Publisher's Weekly Review
Well-timed to tap into ongoing Hamilton-mania, Kanefield (The Extraordinary Suzy Wright) revisits America's formative years in a lucid biography that illuminates the personality and politics of Alexander Hamilton, spotlighting his role in shaping the structure of the U.S. government and economy. Disinherited and shunned due to his illegitimate birth at a time when birthright paved one's way to success, Hamilton emigrated from the island of St. Croix to New York City, determined to improve his financial and social status and find fame through his own achievements. Kanefield credibly reveals how Hamilton's intelligence, high self-expectations, commitment to his beliefs, and skills as an orator and writer fueled his advocacy of a strong central government rooted in mercantilism and manufacturing. Details about Hamilton's complex relationships with George Washington and Thomas Jefferson offer insight into the ideologies and character of all three statesmen, and add additional human dimension to this portrait of this nation's beginnings. Excerpts from Hamilton's writings, period art, and sidebars defining historical, political, and legislative terms further enhance this absorbing chronicle. Ages 10-14. (Mar.) © Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.
Booklist Review
Kids and teachers swept up by the Hamilton craze are undoubtedly itching for age-appropriate resources about the man himself. Kanefield has it covered with her new middle-grade biography, which opens with Hamilton's fatal duel with Aaron Burr and then traces his humble beginnings in the Caribbean and through his military and political careers in America. The chapters are liberally illustrated with period artwork, portraits, and historical documents, and inset boxes offer explanations of key topics, such as the Articles of Confederation and mercantilism. Thoroughly researched and cited, this book is accessibly written and full of valuable information, though readers after a biography as lively as the musical may be disappointed or overwhelmed by its content. Hamilton's personal life is touched upon, but the primary focus is on his staggering number of contributions as a founding father, from America's governmental and economic structure to its foundational documents. Hamilton's intelligence, ceaseless drive, and penchant for speaking his mind come across, giving readers a clear view of Hamilton's character and his role in creating America.--Smith, Julia Copyright 2017 Booklist
School Library Journal Review
Gr 5-8-Kanefield has produced an informative yet accessible biography of the famed Founding Father for a middle school audience. The narrative begins with Alexander Hamilton's often difficult youth in the West Indies, where he gained his first lessons in the power of finance. The text covers his departure to school in Colonial New York City, his rising star during the American Revolution, his role in the development of the Constitution, and his fateful duel with Aaron Burr. Readers gain an appreciation for the messy political feuds that followed the Revolution, particularly between the Federalists and the anti-Federalists. Hamilton's crucial role as an industrial, capitalistic visionary is fully explored. Kanefield succeeds in revealing the differences among the various political and economic philosophies during the early decades of the American Republic, including the distinction between Hamilton's mercantilism and Thomas Jefferson's agrarianism. Relevant paintings from the 18th, 19th, and 20th centuries are presented throughout. These portraits, landscapes, and architectural images range in size from one-quarter of a page to a full page. Scans of primary documents, such as Hamilton's commission as treasury secretary, are also included. Key concepts, like the Articles of Confederation and mercantilism, are explained in sidebars. Some details, such as investments, loans, and bonds-which played a critical role in Hamilton's philosophy-can be difficult to grasp, and some readers may need further clarification. VERDICT Considering the staggering popularity of the Broadway musical Hamilton, students will crave this title. A great addition to upper elementary and middle school libraries.-Jeffrey Meyer, Mount Pleasant Public Library, IA © Copyright 2017. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Kirkus Review
The contributions and eventful life of founding father Alexander Hamilton are examined and explained.The enthusiasm for Broadway hit and cultural phenomenon Hamilton, The Musical shows little signs of abating, and its popular cast album has generated interest in the country's first treasury secretary among all ages. This brief biography seeks to answer questions about the talented founding father whose background was so unlike those of his peers. Beginning and ending with Hamilton's duel with then-Vice President Aaron Burr, the remainder follows his life, focusing on many of the highlights that brought him to prominence. Of course, his efforts to determine the country's economic system and the rivalry they spawned with Thomas Jefferson are prominent. Kanefield provides necessary context for the differing worldviews of the two men, cogently explaining the strong distrust between growing mercantile interests and the planter class. In much the same way, she compares the similarities between Hamilton and Burr as well as the political differences that eventually drove them to the duel. Given the target audience, there is no mention of the sex scandal that tarnished Hamilton's public reputation, but there is some sense of his complicated personality. The strength of the book is the generous use of Hamilton's own words, including a section with samples of his writings. Illustrations and sidebars add clarity to the readable narrative. A solid introduction to a charismatic founding father. (timeline, chapter notes, bibliography, index) (Biography. 10-14) Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
