Bound To Stay Bound

Booklist - 11/15/2019 This book opens dramatically, with Alexander Hamilton and Aaron Burr leveling their pistols at each other, and then backs up more than 40 years to Hamilton’s childhood on the Caribbean island of Nevis. An intelligent, hard-working lad, he overcame poverty, hardships, and social disadvantages to obtain an education. Sent to study at King’s College in New York in 1773, he supported the patriot’s cause and fought in the Continental Army, where he later joined Washington’s staff. Adler discusses Hamilton’s role in persuading citizens to adopt the Constitution, in setting up the national bank, and in urging the enforcement of federal taxation. After explaining the political enmity between Hamilton and Burr, the book concludes with the story of their duel. While this volume has a longer text than many picture-book biographies, that’s what allows the writer to establish who Hamilton was, what he did, and why it mattered. The accomplished illustrations, created with Prismacolor pencils and Painter software, capture the period well and include many details for children to discover. An informative picture-book biography. - Copyright 2019 Booklist.