Alexander Hamilton Resources
Dates covered: 1757-1804, New Jersey/New York/Pennsylvania
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Books:
Aaron and Alexander: The Most Famous Duel in American History 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 capture the spirit of these two great men who so valiantly served their country and ultimately allowed their pride and ego to cause their demise. Level 5.2. New Jersey.
Alexander Hamilton Graphic Novel. America’s independence and democratic government was brought about due to the hard work of some remarkable men, now called our Founding Fathers. Alexander Hamilton is one of these remarkable men. His story and important contributions to America are perhaps even more amazing when one considers his origins as a poor child born on an island in the Caribbean who had no formal education. His natural smarts, talent, and ambition brought him into contact with the leaders of America’s rebellion against Britain. He became a friend and important adviser to George Washington and was the first Secretary of the Treasury. He created the first national bank, founded the U.S. Mint, and followed with many more great achievements before dying a tragic death in a duel with rival Aaron Burr. Readers at all levels will be intrigued by the graphic-style presentation of Hamilton’s life and find this a fascinating biographical volume. Younger to Middle students.
Alexander Hamilton: A Plan for America Early Reader, level 3.4, does discuss briefly that he died in a duel. Younger to Middle students.
Alexander Hamilton: From Orphan to Founding Father Early Reader. Did you know that one of our Founding Fathers was not born in America? An orphan from the West Indies, Alexander Hamilton came to the colonies and played an important role in the Revolutionary War, rising to become General George Washington’s right-hand man. But his accomplishments don’t stop there! He helped obtain the ratification of the Constitution; he was America’s first secretary of the treasury; and he established the first national bank and the U.S. Mint. A man of ambition, loyalty, and principle, he is now being celebrated as the prominent patriot he was. Early Reader.
Alexander Hamilton: Life Stories of Extraordinary Americans Think you know everything about Alexander Hamilton? Think again! The original immigrant success story brought to life in the musical Hamilton is every bit as amazing and controversial now as it was in the 18th century. TIME tells the whole story of the nation’s first Secretary of the Treasury—a founding father with a complicated and ultimately tragic story that didn’t end with the duel in Weehawken. Young adult readers ready to look beyond the “Who Was” series deserve a collection of biographies all their own with the details, nuance, and depth they crave. With dozens of reproductions of artworks, artifacts from the period, photographs, and illustrations created to bring the subject alive, this first book in the new series, Heroes of History, captures “the quintessential immigrant success story” and brings his life and chaotic, revolutionary times into fresh focus. Note: spends a deal of time talking about his mother, and her status as a woman who left an abusive situation then forced into prison, branded an adulteress, and then refused a divorce, but she needed to remarry to support her children. Mature middle to older students. Lexile 1150.
Alexander Hamilton: The Fighting Founding Father! Graphic Novel. Alexander Hamilton: The Fighting Founding Father! tells the story of one of the most ambitious and controversial figures in American history in a graphic novel format. From a rough childhood on the Caribbean island of Nevis to the highest levels of American politics, Alexander Hamilton’s life was filled with adventure, conflict, and controversy. Full-color illustrations and an entertaining narrative make this graphical biography of America’s first Secretary of the Treasury accessible for readers of all ages. Younger to Middle students.
Alexander Hamilton: The Outsider Jean Fritz. Most people know that Alexander Hamilton was killed in a duel with Aaron Burr and that his face is on the ten-dollar bill. But he was much more than that! Born in the West Indies, Hamilton arrived in New York as an immigrant, an outsider. He fought in the American Revolution and became George Washington’s most valuable aide-de-camp. As one of America’s Founding Fathers, he was there for the writing of the Constitution and became the first Secretary of the Treasury. Jean Fritz’s award-winning talent for bringing history to life shines as she shares the true story of Alexander Hamilton, a man of action who was honorable, ambitious, and fiercely loyal to his adopted country. Level 7.4. Middle to Older students.
Alexander Hamilton: Young Statesman Childhood of Famous Americans. The adult accomplishments of this Founding Father, architect of the Constitution and first Secretary of the Treasury, are legendary, and in this latest offering, children meet the young “Alec” growing up in the Caribbean as he dreams of visiting the land called America. Accompanied by his parrot, Hurry-Up, and his companion, Poleon, Alec’s tranquil days are filled with the books he loves and visits to the waterfront to greet the large ships arriving from Europe—until his uncle insists that Alec fit riding lessons into his schedule. Children will identify with Alec’s struggle to overcome his fear of horses and cheer at his courage as he narrowly escapes a violent hurricane while on horseback, all while keeping his eye on the prize—school in America. Featured sections and fun facts explain what happened next and when Alexander Hamilton lived, providing young readers with a snapshot of the leader’s entire life. Middle to Older students.
A Picture Book of Alexander Hamilton From his youth in the Caribbean to his immigration to New York City, this picture book covers the highlights of Alexander Hamilton’s legacy, including his part in the American Revolution, his influence on the monetary system we still use today, and his tragic death. Younger to Middle students.
