Dangerous Crossing: The Revolutionary Voyage of John Quincy Adams

by Stephen Krensky, Greg Harlin (Illustrations)

In February 1778, at the height of the Revolutionary War, the American representative from Massachusetts, John Adams, is sent on a secret mission to France. It is dangerous to cross the Atlantic in winter, but the situation is desperate-the colonies need France's help against the British army. Adams is accompanied by his ten-year-old son, Johnny. Together, father and son must weather an angry ocean, perilous sea battles, and other dangers to help the colonies achieve freedom.
Vivid illustrations and a fast-paced narrative bring to life this little-told story of a character-defining event in the lives of two future presidents.

Genres: Picture Books, Historical Fiction, American History, Childrens, Historical, American Revolution

32 pages, Hardcover

First published December 29, 2004

Reviews

[Luisa Knight · Rating 4 out of 5]

Who said history wasn't fun? Well try this book out for size if your children are murmuring such sentiments. They'll be happily surprised to learn about John Quincy Adams' boyhood adventure.

And here’s a reel of my visit to the Adams’s homes in MA and other book recs!

Ages: 4 -10

Content Considerations: nothing to note.

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[Deanna Sutter · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! But I'm a history lover. I feel that the reader comes away with a deep appreciation and respect for what the Adams family sacrificed for our country. One of countless families....I had to stop myself from crying through the whole thing.

[Mavis’s Dad · Rating 1 out of 5]

Like Endurance or The Wager, this book is for people who love a tale of woe and strength on the sea. I’m wagering your little one won’t be able to endure this either.

Moral: Little Johnny Adams learns to stand up for his country with more than words.

Length: Picture one of the longest picture books you’ve ever seen. This probably replaces it.

Favorite Line: “Their baggage included two fat sheep, two hogs, one barrel of apples, five bushels of corn, some chocolate, sugar, eggs, paper, quills, ink, a double mattress, a comforter, and a pillow.”

Overall impression: If you possess all of the above in my “favorite line” section, you may have a haul worthy to make it through this picture book. If not, you will need a lunch and dinner break and a good night’s sleep to finish. I don’t even remember this tale in the mini series John Adams, so I’m not sure this was an event even worthy of half of a book this long.

[Shelli · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an entertaining and informative read about John Quincy Adams and his father's dangerous trip across the Atlantic Ocean during the Revolutionary War. With the War for Independence dragging on Adam's expertise was needed abroad to convince France and other nations to help fund their battle against England. Young readers and listeners will be surprised to see the travel time and challenges of such a journey in the late 1700s. Dangerous Crossing would be a wonderful addition to any elementary school classroom or library.

[Our Weekend Is Booked · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book is written using John Adams letters and journals to give a first hand account of how dangerous crossing the Atlantic was. The concept is great but my child had a lot of questions on what certain words meant or I had to re read something because it was written so formally. The illustrations were beautiful but I don't think they held my son's attention.

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

A nice slice of life biography of John Adams, the illustrations are stunning.

[Joseph · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great work. Both with word choice and illustrations.

[Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love a good history book.

[sincerely]

TruthQuest History

[Robin · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is more of a chapter than a book. It’s a good story but there is absolutely nothing new in it. It suffers in comparison with the chapter in the David McCullough biography of John Adams that covers the same ground because it lacks the detail and insight that McCullough adds. I listened to this short book on a library streaming service. That was fine but I wouldn’t have spent money on it.

[Jenny · Rating 3 out of 5]

My girls enjoyed this story of the voyage of John Adams and Johnny Adams (John Quincy Adams), father and son. They had quite a few questions. I appreciated the historical note at the end, especially realizing that much of the book as direct quotes from John Adams' journal. My girls were excited to learn that John Adams later became the second president and little Johnny grew up to become the 6th president.

And the title is correct; this was a dangerous (and I'm certain very unpleasant) crossing. So grateful that I don't have to experience storms at sea, possible attacks by British ships, and other dangers.

[Krista the Krazy Kataloguer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had read about John Adams' voyage to France during the American Revolution, but this book really brought it to life. Told from the point of view of his son, John Quincy Adams, who accompanied him, this fictional account makes you feel like you're there getting seasick with them, or cowering under cannon fire from the frigates. The pictures are beautiful, especially the opening 2-page spread, where young John Quincy and his father are making ready to board the ship on a gloomy, windy, snowy day. I'll be buying this one for my library for sure. Recommended!

[Heather Dunbar · Rating 5 out of 5]

The way this book was written is a work of art all in its own. It reads like a novel, full of imagery and all that, but with simple language so that a child could read and understand. That seems to me like no small feat. He even built suspense in an almost adult kind of way, but for kids. Also, it seems to be focusing on the son of John Quincy Adams more than the father (while still managing to get facts across), which I think would make kids more interested because it would seem more relevant to them. The artwork was pretty great too, but the literary work shines much brighter.

[Katelyn Krigbaum]

This story is about how John Quincy Adams came to America to fight for Independence. This story is also taken from his journal so it may be difficult for younger readers to truly understand what the story is about or what is going on through it. However, it is a great informational book about his journey to America and it would be a great learning tool for students who are curious about this topic. Also the illustrations are very detailed and compliment the book well. They capture the readers attention and is partly what keeps the reader interested in the book.

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tells the story of John Adams' trip to France in 1778 to secure support for the Revolutionary War. Adams brings along his 10-year-old son, John Quincy. The story ends with their arrival; I would have liked a bit of information about their negotiations with the French. Chosen as a 2006 Notable Social Studies Trade Book for Young People by NCSS and CBC.

[Destiny Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story is about our past President John Quincy Adams journey with his father to Europe. Personally I love learning about our presidents, and I think its valuable for children these days to have more of an undressing about who they were. This book is made for an older audience, but is a valuable book to read to children.

[Miss Erica · Rating 3 out of 5]

GR Level: ?

Elementary E KRE

Taken from the journal of John Quincy Adams find out how dificult it was to come from France to help America fight for independence. Beautiful illustrations.

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

too short!

[Erica · Rating 3 out of 5]

Taken from the journal of John Quincy Adams find out how dificult it was to come from France to help America fight for independence. Beautiful illustrations.