A Picture Book of Alexander Hamilton

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.