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Who Was . . . ? Series
Who Was Alexander Hamilton?
Read the story of the Founding Father who inspired the smash Broadway musical.Born in the British West Indies and orphaned as a child, Alexander Hamilton made his way to the American Colonies and studied to become a lawyer. He joined a local militia during the American Revolution, rose to the rank of Major General, and became the chief aide to General George Washington. After the war, he became the first U.S. Secretary of the Treasury. He founded the Bank of New York and The New York Post newspaper. He served as a delegate to the Constitutional Convention and is also celebrated as a co-author of The Federalist Papers, a series of essays that are still used today to interpret the U.S. Constitution.The end of his life became a national scandal when he was shot and killed in a duel with then-Vice President Aaron Burr.
112 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 20, 2017
343 people are currently reading
697 people want to read
About the author
Pam Pollack
71 books37 followersPamela Pollack is a writer/editor/compiler of children's and young adult books.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 167 reviews
December 19, 2017
I am the Al-ex-an-d-er...Not going to throw away/my shot!
Ok, oh my goodness. I read this because of the musical, and the whole time I was reading this the songs were running in the background through my head. Makes for entertaining reading I have to say.
Ok, oh my goodness. I read this because of the musical, and the whole time I was reading this the songs were running in the background through my head. Makes for entertaining reading I have to say.
March 10, 2018
4.25 The perfect read for anyone who wants a solid general history of Hamilton without having to read a thousand page biography. There are obviously some holes, but students will really enjoy. Hamilton's life journey from family deprived immigrant to one of the most important figures in U.S. Hisotry has the potential to be inspirational for readers.
August 15, 2019
Because Cate and I are going to see Hamilton in early September, my goal this summer was to read Ron Chernow's 818-page biography that inspired Lin-Manual Miranda to write the musical in the first place. I got it from the library in June and kept it (renewed it) for weeks. I didn't even open the cover!! So, Plan B was to buy and read Pam Pollack's "Who Was Alexander Hamilton?" Once again, I can't say enough about these little books. They are the perfect concise picture of a person or event. Now I am ready for the show, including listening to the soundtrack on a loop!
January 31, 2025
I read this to get a basic summary of Hamilton’s life before I see the musical next month! I love this children’s book series for when I want to learn about historical people or events. Wow, duels were dumb and the Hamiltons sucked at them. 🤔
June 12, 2024
I loved the Hamilton musical so much!! This was a great way to know more history!!!
January 2, 2021
It was great book altogether. It was very informal and included a lot about the main character of the best musical ever!
February 23, 2018
"The enormous influence of Alexander Hamilton is still felt today. We continue to rely on the banking system that he established. . . . . . The Federalist Papers, Alexander's brilliant framework for how the US government should be run, is still quoted by our Supreme Court justices."
What a remarkable framer of our constitution, military leader, trusted confidante, friend and father. It's rather remarkable that an orphaned young man, raised in the West Indies, could leave such a legacy! His tragic ending shocked our young America and resonates among historians, until this day.
What a remarkable framer of our constitution, military leader, trusted confidante, friend and father. It's rather remarkable that an orphaned young man, raised in the West Indies, could leave such a legacy! His tragic ending shocked our young America and resonates among historians, until this day.
December 7, 2020
I'm going to admit it, I am obsessed with the musical "Hamilton" right now. I decided to purchase this book for the kids at our library (and me) to learn a little more about Hamilton. It is very good, and I will be recommending it. I love this series! It is good for little kiddos and adults.
November 25, 2017
Good, short outline of Alexander Hamilton's life and why he was important to the founding of the United States.
August 9, 2018
Excellent book about Alexander Hamilton’s life for young readers. I highly recommend it!
September 9, 2018
This book was a very interesting read. Until now, I was not curious about Hamilton's life.
July 8, 2020
I recommend this series to young readers. It gives a nice overview and interesting facts.
May 6, 2025
Good. My family is preparing for a DC trip but I won't require this one because we're so familiar with the musical, and most of what was in this book is in the musical.
April 15, 2019
Getting ready for Hamilton, which I am seeing in London in a month with Walker.
July 15, 2020
I started watching the Hamilton musical on Disney+, but didn't really understand what was going on, so I read this and now I'll go and watch the musical again and I can hopefully understand it better.
The way he died was crazy, and kind of ironic in a way, but I won't spoil it for people who don't know anything about him.
Recommended ages 10\11 & up.
The way he died was crazy, and kind of ironic in a way, but I won't spoil it for people who don't know anything about him.
Recommended ages 10\11 & up.
July 14, 2020
Probably closer to 3.5. I listened to a fact laden audiobook narrated by a monotone voice. Packed full of information and I learned a lot about the history of that period. Saves a lot of time because it’s short. But I can’t say I got a true sense of the man.
March 26, 2022
This series of books are phenomenal for providing children with biographies that are engaging and easy to read. Specifically, this biography on Alexander Hamilton provides many key details about his life and also about the American Revolution. It begins with describing his childhood and upbringing then later goes on to tell about how he ended up in New York and in the positions he held in the militia during the war, as a lawyer, and as the secretary to George Washington. The author of the book does a great job seamlessly blending the life of Alexander Hamilton with the key details from the American Revolution. In addition to highlighting these key points and details, the text includes many illustrations that aid in comprehending the text. Also included are a timeline of his life and a timeline of other important world events that is easy to follow.
This book is one that is more appropriate for upper elementary (3rd grade and up) to read independently but can also be used as a read-aloud for lower grades, mainly the second and third grade. This is a great book for students to read in the genre of autobiography because it not only gives descriptions of the life of Alexander Hamilton, but it is also informative about the American Revolution which builds the background knowledge of students on this topic and also can be used to easily tie into a social studies lesson. Therefore in the classroom, one of the main ways I would use this book would be in a lesson or unit on the Revolutionary War. I think that it’s a great one to tie literacy into social studies and I think I would use it as a read aloud for students to learn more about a significant figure during the American Revolution and to also learn about the war itself. This would also be a good book for them to work on describing the relationships between events in a text, in this case specifically historical events. I would have students brainstorm how certain events in Alexander Hamilton’s life contributed to the main events in American history that were talked about. I could also use it to teach about timelines and have them make a timeline of their own lives and compare it to one in the book. With a text such as this, there are many possibilities for using it in instruction, but it is a must for teaching about the American Revolution.
This book is one that is more appropriate for upper elementary (3rd grade and up) to read independently but can also be used as a read-aloud for lower grades, mainly the second and third grade. This is a great book for students to read in the genre of autobiography because it not only gives descriptions of the life of Alexander Hamilton, but it is also informative about the American Revolution which builds the background knowledge of students on this topic and also can be used to easily tie into a social studies lesson. Therefore in the classroom, one of the main ways I would use this book would be in a lesson or unit on the Revolutionary War. I think that it’s a great one to tie literacy into social studies and I think I would use it as a read aloud for students to learn more about a significant figure during the American Revolution and to also learn about the war itself. This would also be a good book for them to work on describing the relationships between events in a text, in this case specifically historical events. I would have students brainstorm how certain events in Alexander Hamilton’s life contributed to the main events in American history that were talked about. I could also use it to teach about timelines and have them make a timeline of their own lives and compare it to one in the book. With a text such as this, there are many possibilities for using it in instruction, but it is a must for teaching about the American Revolution.
May 1, 2018
As a descendent of Aaron Burr, I must say I would much rather be descended from Alexander Hamilton. Burr is most famous for his shooting Hamilton in a duel, BUT this VP under Thomas Jefferson, did other despicable things, as this book admits. Hamilton, on the other hand, led a very admirable life. Orphaned, destitute, and miles from the American Colonies on the small British island, Nevis, he achieved success despite all these set backs in life.
Born to unwed parents was such a disgrace, he was not allowed to attend school, and was tutored at home till his mother died when he was 12. Dad had left the family the prior year, and Alex was taken in by a rich merchant, who noted his mathematical prowess and by age 14 he was left in charge of the shipping business.
In 1772 a terrible hurricane hit and Alex wrote a dramatic description that was published in the local paper. It impressed so many islanders that they took up a collection to send this poor orphaned young man to the colonies where he could be educated in a prestigious college.
He married well, earned his law degree and had eight children. He became a dedicated patriot and later a war hero before becoming Secretary of Treasury. He lost his oldest child Phillip, 19, to a duel, and the next year, Alexander lost his own life the same way. Both father and son lost their lives defending their "honor", when they had been disrespected for trying to right wrongs.
Alexander had discovered Aaron Burr siphoning money off a fund he had to bring New Yorkers fresh water, and other dishonest endeavors. Quarrels and name calling over whether to have a national federal banking system brought tempers to a high pitch...and thus the rest is history.
Born to unwed parents was such a disgrace, he was not allowed to attend school, and was tutored at home till his mother died when he was 12. Dad had left the family the prior year, and Alex was taken in by a rich merchant, who noted his mathematical prowess and by age 14 he was left in charge of the shipping business.
In 1772 a terrible hurricane hit and Alex wrote a dramatic description that was published in the local paper. It impressed so many islanders that they took up a collection to send this poor orphaned young man to the colonies where he could be educated in a prestigious college.
He married well, earned his law degree and had eight children. He became a dedicated patriot and later a war hero before becoming Secretary of Treasury. He lost his oldest child Phillip, 19, to a duel, and the next year, Alexander lost his own life the same way. Both father and son lost their lives defending their "honor", when they had been disrespected for trying to right wrongs.
Alexander had discovered Aaron Burr siphoning money off a fund he had to bring New Yorkers fresh water, and other dishonest endeavors. Quarrels and name calling over whether to have a national federal banking system brought tempers to a high pitch...and thus the rest is history.
April 4, 2018
I listened to the audiobook in one afternoon.
I was looking for a book on Hamilton for my sons, 9 and 13, to read with the idea they could better understand the music and meaning of the Broadway show and hopefully go see it. I initially chose another book called The Duel: The Parallel Lives of Alexander Hamilton and Aaron Burr because it recounts the stories of both main characters (of the show). Reading that however proved to be challenging. It read like a long middle school book report. My 9 year-old quit after the first chapter. My 13 year-old made it about halfway through, very reluctantly.
So, I sought out another book and landed on this one. It listed lots of facts too, somewhat like a report, but overall I did find it more likable. In all fairness though , I LISTENED to this book, so it could be the effect of the upbeat narration. There was a decent bit of information on Aaron Burr in this book also.
Overall, this is a good primer on Hamilton aimed at a young audience but just as appropriate for an adult who might want the skinny before seeing the big show!
I was looking for a book on Hamilton for my sons, 9 and 13, to read with the idea they could better understand the music and meaning of the Broadway show and hopefully go see it. I initially chose another book called The Duel: The Parallel Lives of Alexander Hamilton and Aaron Burr because it recounts the stories of both main characters (of the show). Reading that however proved to be challenging. It read like a long middle school book report. My 9 year-old quit after the first chapter. My 13 year-old made it about halfway through, very reluctantly.
So, I sought out another book and landed on this one. It listed lots of facts too, somewhat like a report, but overall I did find it more likable. In all fairness though , I LISTENED to this book, so it could be the effect of the upbeat narration. There was a decent bit of information on Aaron Burr in this book also.
Overall, this is a good primer on Hamilton aimed at a young audience but just as appropriate for an adult who might want the skinny before seeing the big show!
February 17, 2020
Ok, so Alexander Hamilton was born in Nevis, British west indies. At the young age of 13 his mother dies. 5 years later He is sailing to America to start a new life. 2 years later after coming to America he joins the continental army. At the age of 25 he is married to Elizabeth Schuyler. 2 years later he has his first son, Philip at new York. Then he opems a law practice in new York and only a year after he founds the bank of NY. His son dies in 1801 and he has another son named Philip. Only three years after his first son dies he dies in a duel with Aaron Burr.
I really liked this book it was a easy read and very informational. I really liked how it told a lot of personal things with it. The things I thought this book did good was that it was really informational and I really liked the format of the book its self. The only thing I wish was in the book was pictures to describe what it was talking about more. I would recommend this to a person who like biographies and a person who likes to read about history.
I really liked this book it was a easy read and very informational. I really liked how it told a lot of personal things with it. The things I thought this book did good was that it was really informational and I really liked the format of the book its self. The only thing I wish was in the book was pictures to describe what it was talking about more. I would recommend this to a person who like biographies and a person who likes to read about history.
December 31, 2024
I may be one of the last people on the planet who has not seen Hamilton the musical. Yeah, yeah, yeah, I know I need to watch it and learn the soundtrack by heart like the rest of the people in my orbit. So, what did I do instead? I picked up the Who HQ book instead and brushed up on the man who was never president but held a seat at the table of the Founding Fathers.
As with all the Who HQ books I’ve read (and I’ve only read a handful), this was a wonderfully concise biography with interesting inset stories, helpful timelines, and a bibliography. I continue to be a huge advocate for this series as it is a great gateway for young readers to not only grow their knowledge of people, places, and events but also to be introduced to the genres of autobiographies, biographies, and memoirs.
As with all the Who HQ books I’ve read (and I’ve only read a handful), this was a wonderfully concise biography with interesting inset stories, helpful timelines, and a bibliography. I continue to be a huge advocate for this series as it is a great gateway for young readers to not only grow their knowledge of people, places, and events but also to be introduced to the genres of autobiographies, biographies, and memoirs.
September 20, 2017
This summer I checked out Chernow's Alexander Hamilton from the ICPL. The book was Lin-Manuel Miranda's inspiration for his musical Hamilton. I looked at that book for the entire checkout period and was so intimidated I didn't even open it.
And while everyone is going crazy over Hamilton, I am showing my lack of history once again and admitting I know nothing about him.
I still don't know a lot, but this Who Was Alexander Hamilton book, geared towards 3rd-6th graders, gave me a simple foundation onto which I can (hopefully) read more.
Kids really do seem to like these Who Was... books. They remind me a little bit of the Value Tales from the 70s and 80s. I learned about Louis Pasteur, Margaret Mead, and Cochise from reading the Value Tales.
And while everyone is going crazy over Hamilton, I am showing my lack of history once again and admitting I know nothing about him.
I still don't know a lot, but this Who Was Alexander Hamilton book, geared towards 3rd-6th graders, gave me a simple foundation onto which I can (hopefully) read more.
Kids really do seem to like these Who Was... books. They remind me a little bit of the Value Tales from the 70s and 80s. I learned about Louis Pasteur, Margaret Mead, and Cochise from reading the Value Tales.
February 23, 2021
We checked out this book and listened to it on audio. The narrator's voice was clear and easy to understand. The narrator had just the right amount of seriousness and playfulness in his voice. He
Reviews from the children (boy and girl ages 8 and 10)
"We give this a 4.5 out 5 stars. This book was very interesting and had a lot of action. A lot of bad things happened to him as a kid and I liked how he was able to overcome those things. It was very surprising to learn that he was a gifted writer. It was very surprising to learn that he helped to write George Washington's final speech to the nation."
Things they both remember learning from this book.
Alexander Hamilton was seperated from his family a lot.
He was wedded to Eliza.
He was George Washington's trusted advisor.
He was a talented writer.
He died in a duel.
Reviews from the children (boy and girl ages 8 and 10)
"We give this a 4.5 out 5 stars. This book was very interesting and had a lot of action. A lot of bad things happened to him as a kid and I liked how he was able to overcome those things. It was very surprising to learn that he was a gifted writer. It was very surprising to learn that he helped to write George Washington's final speech to the nation."
Things they both remember learning from this book.
Alexander Hamilton was seperated from his family a lot.
He was wedded to Eliza.
He was George Washington's trusted advisor.
He was a talented writer.
He died in a duel.
August 1, 2022
I love the musical Hamilton, but it's not the reason I read this book. My son and I are learning about American History and have been reading these "Who Was" "What Was" series. We have been reading about the presidents, their wives, and the different documents written.
Alexander was born in the West Indies and came to America after losing his parents. He studied to become a lawyer and became a trusted friend of George Washington. He was the first secretary of the treasury and a Founding Father to the USA.
He died as his oldest son did, a gunshot wound by dueling. Aaron Burr shot him even though Alexander did not aim at him. Who knows what more wonderful acts Alexander would have accomplished if he lived longer. He was an accomplished man.
We love these books!
Alexander was born in the West Indies and came to America after losing his parents. He studied to become a lawyer and became a trusted friend of George Washington. He was the first secretary of the treasury and a Founding Father to the USA.
He died as his oldest son did, a gunshot wound by dueling. Aaron Burr shot him even though Alexander did not aim at him. Who knows what more wonderful acts Alexander would have accomplished if he lived longer. He was an accomplished man.
We love these books!
August 10, 2017
A lower-level version of the Kanefield middle grade/YA story and then obviously a companion to the Chernow adult biography on Alexander Hamilton. I continue to adore the Who Was/Is series because they very gently explain everything that was Alexander Hamilton- how he died (tragically after being shot in the hip by Aaron Burr during a duel- a duel where his son, just a few years before lost HIS LIFE in a duel too (but not with Burr, but lesson NOT learned). It was about his upbringing and his can-do attitude. It was about his willingness to do anything for a country he believed in.
Thoroughly enjoyed it!
Thoroughly enjoyed it!
June 25, 2019
I read this because I teach 7th grade ELA and wanted to check out a few in this series since I have a ton in my classroom library. The most frustrating part is that it is marked at a reading level 6.1 (according to Accelerated Reader) and most novels on any AYA (and adult) shelves are only marked at the 5th grade range. This book is actually extremely easy - the writing would be easy to understand for most 4th graders in my opinion. The information was very basic, but I could see it being an interesting read for any of my students. I just didn’t enjoy reading it. (I’d rather listen to the Hamilton soundtrack!)
September 7, 2017
These "big head" biographies go out of my library constantly. When kids asked for books to support their interest in Lin Manuel Miranda's hip-hop play, I purchased this one. While it's no Ron Chernow (which I'm also reading now), it is a pretty decent overview of Hamilton's life. Sort of the Executive Summary of Chernow. Kids seem to love how these books select important people (everyone from Jesus to Richard Branson) and give them a straightforward accounting. Great for kids in grades 2 and up who love an interesting story about a guy who mattered.
July 4, 2018
The Who Was…? biography series are perfect for elementary or intermediate age students interested learning about the featured person for an assignment or just for an exciting read. The afterward portion in this edition has a timeline on one side showing key events in Alexander Hamilton's life and the opposite page shows worldwide key events during the same time period. Making for an interesting comparison and will help readers get a better feel for what else was happening at those times; a cool extra feature I haven't seen in many books.
February 7, 2019
These books are geared toward kids, but they are fun for adults to read too when you just want to learn a bit about a historical character. My daughter has been listening to the “Hamilton” music a lot, so I got this book for her, so she could get the “real story” about Hamilton. It glosses over some of Hamilton’s failings, like his extramarital affair, but still gives a good overview of a very interesting life. It is notable that back then, things were hyper-partisan, perhaps as much as they are today. I was also impressed by how mature people were at such a young age in those times.
November 2, 2019
As with most of the books in this series, Who Was Alexander Hamilton does a good job of presenting an overview if the life and accomplishments of one of our Founders. The author details Alexander Hamilton birth and early years growing up in the Caribbean and immigrating to America as it began its drive for independence. He was instrumental in setting up the initial structures for our monetary system. Unfortunately, his life was cut short when he was killed in a dual with Aaron Burr. Who knows what additional contributions to establishing a strong and secure country died with him.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 167 reviews