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Alexander Hamilton: A Plan for America
The life of Alexander Hamilton, a key leader in the United States after the Revolutionary War, is introduced in this early reader biography. Alexander Hamilton was one of America’s founders. He was the first secretary of the treasury and George Washington’s right-hand man. But he also made some dangerous enemies during his short yet dramatic life. Beginning readers will learn about the milestones in Alexander Hamilton’s life in this Level Two I Can Read biography, which combines a traditional, illustrated narrative with historical illustrations and photographs at the back of the book—complete with a timeline, illustrations, and interesting facts. Alexander A Plan for America is a Level Two I Can Read, geared for kids who read on their own but still need a little help.
32 pages, Paperback
Published May 1, 2018
6 people are currently reading
41 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
June 30, 2021
Alexander Hamilton was the bravest soldier, I have known.
He was a lawyer and financial wizard.
He was a lawyer and financial wizard.
February 17, 2025
I like this book because Hamilton was very brave 🇺🇸🏆🥰🍎💩
May 24, 2018
For the kids who keep hearing people gushing about Hamilton, but whose parents don't want them hearing the strong language yet - a nice, fairly simplified crash course on the non-stop self-starter who did not throw away his shot.
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November 28, 2019Summary:
In this non-fiction book told in narrative form, author Sarah Albee and illustrator Chin Ko tell the story of the life and successes of Alexander Hamilton, a famous revolutionary figure in our country’s history. Alexander was born on a British Island in the Carribean and lost both of his parents by the time he was 11 years old. He then moved in with friends and by his teen years, was running his own shipping company. Alexander also began to write letters about political matters and was eventually led to become a lawyer. Soon after, he served alongside General Washington by fighting in the Revolutionary War and then became secretary of treasury for the United States government after the war. Hamilton did not believe in slavery and wished for the US to become a place of business and industry, although some, including Thomas Jefferson, did not agree. However, it was at the hands of rival Aaron Burr that Hamilton died after requesting a duel to settle matters between the two men. He was only forty nine. However, the legend left behind by this famous figure continues to live on.
Evaluation:
This nonfiction narrative is a wonderful addition to any 2nd-5th grade elementary classroom both as a teaching resource as well as a book that young readers can grab off of the shelf to enjoy independently or with classmates. With its kid friendly and cartoon like but accurate illustrations that portray the true events that took place in the life of this historical figure, this book is both visually and audibly appealing to young elementary age readers who wish to learn more about our nation’s earliest years. In addition, as a level 2 I Can Read book, this book is designated for developing readers with or without assistance. In addition, it’s writing and pictures as well as it’s topic are combined to create a high interest experience for the reader, encouraging them to keep reading. Lastly, its slightly longer sentences (from the previous level) and its language play is perfect for young readers with basic reading skills who are ready to read at the next level but are still developing overall.
Teaching Idea:
SS4H1 Explain the causes, events, and results of the American Revolution.
a. Trace the events that shaped the revolutionary movement in America: French and Indian War, 1765 Stamp Act, the slogan “no taxation without representation,” the activities of the Sons of Liberty, the activities of the Daughters of Liberty, Boston Massacre, and the Boston Tea Party.
b. Describe the influence of key individuals and groups during the American Revolution: King George III, George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, Benedict Arnold, Patrick Henry, John Adams, Paul Revere, and Black regiments.
c. Describe the major events of the American Revolution and explain the factors leading to American victory and British defeat; include the Battles of Lexington and Concord, Saratoga, and Yorktown.
d. Explain the writing of the Declaration of Independence; include who wrote it, how it was written, why it was necessary, and how it was a response to tyranny and the abuse of power.
