by Pam Pollack
First published 2017
Alexander Hamilton begins life as an orphan in the British West Indies, facing poverty and uncertainty. He travels to the American Colonies to pursue his education and trains as a lawyer. When revolution breaks out, Hamilton joins a local militia and fights for independence. His military service catches the attention of General George Washington, who makes him his chief aide. Hamilton rises to Major General and helps win the war. After independence, he becomes the nation's first Secretary of the Treasury and creates the financial foundation for the new country. He establishes the Bank of New York and launches The New York Post. As a delegate to the Constitutional Convention, he helps shape the Constitution and co-writes The Federalist Papers to defend it. Hamilton's brilliant career ends in tragedy when Vice President Aaron Burr challenges him to a duel and shoots him dead, creating a scandal that rocks the young nation.
Genres: biography, historical-fiction, military-history, american-history
Vibes: emotional, fast-paced, thought-provoking
Tropes: rags-to-riches, rise-and-fall
Setting: America, British West Indies, New York
Period: 18th-century, American Revolution
112 pages · Paperback · Penguin Workshop