A Picture Book of Alexander Hamilton

By David A. Adler, Matt Collins (Illustrator)

Part of the A Picture Book series

Discover the rise and fall of a founding father who shaped a nation and met a tragic end.

4.8/7 Bookroo experts·3.6/5 Goodreads · 59 ratings

32 pages

$17.99Save 6%

In stock. Also at Amazon or Bookshop.

Bookroo's summary

Follow Alexander Hamilton from his Caribbean beginnings to his pivotal role in the American Revolution and the creation of the U.S. monetary system. This picture book captures his remarkable achievements and untimely demise, offering young readers a vivid journey through history. With hyperrealistic illustrations, experience the life of a man whose influence still resonates today. What drove him to greatness, and what led to his tragic end? Explore the legacy of a founding father whose story is as compelling as it is instructive.

"Hamilton supervised ship captains, traded all sorts of goods, collected money owed the company, and kept careful records of it all."

— from the book

From the publisher

How the extraordinary patriot made soaring accomplishments but then met his devastating end, the life of Alexander Hamilton for picture book readers. From his youth in the Caribbean to his immigration to New York City, this picture book covers the highlights of Alexander Hamilton’s legacy, including his part in the American revolution, his influence on the monetary system we still use today, and his tragic death. Matt Collin’s hyperrealistic art style will transport readers right alongside Hamilton, while David A. Adler deftly chronicles pivotal moments in the Founding Father’s short but hugely influential life. A time line is included.

At a glance

Format: Hardcover
Pages: 32
Reading age: 4–8
Audience: Picture

Themes & topics

Books about history Books about America Books about Alexander Hamilton Books about the founding fathers Books about 1800-1849

The Bookroo review

What our editors thought of this book

This accessible biography of Alexander Hamilton tells the history of one of the founding fathers in well-researched prose, including some quotes from Hamilton himself, and detailed illustration. It takes the reader from Hamilton’s humble beginnings on a Caribbean island and his early loss of both parents to his famous duel with vice president Aaron Burr, while also covering experiences in between that contributed to his growth and legacy: holding great responsibility while working for a trader in the Caribbean, moving to the American colonies to attend college, serving in the Continental army, marrying and subsequently starting a family, and participating in the Constitutional Convention and serving as Secretary of the Treasury. The length and level of detail make it better suited for children at the upper range of the picture book spectrum, and the straightforward presentation of facts borders on dry, making this more interesting to history buffs young and old than to the thrilling adventure seeker. The realism of the illustrations adds to the maturity and authoritative tone of the book, while simultaneously making it approachable for young readers. This is a solid addition to both Adler’s and Collin’s extensive portfolios in the realm of picture biographies and beyond.

The verdict

“An excellent introduction to Alexander Hamilton for those seeking fact over fiction”

Bookroo Editorial

Reviewed December 2019

4.8/7

After the last page

Talk about it together

Alexander Hamilton learned to be reliable and hardworking from very early on in life, and continued on to accomplish incredible things. What can you do now to prepare yourself to be able to accomplish the lofty goals of your life?

Which of Hamilton's accomplishments still impact us today?

Have you seen Lin-Manuel Miranda's musical Hamilton or listened to the soundtrack? What elements of Hamilton's life are included in both this book and the musical?

What readers & critics say