uncovers the true stories of these young sailors and the historic journey that shaped their lives—and America’s future. Through storms, close calls, and a mischievous shipboard goat named Billy, Lafayette’s Chosen Companions brings history to life with humor, heart, and heroism.Perfect for fans of Nathan Hale’s Hazardous Tales, I Survived, or Who Was?, this book is:• A naval adventure• A historical tribute• A deep dive into the real young men who bridged the Revolution and the Civil WarWith illustrations, portraits, and colorful storytelling, Lafayette’s Chosen Companions delivers history the way it should be told—full of bravery, blunders, and the bonds that last across generations. Read more