Bound To Stay Bound

School Library Journal - 07/01/2017 Gr 4–7—Many books have been written on early U.S. history, including ones that discuss infighting among the Founding Fathers, and though this title might appear to be just another foray into this subject, it's much more. Readers will be pleasantly surprised not only by all the nuggets of history they'll learn but also the lesson that heated debate isn't necessarily bad—it can even be wildly productive. The work opens with the dispute between George and George (that is, George III and George Washington). The most interesting story is probably that of Benjamin Franklin and his Tory son, William. (Who knew that dad allowed his son to rot in jail during the Revolutionary War?) Humorous text and cartoonish black-and-white illustrations keep the narrative lighthearted and well paced. An afterword acknowledges some of the hypocrisies surrounding our nation's architects but ends on a rather hopeful note ("But the founding fathers aren't the only founders of America… The United States is still growing and changing."). VERDICT A general purchase for U.S. history collections, especially for fans of Steve Sheinkin's King George: What Was His Problem?; Everything Your Schoolbooks Didn't Tell You About the American Revolution.—Esther Keller, I.S. 278, Brooklyn - Copyright 2017 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.

Booklist - 08/01/2017 Want to make the story of our founding fathers relevant and interesting? One way is to produce a groundbreaking, award-winning Broadway rap musical. Another solution might be to offer this slim tome, a summary of four fractious early American relationships. Taking a balanced tone and using informal, accessible language, the text deftly weaves in colonial grievances, military campaigns, international relations, and evolving politics as it uses anecdotes and quotes to demonstrate personal hostilities. The enmity between Alexander Hamilton and Aaron Burr has been well documented, as has the lifelong sparring between John Adams and Thomas Jefferson. Perhaps less known, but just as effective in portraying divided loyalties and difficult choices, are the stories of the two Georges (Washington and King George the III), and the disputes between Benjamin Franklin and his Loyalist son, William. The brief chapters and witty illustrations make this easygoing, and multiple source notes authenticate each veiled insult or outright affront. A great way to introduce primary sources while capturing the angst involved in creating a new nation. - Copyright 2017 Booklist.