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Why Not, Lafayette? by Jean Fritz
A young Frenchman of nineteen traveling across the sea to help a struggling nation fight for its independence? Why not? To Lafayette, anything was possible. A man who threw off the boundaries imposed on him to stand up for what he believed, the Marquis de Lafayette grew from an idealistic young man searching for honor and glory, into an idealistic statesman with rock-solid principles of liberty. Here, Jean Fritz brings to life the exciting story of the brave and appealing man known as "The Hero of the New World".
Hardcover
First published October 25, 1999
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About the author
Jean Fritz
93 books156 followersJean Guttery Fritz was an American children's writer best known for American biography and history. She won the Children's Legacy Literature Award for her career contribution to American children's literature in 1986. She turned 100 in November 2015 and died in May 2017 at the age of 101.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
September 22, 2012
Do you remember who Marie-Joseph Paul Yves Roch Gilbert du Motier was? He is very famous in American history, but you probably know him better as the Marquis de Lafayette, or, as he preferred to be called, just Lafayette, who was born Sept. 6, 1757. His father died before he was two years old and his mother and grandfather died when he was twelve, leaving him to inherit their fortune under the guardianship of his great-grandfather. At fourteen years old, he joined the French Military and, at age sixteen, married Marie Adrienne Francoise de Noailles, whose family was related to King Louis XVI. At nineteen, against the wishes of his great-grandfather, his father-in-law, and the King, he purchased a ship and persuaded several French officers to accompany him to fight in the American Revolution.
And, the rest, as they say, is history. Colonial General George Washington appointed Lafayette a major general. Wounded at Brandywine, the young Frenchman endured the freezing winter at Valley Forge, and then saw action at Barren Hill and Rhode Island. Returning to France for as time, he, along with Ben Franklin, was able to secure troops and supplies from the French government for the American cause which helped to force Cornwallis to surrender at Yorktown. By then Lafayette was again in America and present for the surrender. Back in France, Lafayette upheld the ideals of liberty all through the French Revolution, the Reign of Terror, and the rule of Napoleon, though he spent five years in an Austrian prison. Following his release, in 1824, President James Monroe invited Lafayette to the United States as the "nation's guest,” and during the trip, he visited all twenty-four states.
Jean Fritz is a wonderful author. We have read and liked many of her biographies for children, such as George Washington's Breakfast; And Then What Happened, Paul Revere?; Where Was Patrick Henry on the 29th of May?; Will You Sign Here, John Hancock?; Just A Few Words, Mr. Lincoln; The Double Life of Pocahontas; and Harriet Beecher Stow and the Beecher Preachers. We have also enjoyed a few of her young people’s novels, such as Early Thunder; The Cabin Faced West; and Brady. Some parents might want to know that George Washington is quoted as having called the hapless General Charles Lee a “d*** poltroon.” It is said that Lafayette had never heard Washington swear before, “but obviously he could.” Lafayette was truly a remarkable character in history. It is no wonder that General John J. Pershing is reported to have said when he and his armies landed in France during World War I to help the French against the attacks of Kaiser Bill’s Germany and its allies, “Lafayette, we are here.”
And, the rest, as they say, is history. Colonial General George Washington appointed Lafayette a major general. Wounded at Brandywine, the young Frenchman endured the freezing winter at Valley Forge, and then saw action at Barren Hill and Rhode Island. Returning to France for as time, he, along with Ben Franklin, was able to secure troops and supplies from the French government for the American cause which helped to force Cornwallis to surrender at Yorktown. By then Lafayette was again in America and present for the surrender. Back in France, Lafayette upheld the ideals of liberty all through the French Revolution, the Reign of Terror, and the rule of Napoleon, though he spent five years in an Austrian prison. Following his release, in 1824, President James Monroe invited Lafayette to the United States as the "nation's guest,” and during the trip, he visited all twenty-four states.
