Theodosia Burr

December 15, 2019
The life and times of Theodosia Burr (1783-1812), daughter of Aaron Burr, third vice president of the United States, best known today from the hit musical Hamilton. In presenting the story of Burr, the author uses correspondence and memoirs of contemporaries to provide a portal to the past. Readers learn that Theodosia had an unusual childhood. Her father believed in Mary Wollstonecraft's feminist theories; Theodosia studied a curriculum equal to that of boys. As an upper-class girl from a prominent New York family, she had opportunities to meet and mingle with men who became household names in the early history of the U.S. Details about Theodosia's upbringing, education, and activities are interspersed with information providing additional historical context. The writing is crisp, clear, and engaging. Full-color illustrations add visual appeal. The book does not delve much into issues of racial or ethnic diversity; there is a brief note about the Lenape, and the book notes that although Burr married a Southerner and lived on a plantation, there is no record of her thoughts on slavery. Although she died young under tragic and mysterious circumstances, Burr's prominence as an educated, modern woman made her a role model for her time. Interesting and accessible way to learn about early U.S. history through a remarkable young woman's life. (timeline, glossary, source notes, selected bibliography, further information, index, photo credits) (Nonfiction. 13-18)

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January 1, 2020

Gr 7-10-Most students have heard of Aaron Burr, but his daughter Theodosia may be lesser known. As the child of a prominent family, Theodosia Burr was educated, articulate, and busy. Primarily through letters, researchers have pieced together a life of service that was equal parts quiet and outspoken. Her father invested in his daughter's studies by providing mentorship, tutors, and lessons on how to host state dinners and pick a suitable partner. This biography is short and direct. Burr's story sets the stage for details about the excitement of the birth of the nation. Quinones chronologically details Burr's relationships, particularly with her parents, as well as her role as a literary salon host and her experience visiting the South Carolina plantation of her future husband, Joseph Alston. Burr's life was cut short by tragic circumstances that are still disputed. In 1812, she boarded a ship from South Carolina to return home to New York. The ship "disappeared." Some suspect that it was sunk by a storm, but others thought pirates raided the ship and killed those on board. Burr's body was never found. VERDICT This formidable but brief biography is a useful purchase for school libraries and an additional purchase for public ones. Readers wanting to dig deeper after seeing Hamilton will benefit from a read.-Alicia Abdul, Albany High School, NY

Copyright 2020 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

December 15, 2019
Grades 7-12 When students hear the name Aaron Burr, they'll probably think of his role in the founding of the U.S. or his duel with Alexander Hamilton, but it's unlikely they'll recall his daughter, Theodosia. Qui�ones sets about to change this in her biography of Theodosia, the daughter upon whom Burr lavished his affection and educational opportunities equal to those of privileged young men in early America. During a time when young women were generally in finishing schools preparing to be good wives and mothers, Theodosia studied classical languages, literature, history, and medicine, among other subjects, while caring for her dying mother as her father was away serving the new nation. The author meticulously examined archival documents and letters to piece together the incredible opportunities given Theodosia, including many reproductions of period artwork, portraits, and documents within the text. The detailed source notes, bibliography, and further reading make for a well-researched and interesting look at a little-known person and the times in which she lived.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2019, American Library Association.)