Bound To Stay Bound

Booklist - 11/15/2019 This book opens dramatically, with Alexander Hamilton and Aaron Burr leveling their pistols at each other, and then backs up more than 40 years to Hamilton’s childhood on the Caribbean island of Nevis. An intelligent, hard-working lad, he overcame poverty, hardships, and social disadvantages to obtain an education. Sent to study at King’s College in New York in 1773, he supported the patriot’s cause and fought in the Continental Army, where he later joined Washington’s staff. Adler discusses Hamilton’s role in persuading citizens to adopt the Constitution, in setting up the national bank, and in urging the enforcement of federal taxation. After explaining the political enmity between Hamilton and Burr, the book concludes with the story of their duel. While this volume has a longer text than many picture-book biographies, that’s what allows the writer to establish who Hamilton was, what he did, and why it mattered. The accomplished illustrations, created with Prismacolor pencils and Painter software, capture the period well and include many details for children to discover. An informative picture-book biography. - Copyright 2019 Booklist.

School Library Journal - 12/01/2019 K-Gr 4—This picture book biography describesAlexander Hamilton's childhood, his role in the American Revolution, and his death by dueling with Aaron Burr. Adler also explains Hamilton's role in the newly formed government as the Secretary of the Treasury. The colorful and expressive illustrations add visual context for the defining scenes in Hamilton's life. In one scene that stretches across two pages, Hamilton leads a group of soldiers into battle as a captain in the Continental Army. A few pages later, Hamilton is pictured at the 1787 Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia. He represented New York State and heavily contributed to the 80 essays called "The Federalist Papers." Fans of Lin-Manuel Miranda's Broadway musical will appreciate learning more about Hamilton's life, especially his childhood. A time line of important events is located at the back of the book. Several key events are not mentioned, such as Hamilton's appointment as the first treasury secretary of the United States in 1789. This could either confuse readers or make them want to conduct further research. However, this is a solid biography for upper elementary students. VERDICT Readers looking for a short biography of Alexander Hamilton will appreciate this engaging work.—V. Lynn Christiansen, Wiley International Studies Magnet Elementary School, Raleigh, NC - Copyright 2019 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.