This book and others in the I Can Read series (at various levels) could be included in multimodal text set with other narrative and informational non-fiction texts centered around learning about key historical figures and their role in the American Revolution. Students could each keep a notebook for a month to 6 week long unit in which the above standards will be covered in an upper elementary classroom (particulary 4th grade). In their notebooks, they will keep letters that they have written to and as specific historical figures of their choice that we have learned about, graphic organizers and notes/questions about different key events and figures of the revolution. Students could also create illustrations completed during visualization exercises to help them picture and think about what our country was like during this time. The teacher could allow students to watch videos, play interactive games with and without technology, learn songs and chants, look at poetry, etc. and journal about their experiences, opinions, thoughts, etc. in a section in the back of their journal given specific prompts and writing requirements but also a lot of space for free thought. Students could then decorate their journals however they wish once they are completed.
In this non-fiction book told in narrative form, author Sarah Albee and illustrator Chin Ko tell the story of the life and successes of Alexander Hamilton, a famous revolutionary figure in our country’s history. Alexander was born on a British Island in the Carribean and lost both of his parents by the time he was 11 years old. He then moved in with friends and by his teen years, was running his own shipping company. Alexander also began to write letters about political matters and was eventually led to become a lawyer. Soon after, he served alongside General Washington by fighting in the Revolutionary War and then became secretary of treasury for the United States government after the war. Hamilton did not believe in slavery and wished for the US to become a place of business and industry, although some, including Thomas Jefferson, did not agree. However, it was at the hands of rival Aaron Burr that Hamilton died after requesting a duel to settle matters between the two men. He was only forty nine. However, the legend left behind by this famous figure continues to live on.
Evaluation:
This nonfiction narrative is a wonderful addition to any 2nd-5th grade elementary classroom both as a teaching resource as well as a book that young readers can grab off of the shelf to enjoy independently or with classmates. With its kid friendly and cartoon like but accurate illustrations that portray the true events that took place in the life of this historical figure, this book is both visually and audibly appealing to young elementary age readers who wish to learn more about our nation’s earliest years. In addition, as a level 2 I Can Read book, this book is designated for developing readers with or without assistance. In addition, it’s writing and pictures as well as it’s topic are combined to create a high interest experience for the reader, encouraging them to keep reading. Lastly, its slightly longer sentences (from the previous level) and its language play is perfect for young readers with basic reading skills who are ready to read at the next level but are still developing overall.
Teaching Idea:
SS4H1 Explain the causes, events, and results of the American Revolution.
a. Trace the events that shaped the revolutionary movement in America: French and Indian War, 1765 Stamp Act, the slogan “no taxation without representation,” the activities of the Sons of Liberty, the activities of the Daughters of Liberty, Boston Massacre, and the Boston Tea Party.
b. Describe the influence of key individuals and groups during the American Revolution: King George III, George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, Benedict Arnold, Patrick Henry, John Adams, Paul Revere, and Black regiments.
c. Describe the major events of the American Revolution and explain the factors leading to American victory and British defeat; include the Battles of Lexington and Concord, Saratoga, and Yorktown.
d. Explain the writing of the Declaration of Independence; include who wrote it, how it was written, why it was necessary, and how it was a response to tyranny and the abuse of power.
This book and others in the I Can Read series (at various levels) could be included in multimodal text set with other narrative and informational non-fiction texts centered around learning about key historical figures and their role in the American Revolution. Students could each keep a notebook for a month to 6 week long unit in which the above standards will be covered in an upper elementary classroom (particulary 4th grade). In their notebooks, they will keep letters that they have written to and as specific historical figures of their choice that we have learned about, graphic organizers and notes/questions about different key events and figures of the revolution. Students could also create illustrations completed during visualization exercises to help them picture and think about what our country was like during this time. The teacher could allow students to watch videos, play interactive games with and without technology, learn songs and chants, look at poetry, etc. and journal about their experiences, opinions, thoughts, etc. in a section in the back of their journal given specific prompts and writing requirements but also a lot of space for free thought. Students could then decorate their journals however they wish once they are completed.
March 27, 2019
While the subject is of high interest and some of the content is good my primary emotion is one of frustration. This could easily have been so much better!
