

NCSS/CBC Notable Trade Social Studies BookKansas Reading Circle ChoiceBank Street College Best BookTappantown Historical Society’s Achievement Award Young fans of the Broadway smash “Hamilton” will enjoy this riveting nonfiction picture book that unfolds like a play, telling a story from American history. Gravely injured and with little chance for more military honors, Major General Benedict Arnold seeks reward and recognition another way. He contacts Major John André, the new head of British intelligence and another man determined to prove himself. Arnold and André strike a deal and use Arnold’s intelligence to take over West Point, the strategic American fort. The plan ultimately fails, leading to André’s capture and death and Arnold’s loss of reward and glory. Author Selene Castrovilla and illustrator John O’Brien brilliantly capture the tensions and high drama of these two revolutionary rogues by highlighting their similarities and differences and demonstrating how they brought about their own tragic ends. This title also includes an afterword, timelines of the lives of both men, an extensive bibliography, and a list of key places to visit.
Selene Castrovilla has written about the American Revolution before in By the Sword and Upon Secrecy, both published by Calkins Creek. By the Sword was named an IRA Notable Book and a Moonbeam Children’s Book Award Gold Medalist for Nonfiction. Upon Secrecy was named a Bank Street College of Education Best Children’s Book of the Year. Ms. Castrovilla lives on Long Island with her two sons. You can read more about her at selenecastrovilla.com.
John O’Brien is also the author and illustrator of Mother Hubbard’s Christmas, which Booklist calls “a yuk-filled read-aloud.” He lives in Delran, New Jersey.
Nothing yet! Let Selene Castrovilla know that you want to hear from them about their book.
Nothing yet! Let John O'Brien know that you want to hear from them about their book.
Are you the author or illustrator? Claim your book.