Aaron and Alexander

August 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.

August 15, 2015
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)

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Starred review from July 1, 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

Copyright 2015 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

June 1, 2015
Grades 1-3 It can be fairly challenging to effectively communicate the historical perspectives and evolving politics of the American Revolution to elementary-schoolers. It can be even more difficult to convey the nuances and personalities of major players. This picture-book dual biography does a thorough job of tracing the lives of Aaron Burr and Alexander Hamilton and accentuating the many parallel aspects of their upbringings. Both were orphans, exceptional students, soldiers in the Revolutionary War, lawyers (who actually worked together on a successful case), and high-profile politicians. It was politics that drove them apart and led to the notorious duel that resulted in Hamilton's death. Brown wisely chooses to emphasize personal details that will interest young readers, accompanied by just enough background information and brief, judiciously chosen quotes. Detailed pencil and watercolor illustrations provide many opportunities to compare and contrast, often through two-page facing spreads. Pair this with Dennis Brindell Fradin's Duel! (2008) to introduce students to these two patriots and spark interest in more in-depth research.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2015, American Library Association.)