Reviews
Eliza: The Story of Elizabeth Schuyler Hamilton by Margaret McNamara, Phillipa Soo, Esme Shapiro
angelqueen04's review against another edition
5.0
This is an absolutely lovely method of telling Elizabeth Schuyler Hamilton's life and legacy, which is every bit as important as her (in)famous husband's. I loved the illustrations, and the way the story was framed as a letter to her unborn great-grandchild, who would ultimately not be born until after her death. Beautifully done!
Spoiler
*I do have a few small quibbles, though: be wary of the selected bibliography and chronology at the end of the book. One of the books that is cited, Desmond's Alexander Hamilton's Wife: A Romance of the Hudson is not something I would in any way call a credible source. It is more like historical fiction (and badly written historical fiction at that - the author inserts a character into the story that there is absolutely no evidence of, and to be frank, the whole thing is ridiculous). Also, the chronology claims that Eliza's son, James Hamilton, completed Alexander's biography after Eliza's death - incorrect. It was actually Eliza's son, John Church Hamilton, who did that. This may just be a misprint, but just providing fair warning.kaitbailer's review
5.0
This was so cute! A really great starter book for any children interested in history and Eliza.
molliebrarian's review
5.0
At the end of Hamilton: An American Musical, Eliza sings "Will they tell my story?" Here, her story has been told beautifully with gorgeous illustrations and close attention to historical detail.
erine's review
4.0
A beautifully illustrated testimony to just one of many women who were fabulous in their own right, but largely ended up as footnotes in a man's history. Eliza Hamilton seems quiet but courageous.
lizthelibrarian's review
4.0
As someone who after watching Hamilton wanted to know everything about the characters but could never really find anything on Eliza, this book is heaven sent. It may be written for a Juvenile audience, but this book gives details that I really have not been able to find. This book also has wonderful eye-catching color illustrations! I would love to see more books like this be published!
tracie_nicole's review
4.0
I loved the art and the story was written beautifully and lyrically. This would be a good read aloud book, but maybe not the best for beginner or younger readers who aren't familiar with formal language or bigger words.