Kids and teachers swept up by the Hamilton craze are undoubtedly itching for age-appropriate resources about the man himself. Kanefield has it covered with her new middle-grade biography, which opens with Hamilton's fatal duel with Aaron Burr and then traces his humble beginnings in the Caribbean and through his military and political careers in America. The chapters are liberally illustrated with period artwork, portraits, and historical documents, and inset boxes offer explanations of key topics, such as the Articles of Confederation and mercantilism. Thoroughly researched and cited, this book is accessibly written and full of valuable information, though readers after a biography as lively as the musical may be disappointed or overwhelmed by its content. Hamilton's personal life is touched upon, but the primary focus is on his staggering number of contributions as a founding father, from America's governmental and economic structure to its foundational documents. Hamilton's intelligence, ceaseless drive, and penchant for speaking his mind come across, giving readers a clear view of Hamilton's character and his role in creating America.

Kanefield's thoroughly researched but tamped down biography of the first U.S. Secretary of the Treasury offers a simplified introduction to his life and times. Direct quotes and letters appear throughout, offering great insight into Hamilton's complicated character and his interactions with other founding fathers. Paintings, documents, and occasional sidebars provide additional context. Samples of his writing are appended. Timeline. Bib., ind.

The contributions and eventful life of founding father Alexander Hamilton are examined and explained.The enthusiasm for Broadway hit and cultural phenomenon Hamilton, The Musical shows little signs of abating, and its popular cast album has generated interest in the country's first treasury secretary among all ages. This brief biography seeks to answer questions about the talented founding father whose background was so unlike those of his peers. Beginning and ending with Hamilton's duel with then-Vice President Aaron Burr, the remainder follows his life, focusing on many of the highlights that brought him to prominence. Of course, his efforts to determine the country's economic system and the rivalry they spawned with Thomas Jefferson are prominent. Kanefield provides necessary context for the differing worldviews of the two men, cogently explaining the strong distrust between growing mercantile interests and the planter class. In much the same way, she compares the similarities between Hamilton and Burr as well as the political differences that eventually drove them to the duel. Given the target audience, there is no mention of the sex scandal that tarnished Hamilton's public reputation, but there is some sense of his complicated personality. The strength of the book is the generous use of Hamilton's own words, including a section with samples of his writings. Illustrations and sidebars add clarity to the readable narrative. A solid introduction to a charismatic founding father. (timeline, chapter notes, bibliography, index) (Biography. 10-14)

Well-timed to tap into ongoing Hamilton-mania, Kanefield (The Extraordinary Suzy Wright) revisits America-s formative years in a lucid biography that illuminates the personality and politics of Alexander Hamilton, spotlighting his role in shaping the structure of the U.S. government and economy. Disinherited and shunned due to his illegitimate birth at a time when birthright paved one-s way to success, Hamilton emigrated from the island of St. Croix to New York City, determined to improve his financial and social status and find fame through his own achievements. Kanefield credibly reveals how Hamilton-s intelligence, high self-expectations, commitment to his beliefs, and skills as an orator and writer fueled his advocacy of a strong central government rooted in mercantilism and manufacturing. Details about Hamilton-s complex relationships with George Washington and Thomas Jefferson offer insight into the ideologies and character of all three statesmen, and add additional human dimension to this portrait of this nation-s beginnings. Excerpts from Hamilton-s writings, period art, and sidebars defining historical, political, and legislative terms further enhance this absorbing chronicle. Ages 10-14. (Mar.)

This balanced account of the life of Alexander Hamilton, an immigrant who found success with his perseverance and dedication to America, is an accessible biography. Explaining first his eventual downfall in a duel with Aaron Burr, Kanefield chronologically shares Hamilton’s upbringing as an illegitimate son before leaving St. Croix for New York. His dedication to learning quickly earned him company with prominent figures working to create a nation independent from the English. It was his quick intellect and depth of character that then earned him a place alongside George Washington and Thomas Jefferson, as well as his marriage into the Phillip Schuyler family. Then, his strong opinions published in the Federalist Papers, his appointment to the Treasury Department, and his fruitful law practice kept his place in history—along with his tragic demise at the hands of Aaron Burr in the duel. Kanefield is a capable nonfiction writer, organizing an eloquent review of Hamilton’s life while balancing the perspectives of his adversaries and skeptics. She uses text boxes to explain complicated theories and incorporates Hamilton’s own writing to paint a well-rounded image of who he was and what he what he stood for. The story is told easily, making a founding father accessible to young readers the way Lin-Manuel Miranda has done on Broadway. This purchase should be at the top of the list.—Alicia Abdul.