What do you think?
Rate this book
Who Was . . . ? Series
Who Was Jules Verne?
Meet the father of science fiction, Jule Verne.
Born in France in 1829, Jules Verne always dreamed of adventure. At age 11, he snuck onboard a ship headed for the Indies only to be discovered by his father and have his dreams dashed. After his father made him swear to only travel "in his imagination," Verne kept his promise for the rest of his life. He began writing adventure stories as a young man and became a popular writer throughout France. Known for mixing scientific discovery and literature in his books like Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea and Around the World in 80 Days , Verne is often called "The Father of Science Fiction."
Born in France in 1829, Jules Verne always dreamed of adventure. At age 11, he snuck onboard a ship headed for the Indies only to be discovered by his father and have his dreams dashed. After his father made him swear to only travel "in his imagination," Verne kept his promise for the rest of his life. He began writing adventure stories as a young man and became a popular writer throughout France. Known for mixing scientific discovery and literature in his books like Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea and Around the World in 80 Days , Verne is often called "The Father of Science Fiction."
112 pages, Paperback
First published June 7, 2016
About the author
James Buckley Jr.
301 books72 followersIn addition to his work as a professional editor, James Buckley, Jr., is also the author of many books on American sports that are geared toward young fans and budding athletes.
Buckley, who has founded a company called Shoreline Publishing Group to produce books for reluctant readers, maintains that sports are far more than simple hobbies or ways to burn off excess energy.
Buckley, who has founded a company called Shoreline Publishing Group to produce books for reluctant readers, maintains that sports are far more than simple hobbies or ways to burn off excess energy.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
August 13, 2025
Who Was…? biography series for middle grade inspires with the story of Jules Verne – a famous French author, often called “the father of science fiction.”
Jules Verne (1828-1905) was born in Nantes, France. The family home was located on Feydeau Island, located on the Loire River. From the balconies of their home, Jules with his brother watched many boats move up and down the river. Jules dreamed of seeing faraway places those ships had come from, and with his brother learned to sail a small boat on a shallow river.
Jules didn’t like school much, but he did like writing. After graduating from High School, he wanted to join a ship’s crew, but his father, who was a lawyer, wanted him to study law. He studied law in Paris, but he never worked as a lawyer. Instead, he followed his dream to become a writer.
While living in Paris, he met famous writers of its time, Victor Hugo and Alexander Dumas.
In 1859, thanks to his friend’s brother who worked for a cargo shipping line, he was offered a free trip to England and Scotland. His dream of adventure was becoming real.
In 1862, Jules met Pierre-Jules Hetzel who was a magazine and book publisher, and agreed to publish Jules’ first novel – Five Weeks in a Balloon which was a story of a journey over Africa.
Jules belonged to a group of men who discussed the latest science news, which Jules integrated into his story-writing. His publisher saw it as profitable venture and signed a contract with Jules despite his first novel not doing that well.
Jules wrote the Adventures of Captain Hatteras. Then, Journey to the Center of the Earth. These two novels made him one of the most famous writers in France.
From the Earth to the Moon was published in the fall of 1865 and sold out by Christmas.
He continued to gather his knowledge from famous scientists and inventors. Joined with the experience from his travels, he used it for writing.
He combined all things he was passionate about in his book Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea, which made him very famous.
In 1870, he received the National Order of the Legion of Honor, France’s highest award.
In 1872, he published Around the World in Eighty Days, which became his most popular book.
With his success, he built a grand house in Amiens, and decided to represent the town council of Amiens. He wanted to make sure that poor people in the city were cared for.
At seventy-seven, he had a stroke and never recovered.
This biography exemplifies a man who stood by what he dreamed about. When opportunity presented, he explored the world. Throughout his life, he continuously gathered knowledge that interested him and utilized it in his writing which took him to stardom.
This illustrated biography for young readers, ages 8-12, is presented in a relatable way, with simple sentences, and insightful inserts.
Jules Verne (1828-1905) was born in Nantes, France. The family home was located on Feydeau Island, located on the Loire River. From the balconies of their home, Jules with his brother watched many boats move up and down the river. Jules dreamed of seeing faraway places those ships had come from, and with his brother learned to sail a small boat on a shallow river.
