Aaron and Alexander: The Most Famous Duel in American History

by Don Brown

Overview

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.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781596439986
Publisher:	Roaring Brook Press
Publication date:	10/13/2015
Pages:	32
Sales rank:	134,214
Product dimensions:	11.20(w) x 8.70(h) x 0.40(d)
Lexile:	890L (what's this?)
Age Range:	5 - 8 Years

About the Author

Don Brown is the author and illustrator of many highly praised picture-book biographies and histories for children. His books include The Notorious Izzy Fink, The Train Jumper, Kid Blink Beats the World, Mack Made Movies and Across a Dark and Wild Sea. He lives on Long Island, New York.

Editorial Reviews

Don Brown's Aaron and Alexander reads with a wit and economy of line that reminds one of a New Yorker cartoon…The storied duel between Aaron Burr and Alexander Hamilton provides the book's scaffold. Along the way we glean bits of information about each statesman's life, framed as a set of parallels and contrasts…The duel-ridden dawn of the 1800s may serve as a touchstone for parents or teachers to discuss contemporary gun culture, first-person-shooter video games or gangster rap.

The New York Times Book Review - Christopher Myers

08/17/2015
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.)

Publishers Weekly

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

From the Publisher

★ 07/01/2015
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

School Library Journal

2015-07-22
The peculiar enmity between founding fathers Aaron Burr and Alexander Hamilton culminated in an infamous duel. Brown takes a broad, evenhanded, and pared-down look at the lives of Burr and Hamilton. Both were orphaned as children, both were slender, bright, and determined. After serving in the Revolutionary War, they became lawyers—even occasional colleagues—and developed political passions. They look similar in the quick strokes of Brown's pen-and-wash illustrations: in gray coats and white cravats, their foreheads high and faces narrow. Panels and dialogue balloons create motion to match the brief, informative narrative. The irascible Hamilton frequently insulted Burr during Burr's 1800 presidential bid against Jefferson. When, in 1804, Burr ran for governor of New York, Hamilton struck an intolerable blow. Hamilton scowls, pen in hand, as the word "Despicable" appears in a thought balloon above his head. On the page opposite, Burr grimaces as he reads the word aloud, and it appears above his own head. This illustration is evoked at the climax, in which two hands holding pistols face off across the opening, smoke and blood-red fire spitting from the barrels, the word "BANG!" below each. The final page sums up the result for Burr, the survivor: regret and lost reputation. An author's note for older readers adds texture; the bibliography is adult-directed. Handsome, well-executed history for a young audience. (Informational picture book. 6-10)

Kirkus Reviews