Alexander Hamilton: A Plan for America by Sarah Albee, illustrated by Chin Ko

Photo of Danielle
Provided by Danielle Hartsfield

Today's guest blogger, Danielle Hartsfield, is Assistant Professor in the Teacher Education Department at the University of North Georgia. She recently completed her service as a member of the 2018 Robert F. Sibert Medal committee and as co-chair of the Association for Library Service to Children Education Committee. She also serves on the board of the Children’s Literature and Reading Special Interest Group of the International Literacy Association and reviews for School Library Connection.

Cover from Harpercollins.com

Could 2019 be the year that a Geisel nod goes to a biography? Alexander Hamilton: A Plan for America relates the life of one of America’s foremost Founding Fathers. After the opening page spread offers an overview of Hamilton’s many accomplishments (and foreshadows his contentious relationship with Aaron Burr), the chronological narrative highlights Hamilton’s achievements in the American Revolution and as a political figure.

Let’s start with the reasons why the Geisel committee might consider this book. The design is suitable for young readers; the font size is large, and there is ample white space between each line. Most sentences are short, and the occasional lengthy sentences never exceed four lines. The illustrations often support what is occurring in the text, and the soft, rounded, almost cartoon-like paintings will appeal to younger children. (If you were a little kid, would you want to see a picture like this in your book? With no disrespect meant to Mr. Hamilton, I think not!)

However, readers who want to see images from Hamilton’s time can satisfy their curiosity by perusing the book’s back matter. In addition to historical artwork, the back matter includes a timeline of Hamilton’s life; additional information about his views, family, and death; and places where readers can visit to learn more. It does not include a bibliography. This may not be particularly important to its intended audience, but it shortchanges the adult readers (librarians and teachers) who are responsible for providing credible and accurate information to children.

If the Geisel race was a duel, this book has several shortcomings that nearly ensure a fatal shot. The writing is dry; it has none of the humor and punch evident in Sarah Albee’s other titles (take last year’s middle grade Poison, for example). Yes, sentences must be “simple and straightforward” in Geisel contenders, but this need not be synonymous with “boring.” The conclusion (“His genius lives on today”) falls flat; here, Albee misses an opportunity to make Hamilton’s life relevant to the lives of today’s young readers. What contributions did Hamilton make that impacts their world today? We never find out. Additionally, the transitions between the events in Hamilton’s life are sometimes abrupt, which could potentially confuse readers.

In some ways, the book is not appropriate for its intended audience. It assumes readers have background knowledge of the American Revolution. For example, “colonists” is never defined in the text, and readers must rely on what they already know to understand this part of Hamilton’s story. While introducing beginning readers to vocabulary like “debt” and “treasury” is not a bad thing, it is problematic without the support of in-text definitions or a glossary, which are both lacking. Given the complexities associated with the content and vocabulary, this book most suitable for third graders who are receiving adult support, which puts it beyond the award’s age range.

If a biography does win a Geisel next year, I predict this book won’t be the one sporting a gold or silver sticker.