Aaron and Alexander: The Most Famous Duel in American History

by Don Brown (Author)

Reading Level: 2nd − 3rd Grade

The most famous duel in American history dramatized by leading nonfiction picture book illustrator, Don Brown.

Aaron Burr and Alexander Hamilton were both fierce patriots during the Revolutionary War, but the politics of the young United States of America put them in constant conflict. Their extraordinary story of bitter fighting and resentment culminates in their famous duel. For young patriots who may not yet know the shocking and tragic story, Aaron and Alexander captures the spirit of these two great men who so valiantly served their country and ultimately allowed their pride and ego to cause their demise.

Select format:
Hardcover
$19.99

School Library Journal

Starred Review

Gr 3-5--Brown has taken on a formidable task in trying to present this controversial incident in American history to a picture book audience. Brown begins by describing the childhoods of Aaron Burr and Alexander Hamilton, emphasizing the parallels between their lives. Both were orphans, and both were extremely intelligent, entering prestigious universities at early ages. They even had similar nicknames, Little Burr and Little Lion. Both fought the British in New York and survived the winter at Valley Forge. Their political paths diverged after the American victory over the British, and the public vilification of Burr by Hamilton over a period of years finally prompted Burr to challenge Hamilton to a duel. At this point, history becomes fuzzy, as Brown details in his author's note ("The truth is forever lost to time."). Brown tells this troubling tale succinctly, capturing the drama and ultimate tragedy of the situation. His signature ink and watercolor illustrations support the text and reflect the historical period. VERDICT There is almost nothing on this piece of history for this age group, and young history buffs will appreciate this offering. Buy where there is potential interest.--Grace Oliff, Ann Blanche Smith School, Hillsdale, NJ

Copyright 2015 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Publishers Weekly

In a compact yet conversational narrative, Brown (Mack Made Movie) draws multiple parallels between statesmen Burr and Hamilton while highlighting the pointlessness of the duel that bound them. Both were orphaned at a young age, diligent students, short in stature (yet long on courage fighting in the Revolutionary War), and became lawyers in New York City. The cordiality between Burr and Hamilton ended when the two "found themselves in opposing political camps" as the new republic took shape. Brown's vagueness about their ideological differences leaves a blank that might perplex some readers, yet he makes their divergent political personas clear. Hotheaded Hamilton's smear campaign on crowd-pleaser Burr's character contributed to Burr's loss to Thomas Jefferson in the 1800 presidential election, and eventually led to the duel that cost Hamilton his life. Despite his relaxed storytelling, Brown's loose, minimally detailed watercolors convey the emotions that governed each man's personality, as well as the tumult of the nascent nation. Especially dramatic is a close-up image of both duelers pulling the trigger, with an almost audible "BANG!" appearing below each hand. Ages 5-7. Agent: Angela Miller, Miller Agency. (Oct.)

Copyright 2015 Publishers Weekly, LLC Used with permission.

Review quotes

"Brown tells this troubling tale succinctly, capturing the drama and ultimate tragedy of the situation." —School Library Journal

"Brown's loose, minimally detailed watercolors convey the emotions that governed each man's personality, as well as the tumult of the nascent nation." —Publisher's Weekly

Don Brown

Don Brown is a YALSA Excellence in Nonfiction- and Sibert Honor award-winning creator of nonfiction teen graphic novels. Praised for his resonant storytelling and evocative, delicate watercolor paintings, Brown "has put the finishing touches on the standards for storyographies, says School Library Journal. He lives in New York.
www.booksbybrown.com
Instagram: @donsart

Classification
Non-fiction
ISBN-13
9781596439986
Lexile Measure
890
Guided Reading Level
-
Publisher
Roaring Brook Press
Publication date
October 13, 2015
Series
-
BISAC categories
JNF007020 - Juvenile Nonfiction | Biography & Autobiography | Historical
JNF007070 - Juvenile Nonfiction | Biography & Autobiography | Political
JNF025190 - Juvenile Nonfiction | History | United States/Colonial & Revolutionary
Library of Congress categories
Burr-Hamilton Duel, Weehawken, N.J., 1804
Burr, Aaron
Hamilton, Alexander

Subscribe to our delicious e-newsletter!