Jean Fritz is a wonderful author. We have read and liked many of her biographies for children, such as George Washington's Breakfast; And Then What Happened, Paul Revere?; Where Was Patrick Henry on the 29th of May?; Will You Sign Here, John Hancock?; Just A Few Words, Mr. Lincoln; The Double Life of Pocahontas; and Harriet Beecher Stow and the Beecher Preachers. We have also enjoyed a few of her young people’s novels, such as Early Thunder; The Cabin Faced West; and Brady. Some parents might want to know that George Washington is quoted as having called the hapless General Charles Lee a “d*** poltroon.” It is said that Lafayette had never heard Washington swear before, “but obviously he could.” Lafayette was truly a remarkable character in history. It is no wonder that General John J. Pershing is reported to have said when he and his armies landed in France during World War I to help the French against the attacks of Kaiser Bill’s Germany and its allies, “Lafayette, we are here.”
October 25, 2015
Wow, this guy's life was fascinating!! And this book tells it in such a fun and easy-going way(I really like this author's biographies...they include such personal details that make the people seem so much more real. This book was lengthier than the others I've read, without so many pictures, but still has the same style as the simpler "picture" biographies). There was a lot of humor that just cracked me up (the kids didn't quite get why I thought it was so funny though...they chalked it up to 'adult humor'). I really had no idea he was SO loved and honored by the American people. I knew he was a key General in the American Revolution, but didn't know about his close bond with Gen. Washington, nor about how he "snuck" out of France to fight for the Americans, nor the role he played in the French Revolution era, nor his hero's welcome he received in the US when he came back. Really quite the amazing life story! As someone else commented here, Lafayette may be my new hero!
August 25, 2023
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AR POINTS: 3.0 READING LEVEL 6.7
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Why Not, Lafayette? by Jean Fritz (1999; 2001 ed.) 84 pages.
‘Why not?’ was Lafayette’s motto. He was tired of everyone saying no. His father had died while fighting in a war and, at age two, his mom left for Paris, leaving him with his grandparents to raise. After marrying and his second child born, he snuck away to America to help her fight for her independence.
He became like a son to George Washington and fought side by side with him. They were inseparable. Lafayette even named his son after him, George Washington de Lafayette.
Marie Joseph Paul Yves Roch Gilbert du Motier, Marquis de Lafayette, otherwise known simply as Lafayette, or sometimes Gilbert, was a Frenchman from Paris. He absolutely loved America and its independence and fought all his life to bring it to France. He stood against Napoleon Bonaparte, who wanted to conquer and rule all of Europe. He even spent many years in a German prison, when he was trying to escape a Revolution when the liberties took over and were beheading all the aristocrats. Unfortunately, Marquis de Lafayette was born into the aristocrats, but, he did not believe in the title and never allowed anyone in France to call him Marquis. Still, they considered him an aristocrat.
He was well-known and loved by the Americans and had travelled back and forth over the years. On his final trip over to the U.S., Americans welcomed him like a king. And when he left he took a crate full of American soil to cover his grave when he died. He took back so many other things as well, so much so that he had to use a second vessel just to carry his newly acquired American belongings, which included many animals.
This was a great and interesting little chapter book story for young readers. I had no idea who Lafayette was and now am anxious to learn more about him. Fayetteville, North Carolina, was named after him. Now, there are at least half a dozen towns called Fayetteville throughout the U.S. named after our America loving Frenchman.
AR POINTS: 3.0 READING LEVEL 6.7
————————————————————
Why Not, Lafayette? by Jean Fritz (1999; 2001 ed.) 84 pages.
‘Why not?’ was Lafayette’s motto. He was tired of everyone saying no. His father had died while fighting in a war and, at age two, his mom left for Paris, leaving him with his grandparents to raise. After marrying and his second child born, he snuck away to America to help her fight for her independence.
He became like a son to George Washington and fought side by side with him. They were inseparable. Lafayette even named his son after him, George Washington de Lafayette.
Marie Joseph Paul Yves Roch Gilbert du Motier, Marquis de Lafayette, otherwise known simply as Lafayette, or sometimes Gilbert, was a Frenchman from Paris. He absolutely loved America and its independence and fought all his life to bring it to France. He stood against Napoleon Bonaparte, who wanted to conquer and rule all of Europe. He even spent many years in a German prison, when he was trying to escape a Revolution when the liberties took over and were beheading all the aristocrats. Unfortunately, Marquis de Lafayette was born into the aristocrats, but, he did not believe in the title and never allowed anyone in France to call him Marquis. Still, they considered him an aristocrat.