Jules didn’t like school much, but he did like writing. After graduating from High School, he wanted to join a ship’s crew, but his father, who was a lawyer, wanted him to study law. He studied law in Paris, but he never worked as a lawyer. Instead, he followed his dream to become a writer.
While living in Paris, he met famous writers of its time, Victor Hugo and Alexander Dumas.
In 1859, thanks to his friend’s brother who worked for a cargo shipping line, he was offered a free trip to England and Scotland. His dream of adventure was becoming real.
In 1862, Jules met Pierre-Jules Hetzel who was a magazine and book publisher, and agreed to publish Jules’ first novel – Five Weeks in a Balloon which was a story of a journey over Africa.
Jules belonged to a group of men who discussed the latest science news, which Jules integrated into his story-writing. His publisher saw it as profitable venture and signed a contract with Jules despite his first novel not doing that well.
Jules wrote the Adventures of Captain Hatteras. Then, Journey to the Center of the Earth. These two novels made him one of the most famous writers in France.
From the Earth to the Moon was published in the fall of 1865 and sold out by Christmas.
He continued to gather his knowledge from famous scientists and inventors. Joined with the experience from his travels, he used it for writing.
He combined all things he was passionate about in his book Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea, which made him very famous.
In 1870, he received the National Order of the Legion of Honor, France’s highest award.
In 1872, he published Around the World in Eighty Days, which became his most popular book.
With his success, he built a grand house in Amiens, and decided to represent the town council of Amiens. He wanted to make sure that poor people in the city were cared for.
At seventy-seven, he had a stroke and never recovered.
This biography exemplifies a man who stood by what he dreamed about. When opportunity presented, he explored the world. Throughout his life, he continuously gathered knowledge that interested him and utilized it in his writing which took him to stardom.
This illustrated biography for young readers, ages 8-12, is presented in a relatable way, with simple sentences, and insightful inserts.
December 1, 2022
A writer by mind and lawyer by education, Jules Verne created that genre of Sci-Fi which is still read, adored and adopted today. This small biography gives significant details of the life of the great author and also chronicles the release of some of his greatest works. Fans of the Sci-Fi legend would be delighted to hear Verne's personal life.
March 13, 2021
Jules Verne, the father of science fiction, refused to use a typewriter.
Let that sink in.
Now, for the other facts:
Alexandre Dumas was his writing mentor in Paris and he helped him with story ideas.
The hot air balloon was invented in 1783. “People on the ground were often thrilled to see the enormous colorful floating objects.” It must have been crazy to see people fly in the air for the first time. This inspired one of Verne’s stories.
When he was around 30, he took an adventure to Scotland and England for the first time.
His stories often accurately predicted future scientific discoveries, like how people would get to the moon and ride in submarines.
Jules Verne took a trip on the same boat that laid the transatlantic cable in the ocean. It was called the Great Eastern. He wrote about the cable in Twenty-Thousand Leagues Under the Sea.
His son, Michel Verne, finished several of his works after Jules’s death and published them.
Many people (astronomers, rocket scientists, submarine pioneers) have been inspired by his love for science and fiction and have gone on adventures because of his stories.
Let that sink in.
Now, for the other facts:
Alexandre Dumas was his writing mentor in Paris and he helped him with story ideas.
The hot air balloon was invented in 1783. “People on the ground were often thrilled to see the enormous colorful floating objects.” It must have been crazy to see people fly in the air for the first time. This inspired one of Verne’s stories.
When he was around 30, he took an adventure to Scotland and England for the first time.
His stories often accurately predicted future scientific discoveries, like how people would get to the moon and ride in submarines.
Jules Verne took a trip on the same boat that laid the transatlantic cable in the ocean. It was called the Great Eastern. He wrote about the cable in Twenty-Thousand Leagues Under the Sea.
His son, Michel Verne, finished several of his works after Jules’s death and published them.
Many people (astronomers, rocket scientists, submarine pioneers) have been inspired by his love for science and fiction and have gone on adventures because of his stories.
May 21, 2018
If you're looking for a biography about Jules Verne for children, I highly recommend this book. It was a simple read that was put in easy to digest chapters. The whole series is great for factual information for young readers about historical events and people. I am trying to work my way through the whole series.