The first two pages exemplify the problem: On the first page we read 'Alexander Hamilton was a soldier, a lawyer, and a financial wizard. He had a brilliant mind. George Washington trusted him.' The accompanying picture shows a grey-haired, white man on a horse touching the shoulder of a smiling younger white, brown-haired soldier. The facing page continues "But Hamilton was also stubborn and proud. His bold ideas angered some people. Thomas Jefferson disagreed with him. So did a man named Aaron Burr." The accompanying image shows an unsmiling grey-haired white man looking at a paper with an older, unsmiling brown-haired white man. Are the images meant to show Washington and a young Hamilton and the facing page Jefferson and Burr or Jefferson and an older Hamilton? Most students won't know Washington and Jefferson were presidents. much less what they and Aaron Burr looked like. While the majority of the text is great: full of emotion and information the term 'financial wizard' will not mean what the author intended and will likely make most students think more of Harry Potter and less of captains of finance. If we had had a page of cameo images with names, or if we had captions accompanying unclear images, and if the authors had spent more time explaining what made Hamilton a financial wizard, this would have been a five star book. Timeline and afterword are great additions. (An additional Reading list would have been great.)
The first two pages exemplify the problem: On the first page we read 'Alexander Hamilton was a soldier, a lawyer, and a financial wizard. He had a brilliant mind. George Washington trusted him.' The accompanying picture shows a grey-haired, white man on a horse touching the shoulder of a smiling younger white, brown-haired soldier. The facing page continues "But Hamilton was also stubborn and proud. His bold ideas angered some people. Thomas Jefferson disagreed with him. So did a man named Aaron Burr." The accompanying image shows an unsmiling grey-haired white man looking at a paper with an older, unsmiling brown-haired white man. Are the images meant to show Washington and a young Hamilton and the facing page Jefferson and Burr or Jefferson and an older Hamilton? Most students won't know Washington and Jefferson were presidents. much less what they and Aaron Burr looked like. While the majority of the text is great: full of emotion and information the term 'financial wizard' will not mean what the author intended and will likely make most students think more of Harry Potter and less of captains of finance. If we had had a page of cameo images with names, or if we had captions accompanying unclear images, and if the authors had spent more time explaining what made Hamilton a financial wizard, this would have been a five star book. Timeline and afterword are great additions. (An additional Reading list would have been great.)
November 11, 2020
1. Who was your favorite character (and why)?
Alexander Hamilton because I really like him because he fought in the war.
2. What surprised you?
I was surprised that Tom has Jefferson was in the book not only the movie.
3. Would you change the ending? Why/why not?
I would not change the ending because if I changed it then it would not be true. Since it is a real story and about his real-life, it would not be true if I changed it.
Alexander Hamilton because I really like him because he fought in the war.
2. What surprised you?
I was surprised that Tom has Jefferson was in the book not only the movie.
3. Would you change the ending? Why/why not?
I would not change the ending because if I changed it then it would not be true. Since it is a real story and about his real-life, it would not be true if I changed it.
June 8, 2018
The historical side of "Hamilton" for littles without all of the objectionable content. If kids have been wondering why grownups have been losing their minds over this founding father and want to know more, start them out with this history light.
July 11, 2018
This is a fantastic introductory picture book biography on Alexander Hamilton for early readers and listeners. The author, Sarah Albee, did a wonderful job simply outlining Hamilton's life and famous death.
August 26, 2020
An introduction to the 10 dollar founding father for the emerging reader set. For kids who are hearing about him, this could be a nice choice.
August 24, 2021
4.5 stars.
"Burr shot him."
6 and I co-read.
"Burr shot him."
6 and I co-read.
March 18, 2022
Learn about Alexander Hamilton's life and what he did to help the country he loves be more accessible.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 19, 2019
Super cute illustrations. Noticed some fact discrepancies with Alexander Hamilton Rookie Biography (Scholastic). Could lead to a great K-2 media literacy lesson.
August 11, 2024
He’s on the ten dollar bill
February 1, 2021
It's remedial of course, but it's very well done. For the kind of book this is, I wouldn't have changed a thing.
April 10, 2019
I wasn't a fan of this book because it had someone getting shot and I feel like it had a lot of information in a small book.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews