bargainsleuth's review against another edition
4.0
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I thought this biography for kids of Alexander Hamilton was good. Sometimes the writing wasn't engaging, but when discussing how to set up the treasury department, how engaging can you be? I also liked the fact that the author started off with the duel as a way to grab the reader's interest. The author does a good job of showing Hamilton's genius, yet also shows his flaws, too.
My favorite parts, though, had to be the depiction of Thomas Jefferson. Finally, a children's book that doesn't paint Jefferson as some sort of demi god. The author showed TJ's brilliance and remarked what an accomplished statesman he was, but you also got the duplicitousness, backstabbing and hypocritical part of him, too. Extra star just for that alone.
I thought this biography for kids of Alexander Hamilton was good. Sometimes the writing wasn't engaging, but when discussing how to set up the treasury department, how engaging can you be? I also liked the fact that the author started off with the duel as a way to grab the reader's interest. The author does a good job of showing Hamilton's genius, yet also shows his flaws, too.
My favorite parts, though, had to be the depiction of Thomas Jefferson. Finally, a children's book that doesn't paint Jefferson as some sort of demi god. The author showed TJ's brilliance and remarked what an accomplished statesman he was, but you also got the duplicitousness, backstabbing and hypocritical part of him, too. Extra star just for that alone.
annebennett1957's review against another edition
4.0
Very readable with good endnotes, a bibliography, and an index.
melissabeth's review against another edition
3.0
Interesting and easy to read even though history is not my thing
cupcakegirly's review against another edition
4.0
Well-written, informative, and easy to understand. This is geared toward younger readers, presumably those with little to no knowledge about the Hamilton the musical, and aren't likely to notice the watered down rivalry with Burr or the absence of the Reynold's affair.
aconant's review against another edition
4.0
I think this should be a required read for anyone who wants to see the musical. I admit I knew very little about Hamilton prior to starting this book but became quickly fascinated by this icon of a man.
Technically speaking I think this would pose to be a difficult read for a 6th grader. However, anyone with enough interest and patience should do fine. The trouble being I’m not sure most students will have enough background knowledge to be able to really make the right connections for comprehension.
There are tons of names and places that can be difficult to keep track of. I listened to the audio and immediately wished I was reading the print. The production was great but I wanted the ability to go back and reread, as I think many students will need to at times.
A great book that brings to light the making of America in an exciting and narrative way. While you are reading you suddenly are amazed at the idea of a nation who has just won its freedom and is faced with building a nation. Fascinating stuff! How do you start from scratch and pull 13 colonies together, or do you? So many thoughtful big questions!
Hunker down, settle in and turn your brain on high because you will need it. Totally worth it.
Must read before seeing the musical, I am
Convinced.
Technically speaking I think this would pose to be a difficult read for a 6th grader. However, anyone with enough interest and patience should do fine. The trouble being I’m not sure most students will have enough background knowledge to be able to really make the right connections for comprehension.
There are tons of names and places that can be difficult to keep track of. I listened to the audio and immediately wished I was reading the print. The production was great but I wanted the ability to go back and reread, as I think many students will need to at times.
A great book that brings to light the making of America in an exciting and narrative way. While you are reading you suddenly are amazed at the idea of a nation who has just won its freedom and is faced with building a nation. Fascinating stuff! How do you start from scratch and pull 13 colonies together, or do you? So many thoughtful big questions!
Hunker down, settle in and turn your brain on high because you will need it. Totally worth it.
Must read before seeing the musical, I am
Convinced.
thisfoxreads's review against another edition
4.0
I've read about Hamilton, but this book shared bits I'd never known about this Founding Father. Would have been 5 stars except it avoided mentioning the Reynolds affair and the possibility of a relationship with his wife's sister--a surprise since this book likely came about due to the success of the Hamilton musical, which really plays that up.
Also: where was the editor on this one: page 75: "He was accused of FERMENTING the rebellion..." Ugh!!!
Overall, though, a great read, and makes me want to read Chernow's book that inspired Lin-Manuel Miranda's musical.
North Carolina Battle of the Books (Middle School) title.
Also: where was the editor on this one: page 75: "He was accused of FERMENTING the rebellion..." Ugh!!!
Overall, though, a great read, and makes me want to read Chernow's book that inspired Lin-Manuel Miranda's musical.
North Carolina Battle of the Books (Middle School) title.
starnosedmole's review against another edition
5.0
A fast-paced and fascinating introduction to Hamilton, aimed at upper middle readers. I like that Hamilton's depression was acknowledged, and that the weights on other historical figures were also included.
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