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--------------------------------- Recipient of Peach’s Picks Award Top Ten Favorite Books Summer 2011 |
Author: Dennis Brindell Fradin
Illustrator: Larry Day
Peach’s Picks Rating:
Year of publication: 2008
City of publication: New York
Publisher: Walker & Company
ISBN: 978-0-8027-9583-0
Author website: No personal website. Information about the author can be obtained at http://www.scbwi-illinois.org/FradinD.html and http://www2.scholastic.com/browse/contributor.jsp?id=167991
Illustrator website: http://www.dayhere.com/
Media used for illustrations: Ink with watercolor and gouache
Annotation: Aaron Burr and Alexander Hamilton face-off in an illegal pistol duel. They are ready to fight to the death, nursing long held grudges and defending their honor.
Personal reaction to the book: This is an outstanding picturebook to use in conjunction with the study of Revolutionary America. It tells the story that led to the illegal pistol duel between Aaron Burr, Vice President of the United States, and Alexander Hamilton, Secretary of Treasury. Students will be familiar with the two men from their studies of the American Revolution. They may even be familiar with the duel and the results, but the story leading up to it and the drama of the outcome will keep them on the edge of their seats. The book begins by describing the early years of both young men and the parallels between them. Then the author explains the animosity that led to the duel. The tension builds until the reader arrives at the site of the duel and the eventual death of Hamilton and Burr’s downfall. The author blames neither man, showing both sides of the story leading to the showdown. It is an excellent entry point to enhance studies of the American Revolution with a riveting story. The majority of illustrations span two-page spreads. All portray action and emotion. They show body language and tension. End notes are offered discussing other duels, as well as a bibliography and suggested reading list. The end papers show a map of the area highlighting the location of the duel. I highly recommend this book for use with American Revolutionary studies. The book reads aloud well and the illustrations can be seen by a group.
General curricular connections:
- United States history
- Aaron Burr
- Alexander Hamilton
- People and events associated with the development of the U.S. Constitution - 5th grade / meets California State History Standards
Specific example of curricular connection matched to State Standards:
Subject: History / Social Studies
Grade level: 5
Subject: History / Social Studies
Grade level: 5
California State Standard
History-Social Science Standards for California Public Schools, Kindergarten through Grade Twelve
Grade 5 Standards: 5.7 Students describe the people and events associated with the development of the U.S. Constitution and analyze the Constitution’s significance as the foundation of the American republic.
Recommended grade levels:
School Library Journal recommends the book for grades 3-6
Booklist recommends the book for grades 3-6
Peach’s Picks recommends the book for grades 4 and up
Awards/Recognitions:
Junior Library Guild selection
Booklist starred review
Horn Book starred review
Kirkus Review starred review
School Library Journal starred review
Note: This book applies to the assignment criteria - books chosen from “Other books receiving Top Ten votes, Summer 2009."
Idiom: Page 6; “He had a chip on his shoulder...”
Symbolism in illustration: Page 1; fresh grave site symbolizing Hamilton’s mother’s recent death
Symbolism in illustration: Page 19; Hamilton’s spectacles are shown being thrown from his face after being shot, symbolizing the power of the gunshot as well as the moment’s tension
Book cover picture retrieved from http://www.dayhere.com/books.html
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