July 3, 2020
Jules Verne was born in France in 1829 and it was soon clear that he had an ingrained spirit of adventure. Who Was Jules Verne? by James Buckley Jr. shares some of his early adventures as a kid like when he snuck onboard a ship bound for the Indies only to be retrieved by his father. His father wanted him to pursue a career as a lawyer but his interests were definitely elsewhere. Keeping his promise he made to his father, he finished his education to become a lawyer although he never actually practiced law. He began writing adventure stories based on what he had learned about other peoples' adventures as well as keeping up on the latest developments in the areas of science, technology, biology, etc. He then used that knowledge to instill realism into his writings and novels and became a popular writer throughout France and eventually the world. Known for mixing scientific discovery and literature in his books like Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea and Around the World in 80 Days, Verne is often called "The Father of Science Fiction."
March 17, 2017
The father of science fiction whose stories are still beloved today. I haven't read any of his novels, but have seen some of the movies. He was very imaginative, and it is amazing how some of his predictions came true.
October 9, 2016
Add this man to the "what important person would you invite to dinner list". I loved this. So casually mentioned that he was besties with Victor Hugo and Alexandre Dumas. You know, just two dudes.
January 28, 2017
I love this set. Always a quick little read to learn a little about someone.
February 4, 2017
Great summary of Verne's life
Easy-to-read book. This man was an amazing person in history. I actually recommend this book for everyone to read it and for your children.
Easy-to-read book. This man was an amazing person in history. I actually recommend this book for everyone to read it and for your children.
December 29, 2017
Around the world in 80days has been one of my childhood movie, so glad to read the bio of its author after all!
July 9, 2017
I've been reading Journey to the Center of the Earth and happened to have this book on hand so I thought it would be appropriate to read.
While I was reading Journey to the Center of the Earth I kept thinking "this reminds me of Poe" and I learned in this bio that Jules Verne was actually a big fan of Poe. He even wrote some sequels to some of Poe's short stories.
Of this whole series, this was probably my favorite illustrations. They are more realistic than the others. Very beautiful.
*Jules grew up wealthy. (Big surprise.) He was also full of big dreams and he always loved science. He also loved ships and wanted to become a sailor. His dad insisted he become a lawyer.
*Jules became a lawyer but he never actually practiced law. He just didn't dig it. Instead he lived on the money his family sent him and spent his time writing. He loved living in the city and got to rub shoulders with famous authors like the lovely Dumas.
*He still loved studying science and he loved writing. Though he never called it so, he basically invented or at least made popular what we call "science fiction."
*He became a famous writer and made a lot of money. (Obviously.)
There wasn't any amazing "WHOA" moments I came across in Jules life, but I got the impression that he was a fun guy. He knew what he loved and he went for it, regardless of what others thought. He made his passion his life and that is always admirable. He also gave me one of my fave books and characters - yay for Phileas Fogg!
While I was reading Journey to the Center of the Earth I kept thinking "this reminds me of Poe" and I learned in this bio that Jules Verne was actually a big fan of Poe. He even wrote some sequels to some of Poe's short stories.
Of this whole series, this was probably my favorite illustrations. They are more realistic than the others. Very beautiful.
*Jules grew up wealthy. (Big surprise.) He was also full of big dreams and he always loved science. He also loved ships and wanted to become a sailor. His dad insisted he become a lawyer.
*Jules became a lawyer but he never actually practiced law. He just didn't dig it. Instead he lived on the money his family sent him and spent his time writing. He loved living in the city and got to rub shoulders with famous authors like the lovely Dumas.
*He still loved studying science and he loved writing. Though he never called it so, he basically invented or at least made popular what we call "science fiction."
*He became a famous writer and made a lot of money. (Obviously.)
There wasn't any amazing "WHOA" moments I came across in Jules life, but I got the impression that he was a fun guy. He knew what he loved and he went for it, regardless of what others thought. He made his passion his life and that is always admirable. He also gave me one of my fave books and characters - yay for Phileas Fogg!
