Reviews

Alexander Hamilton: The Making of America by Teri Kanefield

bargainsleuth's review against another edition

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4.0

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I thought this biography for kids of Alexander Hamilton was good. Sometimes the writing wasn't engaging, but when discussing how to set up the treasury department, how engaging can you be? I also liked the fact that the author started off with the duel as a way to grab the reader's interest. The author does a good job of showing Hamilton's genius, yet also shows his flaws, too.

My favorite parts, though, had to be the depiction of Thomas Jefferson. Finally, a children's book that doesn't paint Jefferson as some sort of demi god. The author showed TJ's brilliance and remarked what an accomplished statesman he was, but you also got the duplicitousness, backstabbing and hypocritical part of him, too. Extra star just for that alone.

wggleworm's review against another edition

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4.0

A good look at Hamilton, who is getting lots of attention thanks to the relatively new musical. I learned a lot, and found the relationship between Hamilton and Jefferson interesting, having just visited Monticello.
Easily accessible for YA readers on up, but not necessarily easy - historical NF is always challenging for me because I'm not always interested, but I liked it well enough.

annebennett1957's review against another edition

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4.0

Very readable with good endnotes, a bibliography, and an index.

melissabeth's review

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3.0

Interesting and easy to read even though history is not my thing

cupcakegirly's review against another edition

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4.0

Well-written, informative, and easy to understand. This is geared toward younger readers, presumably those with little to no knowledge about the Hamilton the musical, and aren't likely to notice the watered down rivalry with Burr or the absence of the Reynold's affair.


krismarley's review against another edition

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4.0

I’m full of Alexander Hamilton fun facts!

thisfoxreads's review against another edition

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4.0

I've read about Hamilton, but this book shared bits I'd never known about this Founding Father. Would have been 5 stars except it avoided mentioning the Reynolds affair and the possibility of a relationship with his wife's sister--a surprise since this book likely came about due to the success of the Hamilton musical, which really plays that up.
Also: where was the editor on this one: page 75: "He was accused of FERMENTING the rebellion..." Ugh!!!
Overall, though, a great read, and makes me want to read Chernow's book that inspired Lin-Manuel Miranda's musical.
North Carolina Battle of the Books (Middle School) title.

ace_of_spades14's review against another edition

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informative inspiring fast-paced

4.0

starnosedmole's review against another edition

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5.0

A fast-paced and fascinating introduction to Hamilton, aimed at upper middle readers. I like that Hamilton's depression was acknowledged, and that the weights on other historical figures were also included.
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