Duel! Burr and Hamilton’s Deadly War of Words In the early morning hours of July 11, 1804, two men stood facing each other on a New Jersey cliffside. One was the U.S. vice president, Aaron Burr, and the other was Alexander Hamilton, the secretary of the treasury. They were ready to fight to the death for honor. These Founding Fathers, once friends and colleagues, had become the bitterest of enemies. After years of escalating tension, Burr had finally challenged Hamilton to a duel. In the end, only one man survived, but their infamous rivalry lives on. Level 5.4. Picture book. Note: words and illustrations depict death of human and animal. New Jersey.
Eliza: The Story of Elizabeth Schuyler Hamilton A picture book, but might be difficult for younger students. We all know the story of scrappy Alexander Hamilton and his rise in American politics–but how much do we know about his workmate, inspiration, and stabilizing force, Elizabeth Schuyler Hamilton? Margaret McNamara employs the letter-writing style of the period to tell the story of Eliza Hamilton, who was born into a family of considerable wealth, power, and influence in Albany, New York, in 1757. Eliza was expected to marry into a similarly powerful family . . . until she met and fell in love with the charismatic Hamilton. She stood by him throughout his tumultuous life, and after his death, she single-handedly collected his papers and preserved them for historians and musical-theater writers of the future. Eliza outlived Hamilton by fifty years; during that time she founded the first orphanage in New York State, raised funds for the Washington Monument, and kept the flame of her husband’s memory and achievements alive. Middle students. Level 5.6. New York.
I am Alexander Hamilton Early Reader. Based on the children’s book series Ordinary People Change the World by New York Times bestselling author Brad Meltzer and illustrator Christopher Eliopoulos, the series will introduce kids to inspiring historical figures and the character virtues that helped them succeed. It’s time for Yadina to start first grade, but she’s really nervous. Alexander Hamilton helps her realize that new adventures can be exciting. Lexile 470. Younger students
The Duel: The Parallel Lives of Alexander Hamilton and Aaron Burr In curiously parallel lives, Alexander Hamilton and Aaron Burr were both orphaned at an early age. Both were brilliant students who attended college–one at Princeton, the other at Columbia–and studied law. Both were young staff officers under General George Washington, and both became war heroes. Politics beckoned them, and each served in the newly formed government of the fledgling nation. Why, then, did these two face each other at dawn in a duel that ended with death for one and harsh criticism for the other? Judith St. George’s lively biography, told in alternating chapters, brings to life two complex men who played major roles in the formation of the United States. Level 7.5. Older students. New Jersey.
The Making of America: Alexander Hamilton The America that Alexander Hamilton knew was largely agricultural and built on slave labor. He envisioned something else: a multi-racial, urbanized, capitalistic America with a strong central government. He believed that such an America would be a land of opportunity for the poor and the newcomers. But Hamilton’s vision put him at odds with his archrivals who envisioned a pastoral America of small towns, where governments were local, states would control their own destiny, and the federal government would remain small and weak. The disputes that arose during America’s first decades continued through American history to our present day. Over time, because of the systems Hamilton set up and the ideas he left, his vision won out. Here is the story that epitomizes the American dream—a poor immigrant who made good in America. In the end, Hamilton rose from poverty through his intelligence and ability, and did more to shape our country than any of his contemporaries. Level 8.7. Older students.
The Story of Alexander Hamilton: An Inspiring Biography for Young Readers Alexander Hamilton became one of the most important Founding Fathers in American history. He helped win the Revolutionary War against England and invented our nation’s first banking system. Before that, he was a playful kid who loved to write and believed in hard work. Born on a Caribbean island, Alexander overcame many hardships to come to America and earn a name for himself.
The Story of Eliza Hamilton: An Inspiring Biography for Young Readers Eliza Hamilton was one of America’s Founding Mothers. Before she made history, she was a thoughtful kid who loved spending time with family and riding her horse. Her life changed when she married Alexander Hamilton, a Founding Father who helped form the United States. After Alexander died, Eliza had his biography published so people would remember his contributions to American history. She also started an orphanage and a free school to help children. This book helps kids explore how Eliza went from being a young girl growing up in New York to an important keeper of history and a role model to many people.
Who Was Alexander Hamilton? Part of the Who Was? series. Born in the British West Indies and orphaned as a child, Alexander Hamilton made his way to the American Colonies and studied to become a lawyer. He joined a local militia during the American Revolution, rose to the rank of Major General, and became the chief aide to General George Washington. After the war, he became the first U.S. Secretary of the Treasury. He founded the Bank of New York and The New York Post newspaper. He served as a delegate to the Constitutional Convention and is also celebrated as a co-author of The Federalist Papers, a series of essays that are still used today to interpret the U.S. Constitution. Level 6.1. Middle to Older students. Part of the Who Was series.
Coloring Pages/Drawing:
Crafts and Arts:
Movies/Videos/Documentaries
- The Movie of the Play Hamilton is available on Disney Plus (Note: The very first two lines of the play begin with the song lyrics “How does a b@st@rd, orphan, son of a wh@re….” so use your own judgment on appropriateness for your family, as this show also uses words like that at various points. It also includes some graphic lyrics/scenes, such as su!cide. A lot of more mature themes, including a couple songs about adultery.
- Who was Alexander Hamilton?
- Alexander Hamilton | Lawyer, Writer, and Founding Father (PBS)
- Alexander Hamilton: America’s First Secretary of Treasury
Museums/Field Trips (including virtual):
Recipes:
Songs:
