Alexander Hamilton: The Outsider
Gr 6-9-Fritz covers a lot of territory in this slim biography. She recounts the facts of Hamilton's life from his birth to unwed parents in Nevis, West Indies, in 1755 (or 1757) to his death in New York in 1804 in a duel with Aaron Burr. The book is divided into five parts: "Beginnings," "Soldier," "Aide-de-Camp," "Statesman," and "Endings," and highlights Hamilton's talents as an essayist and his influence in the creation of the early federal government, especially its financial infrastructure. Illustrations, period reproductions, and maps all add to the wealth of historical events brought to life by this knowledgeable author. For teachers looking for an independent read that supports curriculum, the book provides a richly detailed and eye-opening account of this important American's personal history. Its length and the illustrations suggest a young audience, but the language, amount of information, and organization of the text may require more mature readers or eager students of American history.-Karen Elliott, Grafton High School, WI (c) Copyright 2010.  Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc.  No redistribution permitted.