From School Library Journal
Grade 3-6-Streissguth briefly traces Verne's life and career, presenting a picture of a young dreamer who managed to escape from his boring hometown of Nantes and move to Paris to pursue his ambition to write. Although he had some small triumphs as a popular playwright, Verne had no real success until 1863 when Jules Hetzel published his first novel, Five Weeks in a Balloon, and the writer developed a loyal following. Streissguth shows how Verne's knowledge of science and invention enabled him to imagine and write about machines and technologies that would not actually exist for many years to come. Full-page pen-and-ink drawings reflecting the costumes and flavor of the era are scattered throughout. This is a workmanlike treatment, presenting the information in a straightforward and readable way. Peggy Teeters's Jules Verne (Walker, 1993) is a fuller and more interesting book for slightly older children. Robert Quackenbush's Who Said There's No Man on the Moon? (Prentice-Hall, 1985; o.p.) is a more entertaining, though equally sketchy choice. A serviceable addition where the demand for biographies runs high.Elaine Fort Weischedel, Franklin Public Library, MA Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Card catalog description
Follows the life of the well-known novelist from his childhood in Nantes, France, to his career as a successful fiction writer whose imaginative works often gave glimpses into the future.

ANNOTATION

Follows the life of the well-known novelist from his childhood in Nantes, France, to his career as a successful fiction writer whose imaginative works often gave glimpses into the future.

FROM THE CRITICS

Children's Literature - Childrens Literature

In many ways Jules Verne can justifiably be called the father of science fiction. His adventure novels written primarily during the second half of the 19th century created a great wave of interest in the futuristic possibilities described therein. Verne's tales of deep-sea exploration, space travel, geographic wanderings, and journeys to the earth's center captivated the imaginations of generations of readers. Written at a time when the concepts of electricity, submarines, and mechanical flight were still either pipe dreams or ill conceived notions, Verne's stories transported readers to a world of seemingly infinite possibilities. It is the story of Jules Verne's life and development that is presented in this sound biography. Commencing with his boyhood in Nantes, Verne is portrayed as a young adventurer. As a boy Verne sought out discovery via boat rides, hikes, and fantasy play. As he grew to manhood Verne attempted to balance his innate desire to write with his need to earn a living. Verne studied law as his father had and eventually worked as a stockbroker. However, his first love was always his writing. This talent to write and drive to create took precedence over all other aspects of Verne's life inclusive of his wife and son. Over a period of years Verne became one of the most successful writers of any age. A well-written text, linked to an interesting set of black-and-white illustrations, provides a good introduction to one of the more beloved writers of the 19th century. 2001, Carolrhoda Books, Ages 10 to 14, $21.27. Reviewer: Greg M. Romaneck

School Library Journal