Alexander Hamilton: Young Statesman (Young Patriots series) by Helen Boyd Higgins

• 12/16/2013
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Alexander Hamilton: Young Statesman (Young Patriots series)
Helen Boyd Higgins
Patria Press, Inc. (2008)
ISBN 9781882859627
Reviewed by Emily Judah (age 13) for Reader Views (5/08)

“Alexander Hamilton” is a fun book filled with the adventures of young and energetic Alexander Hamilton and his pet parrot, Hurry-Up.  Alec, as his mother and friends call him, is a boy living on the island of St. Croix in the West Indies.  Alec is allowed to roam free, and basically lives the life of luxury, with servants and maids to come at his every call.  Alec loves to read and is fascinated with the newly-formed colonies of America which he hopes he will travel to one day.  When Alec learns that he will be able to go to school, he can’t wait to learn more about America and meet boys his age.  The only problem is his Uncle Peter will only let him go to school, if he learns to ride a horse.  Alec is terribly afraid of horses because he once fell off of one while riding.  But he falls in love with the spunky little pony his uncle buys him and is soon off exploring the island with his newly-found friend.  As Alec grows older he is offered an accounting job by the leading warehouse owner of the island.  Alec is so smart and talented that he is soon the head accountant for the whole company.  Yet Alec desperately wants to go to America and attend a university.  You have to read the book to find out all of Alec’s adventures and see if Alec makes it to America!

I enjoyed reading “Alexander Hamilton.”  I would recommend it for ages 8 to 12, as it is a pretty easy read.  It is a history book that is made fun so kids can enjoy learning about history but also have fun at the same time.