He was well-known and loved by the Americans and had travelled back and forth over the years. On his final trip over to the U.S., Americans welcomed him like a king. And when he left he took a crate full of American soil to cover his grave when he died. He took back so many other things as well, so much so that he had to use a second vessel just to carry his newly acquired American belongings, which included many animals.
This was a great and interesting little chapter book story for young readers. I had no idea who Lafayette was and now am anxious to learn more about him. Fayetteville, North Carolina, was named after him. Now, there are at least half a dozen towns called Fayetteville throughout the U.S. named after our America loving Frenchman.
April 17, 2023
This was a well-written, interesting account of Lafayette's life. It was very informative, and contained facts I'd not read elsewhere. He was an amazing man, and his legacy lives on this account which, while written for children, is enjoyable for adults as well.
March 28, 2017
The Marquis is the bomb. It is amazing what he helped accomplish in America but I had no idea of his level of involvement back home in France. He is the man!
December 10, 2018
1. Grade Level:3-6 grade
2.Summary: This book explores the life of the French soldier who fought side-by-side with General Washington during the Revolutionary War. Then he returned home to France with similar principles of liberty for which he fought for many years. this book gives accurate details of that time
3. Reveiw: This book teaches young men about a brave man who's about nineteen year old. A man who has became a hero and fought again the British people.
4.In Class use: Its a great book to use to teach about the role of the presidents of the United States. It teaches children about brave and courageous men who have lived in the past. Its a great reference for the American history.
2.Summary: This book explores the life of the French soldier who fought side-by-side with General Washington during the Revolutionary War. Then he returned home to France with similar principles of liberty for which he fought for many years. this book gives accurate details of that time
3. Reveiw: This book teaches young men about a brave man who's about nineteen year old. A man who has became a hero and fought again the British people.
4.In Class use: Its a great book to use to teach about the role of the presidents of the United States. It teaches children about brave and courageous men who have lived in the past. Its a great reference for the American history.
June 17, 2009
Lafayette was a spontaneous French man who left his 14 year old bride to find adventure in America fighting for George Washington. He came back to France and his young wife full of the American spirit and tried to influence his own country's leaders to create a democratic government. He wasn't successful in convincing the revolutionaries. They put him in jail. He wasn't able to convince Napoleon, he was too selfish. His story was such an interesting paradox between the two countries. It was fascinating to watch him try so hard to convince people of what a great idea the Americans had in setting up their country. I would recommend this book to anyone who loves America. However, I do not think a child younger than 12 would be able to get through the middle section on the Revolutionary War battles.
For only 77 pages, this book covers a lot of ground.
For only 77 pages, this book covers a lot of ground.
October 22, 2010
When I toured Monticello, Montpelier, and Mount Vernon, all the guides relayed stories of our founding fathers and Lafayette. I simply had to learn more about him and his relationships with our early presidents. This book fit the bill.
Why Not, Lafayette? is a lively account of [to quote the back cover] "A man who threw off the boundaries imposed upon him to stand up for what he believed was right, the Marquis de Lafayette grew from an idealistic young man searching for honor and glory, into an idealistic statesman with rock-solid principles of liberty."
I enjoyed learning this interesting piece of American history.
Why Not, Lafayette? is a lively account of [to quote the back cover] "A man who threw off the boundaries imposed upon him to stand up for what he believed was right, the Marquis de Lafayette grew from an idealistic young man searching for honor and glory, into an idealistic statesman with rock-solid principles of liberty."
I enjoyed learning this interesting piece of American history.
April 21, 2011
Although it was a bit slow at the start, Why Not, Lafayette? proved to be a worth while read. This lovely little novella gives insight on Lafayette's greatest impacts on history as well as some insight on who he was as a person. It was very interesting, especially the chapters about his involvement in French liberty.
The only times it fell short were when his battles were described. Battles are not as exciting if they are plainly put into words, but Lafayette's actions in later chapters proved to be a delightful read.
The only times it fell short were when his battles were described. Battles are not as exciting if they are plainly put into words, but Lafayette's actions in later chapters proved to be a delightful read.
November 4, 2013
I finished this book quickly, and I loved reading every word! This was an easy read, and a fun one as well. I learned so much about Lafayette, and I actually cried at a couple of very heartwarming parts. The author is funny, concise, and all-around entertaining--something more history writers could benefit from!
April 27, 2013
Loved the illustrations and the details about Lafayette's life. As a book for children/students, there were some parts/terms that would be confusing, and could have been explained better. But still a good, informative read!
April 9, 2014
An informative account about the Marquis de Lafayette and his contributions to the American Revolution. It's a short book my son who is a 13 year old history buff enjoyed it. My 9 year old daughter not so much. I recommend this book for older kids.
May 14, 2016
This isn't as compelling as some of Jean Fritz's work, but it is very readable and full of information. The inclusion of excerpted letters and speeches is really cool to see in a children's book--and young Lafayette is very enjoyable in those letters.
December 17, 2016
Great book for kids. Most towns named "Fayette" are named for him and his name is on many historical sites--however he was a French citizen. This was a quick read to help you understand his important influence on the United States.
July 3, 2007
This is a kid's book but it gives a good synopsis of Lafayette in France and does it in an engaging way.
May 16, 2009
I used this book for my project and my partner and I basically used it for all our resources.
So to all those wanting to know about Lafayette, read this book!!!
So to all those wanting to know about Lafayette, read this book!!!
May 15, 2011
Lafayette was an amazing person, and I think that this book portrayed his character well. He was very brave and courageous.
June 15, 2011
Great book.
February 7, 2012
Lafayette may be my new hero.
February 14, 2012
Although Lafayette was a Frenchman, it is not a misnomer to place him in a series called Unforgettable Americans.
September 1, 2016
I actually read this on my own - not to Bea - and found it fascinating! I really love the "level" at which she writes history. It is perfect for my old brain I guess! :-)
August 14, 2016
Great little book-not too short or too long. Enjoyable to read.
April 4, 2016
An easy read and a quick way to learn about Lafayette. Some of the information about him (he named his son George Washington de Lafayette because he adored him so much?!?) astounds me! So cool!
September 18, 2021
Biography of Lafayette that covers his entire life, including his presence in France during the July Revolution of 1830 until his death in 1834.
December 18, 2016
I genuinely enjoyed this book. It was rich in history but told in a way that was engaging.
January 29, 2018
America’s favorite fighting Frenchman!
April 6, 2018
Very, very nice illustrations.
June 14, 2022
This was the first book I read on Lafayette, that finally answered all my questions that grew more and more as I visited Virginia from Texas.
Then we made a trip to Colonial Williamsburg in Virginia from Texas, where we got to actually meet Lafayette. He actually looked like the man on the cover of this book, and shared exactly the same story (yet the interpreter actor did not use this book for his research).
That's saying a lot for Fritz's book, written for elementary age children.
Learn all about America's friend from France, the Marquis de Lafayette.
Then we made a trip to Colonial Williamsburg in Virginia from Texas, where we got to actually meet Lafayette. He actually looked like the man on the cover of this book, and shared exactly the same story (yet the interpreter actor did not use this book for his research).
That's saying a lot for Fritz's book, written for elementary age children.
Learn all about America's friend from France, the Marquis de Lafayette.
June 15, 2020
I have always been a massive history nerd, and Jean Fritz is a large part of that reason. When I discovered her books as a tween on library shelves, I immediately scarfed down EVERYTHING available by her. She made history exciting and believable and even humorous at times in an easy to read way, a way that kids and grown ups alike can enjoy.
September 23, 2021
I have read a few Jean Fritz books lately, and I really enjoy her writing style. I was interested to learn more about Lafayette because I knew next to nothing about him. There was one part in this book that felt like it dragged just a little bit, when Lafayette was being welcomed in various American cities, but overall it was a very interesting book about a very interesting man.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews