Through the Looking Glass Children's Book Reviews
Alexander Hamilton: Founding Father And Statesman
Nonfiction Series
For ages 10 and up
Signature Lives, 2005 ISBN: 978-0756508272
Born on the island of Nevis in the West Indies, Alexander Hamilton had a difficult childhood. His parents were not married, and when he was around eleven years old, his father abandoned the family, leaving Alexander’s mother to raise two children on her own. A few years later Alexander’s mother caught a tropical fever and she died leaving her children alone in the world.
Thankfully, kind friends took Alexander in. Alexander’s employer, Nicholas Cruger, and then the man who became his teacher, Hugh Knox, saw Alexander’s potential and they made it possible for Alexander to go to America to be educated.
In less than one year, Alexander had caught up enough to get accepted at King’s College in New York City. He studied there for two years, but then he decided that he should to do what he could to support the American revolutionary cause.
In 1775, Alexander joined a New York militia, and in 1776 he became a captain in the Continental Army. During two decisive battles, General George Washington watched Alexander, and he saw what he like. The General needed people like Alexander to help him run the army, and he asked Alexander to become one of his aids. This important appointment was the beginning of what would be a remarkable career. The man who had such humble beginnings would become one of the founding fathers of the young United States.
This well written and interesting biography shows to great effect how Alexander Hamilton rose to great heights, and how he struggled to do what he thought was right. The author not only tells the story of Alexander Hamilton, but she also gives readers a picture of what it was like to live in America during the early years of the republic.