January 29, 2019
Wonderful little book, another of those I read with my ten year old. She chose this biography because we had read around the world in 80 days. Contrary to what we had read about his life, he did not want to be a sailor and his father prohibited him, according to that bio he then started to write to compensate for his desire to see the world. Instead, Jules Verne was an educated man (attorney) who loved science, this love of science allowed him to write science-fiction stories. When we read around the world in 80 days I marveled at his knowledge of the countries visited for someone who hadn't traveled much. Now I understand that he did a lot of great research. Today many consider him the father of science fiction.
Read
October 22, 2020When I,m twenty I want to be a composer. When I am twenty five I want to be a geoligest. When I,m thirty I want to be a president. When I,m thirty five I want to be a astranot. When I,m forty I want to be a antimator. But when I,m forty five, I want to be a real author. I had that plan for so long, and I ended up reading Who Was Jules Verne because I really liked the book Around The World In 80 Days, and that gave me ideas of my books when I,m an author. I think the books I saw in that one are great ideas, and I want my books to be cool sience fiction for grownups, like the ones in that one. There great ideas.
March 20, 2020
Another excellent book in the "Who was..." series. As a long time fan of Jules Verne I was interested to find out the background of what led to the fascinating books he wrote. I learned a great deal about his background, spurred by a love of travel and science, that led to some great works of science fiction. I love this series of books. I also love the simple black and white illustrations.
December 30, 2018
Considered the father of science-fiction, Jules Verne led a quiet, normal life. Not at all the life I expected for a great adventure writer and science lover. One of the parts I am enjoying about the books in this series is the use of sidebars to add historical information about events, people, and places. It’s a good compilation of the biography with the history around the person.
January 6, 2019
This is the second “Who Was...” book I’ve picked up (after J. R. R. Tolkien) and I think I enjoyed this one even more so. Verne’s wanderlust combined with his infamous lovechild: “science-Fiction” make him one of the most interesting authors to study. The illustrations, again, were to die for, too.
May 10, 2021
Once Jules Verne started to write for a living he seldom sat down without paper and writing utensil in his hand. He was the father of adventure/science-fiction writing. He wrote many books including 20,000 leagues beneath the sea and journey to the center of the earth. This was a good summary of his work and life.
October 17, 2021
Very nice book for children but also for adults. It’s an amazing journey you take together with Jules Verne, learning bits and pieces about his life. There are many parts of the book that made me smile or even laugh. Much easier reading for people who are interested in biography but don’t like to read complicated books with a lot of facts.
February 17, 2020
Jules Verne is the father of Science Fiction. He based all his creations on scientific advancements. He made a lot of predictions about the future of the world that came true and he is the inspirations to many great and famous writers and people in the science field. An inspiring read.
March 1, 2021
Prior to reading this book I had no clue who Jules was and then I realized how many of his books I had read and didn't even realize. It's very interesting about how he was writing of things and ideas that are so far out of his world that later became true!
April 10, 2018
How did I not know that Journey to the Center of the Earth was a book before a movie? I just got schooled.
July 13, 2018
A little bit of autobiography reading for me and my son before we start Around the World in 80 Days. I love this series. They actually had quite a bit in the book that we didn’t already know.
August 7, 2019
I am now on a quest to read EVERY book ever written by Verne.
October 3, 2019
Jules Verne was a visionary and a man clearly ahead of his time. This was a fascinating journey of his life and brilliance. Made me want to read some of his books.
April 11, 2021
I love this children’s series. They’re like the cliff notes of adult autobiography.
January 11, 2024
I knew nothing about this man. Now, I might have to check out a book or 2
December 13, 2021
One of my favorite authors!! Interesting bio!
January 13, 2022
We really enjoyed this book. My kids have seen movies made from the books he wrote and they didn’t realize h who wrote the books.
August 21, 2022
Who knew that Jules Verne led such an exciting life?
February 11, 2025
I really liked this introduction to Jules Verne, learning about his life in France and how he became a writer of science fiction novels. He was influenced by other authors who wrote about world travels such as Daniel DeFoe (Robinson Crusoe) and David Wyss (Swiss Family Robinson). Verne wrote plays, and stories, and novels. His Extraordinary Adventures are set all over, under, and out of the world. He introduced his readers to all kinds of geography, plant and animal life, and technology (both real and imagined).
Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews