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Alexander Hamilton: The Fighting Founding Father!
A fascinating and entertaining biography of Alexander Hamilton, in graphic novel format.
Alexander The Fighting Founding Father! tells the story of one of the most ambitious and controversial figures in American history in a graphic novel format. From a rough childhood on the Caribbean island of Nevis to the highest levels of American politics, Alexander Hamilton’s life was filled with adventure, conflict, and controversy. Full-color illustrations and an entertaining narrative make this graphical biography of America’s first Secretary of the Treasury accessible for readers of all ages.
Alexander The Fighting Founding Father! tells the story of one of the most ambitious and controversial figures in American history in a graphic novel format. From a rough childhood on the Caribbean island of Nevis to the highest levels of American politics, Alexander Hamilton’s life was filled with adventure, conflict, and controversy. Full-color illustrations and an entertaining narrative make this graphical biography of America’s first Secretary of the Treasury accessible for readers of all ages.
96 pages, Hardcover
Published March 26, 2019
8 people are currently reading
74 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
November 16, 2020
Obviously this is an over simplification of the man and history but it is an entertaining overview (or review) for young history students. My 11 year old son read it in one sitting so that always wins at least one extra star in my book.
January 9, 2021
Upper elementary/middle school appropriate bio of the founding father. Some previous understanding of the events, people, US government, and time period is helpful.
April 16, 2019
This graphic novel follows an overview of Hamilton's life, his service in the Revolutionary War, and his involvement in constructing the financial laws of the new American government.
It's difficult to squeeze an entire life into 96 pages, and I thought the balance of story-telling could have been better. Interesting parts of Hamilton's military career were skimmed over, and a lot more time was dedicated to his political battles to establish a federal government with a national currency, etc... I thought the book would have been more engaging if they had spent slightly less time on the politics, since it doesn't have as much action.
The art style is cartoony and bright, with a lot of funny details in the background. The art is unpolished, and I think it could have been a little more refined. But still, it's cute, and the panels have lots of energy.
I was interested to see that this biography doesn't ignore the ugly things in Hamilton's, like his sad family past and his cheating on his wife. The book mentions them briefly, and even makes jokes about them, then moves quickly to the next subject. I don't think it's appropriate to make a joke in a children's book about adultery, but I do think it's good that they include Hamilton's faults to show that he was not a perfect person, maybe not even a good person. The subjects weren't badly handled, but they weren't exactly handled well either.
There are several little historical jokes that are hidden in the artwork and text. For instance, there are posters on the wall of the Pennsylvania State House (where Congress wrote the Declaration of Independence) that say "Silence!" and a poster of Ben Franklin saying, "Do Good!". It's a joke about the Silence Dogood letters that Ben Franklin wrote and published in a newspaper. But if you didn't already know that little tidbit of history, the joke would fly right past you.
So there were a few things in the book that didn't make sense to me, because I guess I just don't remember those little anecdotes from history. For instance, young Theodosia Burr asks her father for a glass of water. This is odd because she has very few bits of dialogue in the book. She's a very minor character. So why waste an entire panel on a little girl asking for water? I had to look her up to find out that she was lost as sea later on when she was 29. So I suppose it's funny to reference water in connection with her? Doesn't seem that funny. More like tragic. Or maybe it's a reference to her father's Manhattan Water Works company that served as a front for his new bank? That might make more sense.
I enjoyed reading this sketch of Hamilton's life, but I think it could have been better organized. I think they were trying to cram so much information into a small amount of space that it didn't flow as smoothly as it could have. Still a good book for ages 7-17.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book via Media Masters Publicity in exchange for a free and honest review. All the opinions stated here are my own true thoughts and are not influenced by anyone.
It's difficult to squeeze an entire life into 96 pages, and I thought the balance of story-telling could have been better. Interesting parts of Hamilton's military career were skimmed over, and a lot more time was dedicated to his political battles to establish a federal government with a national currency, etc... I thought the book would have been more engaging if they had spent slightly less time on the politics, since it doesn't have as much action.
The art style is cartoony and bright, with a lot of funny details in the background. The art is unpolished, and I think it could have been a little more refined. But still, it's cute, and the panels have lots of energy.
I was interested to see that this biography doesn't ignore the ugly things in Hamilton's, like his sad family past and his cheating on his wife. The book mentions them briefly, and even makes jokes about them, then moves quickly to the next subject. I don't think it's appropriate to make a joke in a children's book about adultery, but I do think it's good that they include Hamilton's faults to show that he was not a perfect person, maybe not even a good person. The subjects weren't badly handled, but they weren't exactly handled well either.
There are several little historical jokes that are hidden in the artwork and text. For instance, there are posters on the wall of the Pennsylvania State House (where Congress wrote the Declaration of Independence) that say "Silence!" and a poster of Ben Franklin saying, "Do Good!". It's a joke about the Silence Dogood letters that Ben Franklin wrote and published in a newspaper. But if you didn't already know that little tidbit of history, the joke would fly right past you.
So there were a few things in the book that didn't make sense to me, because I guess I just don't remember those little anecdotes from history. For instance, young Theodosia Burr asks her father for a glass of water. This is odd because she has very few bits of dialogue in the book. She's a very minor character. So why waste an entire panel on a little girl asking for water? I had to look her up to find out that she was lost as sea later on when she was 29. So I suppose it's funny to reference water in connection with her? Doesn't seem that funny. More like tragic. Or maybe it's a reference to her father's Manhattan Water Works company that served as a front for his new bank? That might make more sense.
I enjoyed reading this sketch of Hamilton's life, but I think it could have been better organized. I think they were trying to cram so much information into a small amount of space that it didn't flow as smoothly as it could have. Still a good book for ages 7-17.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book via Media Masters Publicity in exchange for a free and honest review. All the opinions stated here are my own true thoughts and are not influenced by anyone.
December 23, 2020
This would have been hard to follow, if you were not already familiar with the history. The Nathan Hale series is much better.
May 11, 2019
Readers can follow along with Lady Liberty and Uncle Sam as they walk readers through history sharing the story of Alexander Hamilton.
Readers who are fans of comics will love going back in time to review the story of Alexander Hamilton’s journey and how he helped write the United States Constitution. From his hardtimes in his early childhood until the last moments of his life following a duel with Vice President Aaron Burr readers will learn about how he became an activist, war hero and an attorney. Illustrated boxes with speech and thought balloons keep the storyline short and sweet but still provide plenty of information to get the reader engaged in the history of events. Side-bar commentary is shared with images of Lady Liberty along with Uncle Sam, presented in a modern perspective, sharing little known facts for readers to absorb.
Readers will love the illustrations that perfectly capture the emotion of the time. Vividly colorful and extremely detailed this graphic novel is a plus for students who aren’t fans of non-fiction. Readers will be able to spend time on each page to take in all of the details and hints for a better understanding of the story. Parents and teachers can use this tool to engage students, teach history, capture the eye of the non-reader and discuss accomplishments, trials and tribulations of a Founding Father. The back pages contain a glossary, resources, a timeline and more information about an important man in United States history.
Readers who are fans of comics will love going back in time to review the story of Alexander Hamilton’s journey and how he helped write the United States Constitution. From his hardtimes in his early childhood until the last moments of his life following a duel with Vice President Aaron Burr readers will learn about how he became an activist, war hero and an attorney. Illustrated boxes with speech and thought balloons keep the storyline short and sweet but still provide plenty of information to get the reader engaged in the history of events. Side-bar commentary is shared with images of Lady Liberty along with Uncle Sam, presented in a modern perspective, sharing little known facts for readers to absorb.
Readers will love the illustrations that perfectly capture the emotion of the time. Vividly colorful and extremely detailed this graphic novel is a plus for students who aren’t fans of non-fiction. Readers will be able to spend time on each page to take in all of the details and hints for a better understanding of the story. Parents and teachers can use this tool to engage students, teach history, capture the eye of the non-reader and discuss accomplishments, trials and tribulations of a Founding Father. The back pages contain a glossary, resources, a timeline and more information about an important man in United States history.
February 10, 2021
I read this with my 4th and 1st grade sons to give them a bit of a picture of the Revolutionary War. A lot of it was way over their heads, and I was even having a hard time following along, even though I already knew some of Hamilton's story. I do like this series, though, and plan to read more of them.
August 27, 2021
I enjoy having a more balanced presentation of the men who created the framework for our nation's government. These men were not saints. They were complex individuals, living in tumultuous times, working to create a new kind of government. Although I didn't realize how far men would go (in that time period) to protect their sense of "honor."
January 27, 2025
⭐⭐
I found this book while browsing through the library. I was looking for a Nathan Hale book when I found this. I thought it looked interesting and I started reading it. There are some funny parts, but I have a feeling that it was a copy of the Nathan Hale books. It was very boring, and the narrators made it even less interesting. Sometimes, it made no sense.
I found this book while browsing through the library. I was looking for a Nathan Hale book when I found this. I thought it looked interesting and I started reading it. There are some funny parts, but I have a feeling that it was a copy of the Nathan Hale books. It was very boring, and the narrators made it even less interesting. Sometimes, it made no sense.
August 20, 2019
Nicely done. Shulman managed to include a decent number of facts I didn't already know, which impressed and pleased me. Kids who love the musical should enjoy this a lot (even with the rather lame attempts to reference the show).
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February 20, 2024This book is ok the pace is drug out a little bit but it is a good book.my favorite event in this novel is when they go to battle and fight.The book has a great writing style i even love all the pictures in the book they help show what is going one.
September 5, 2025
I may have learned a few things here or there, but overall I felt the author was just trying to portray all the finding fathers as villainous in one way or another. I don't like how the statue of Liberty character sometimes has attitude.
September 28, 2025
Graphic novel about Alexander Hamilton. Information is condensed and told in an accessible format. I had this as part of my classroom library; I had hoped the popularity of Hamilton the musical would be an added draw.
This will be placed in a Little Free Library.
This will be placed in a Little Free Library.
April 19, 2019
I would personally give this a one star, but my kids liked it, so I've giving it two. Read my full review here: https://agoodreid.blogspot.com/2019/0...
February 11, 2021
History. Ugggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggh!
B-
B-
May 9, 2021
Very disjointed history of Alexander Hamilton, especially when discussing the war, his arguments for a stronger national government and his dispute with Aaron Burr.
April 26, 2023
I love that this was told in a fun, clever, and engaging way for teens. I enjoyed this.
January 3, 2019
Excellent brief yet comprehensive history of this important time in history and important person. Corrects some of the impressions left by the musical.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews