PICTURE BOOK NONFICTION: Aaron and Alexander by Don Brown/How Kate Warne Saved President Lincoln by Elizabeth Van Steenwyk
ABOUT THE BOOK
In 1856, when Kate Warne went to see Allan Pinkerton, only men were detectives. But Kate convinced Allan to hire her for his detective agency. She explained that she could worm out secrets where men could not go--in disguise as a society lady! Join Kate on her most important mission--to thwart a plot to assassinate Abraham Lincoln on the way to his inauguration.
REVIEW
Picture book nonfiction is a rather unique genre in that it tries to tell rather complicated stories in as simplified a form as possible. And while I've read some great picture book nonfiction, there are occasion problems with text conveying things that aren't quite accurate. And there is a bit of that here. The author is focused on Kate Warne and the remarkable things she did as a female detective for Allan Pinkerton's detective agency. So it makes sense that the other people who helped ferret out the plans to kill Lincoln aren't really mentioned, but it would have been more accurate if they were. Warne wasn't the only undercover detective Pinkerton sent to Baltimore to find out what was going on. See Lincoln's Spymaster by Samantha Seiple for more details.
And at one point in the story the author states that: "Abraham Lincoln was elected president on November 6, 1860, but many people in the southern states were opposed to his intention to abolish slavery." Now this is technically correct, but Lincoln said in his speeches over and over that he did NOT intend to abolish slavery where it currently existed, just oppose the spread of it into new territories and states. So the implication is a bit misleading, although many at the time interpreted his statements to mean that he intended to abolish slavery altogether.
Despite this slight errors in the text, I did enjoy reading about Kate's exploits and her daring in rooting out criminals at great risk to herself. She's one of those women who helped pave the way for where women are today.
The illustrations are delightfully bright and attractive, sure to appeal to young readers. In fact, the illustrations were my favorite part, especially the different outfits that Kate wears, and Lincoln in disguise. Overall, a nice addition to collections.
ABOUT THE BOOK
The most famous duel in American history dramatized by leading nonfiction picture book illustrator, Don Brown.
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 captures the spirit of these two great men who so valiantly served their country and ultimately allowed their pride and ego to cause their demise.
REVIEW
The story of the duel between Aaron Burr and Alexander Hamilton is both fascinating and complex. So I was interested to see how Brown presented it. I appreciated how Brown compared the backgrounds and talents of the two men, both their similarities and differences as he guided the reader to the fateful day. Of course, there simply isn't room in the story to convey the complexities of the relationship between the two men, but I'd say that Brown does a superb job of it, even quoting both men on occasion. Since neither man was known for tact, it seems inevitable that the two would have a major clash at some point, but it's also tragic that neither could reign in their pride enough to avoid the duel that followed. As with previous illustrations, Brown does a wonderful job here conveying the drama and tension that grew between the two men and how it exploded during the duel. This is one of those stories that helps young readers understand that history isn't as boring as they often mistakenly think it is. However, I would recommend using this with slightly older students (8-12) rather than the normal picture book crowd (4-8) just because of the duel. The illustrations aren't overly graphic, but someone does die and young readers aren't likely to understand why these two brilliant, but prideful men couldn't find another way to solve their problems. Come to think of it, I don't think I understand it either.
My kids would love these! They really like nonfiction. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteDena @ Batch of Books
I really appreciate your thoughtful comments about the issues you saw with the Kate Warne book. I agree that setting up the context is a huge challenge in nonfiction picture books--I heard Alyssa Pusey, a Charlesbridge editor, refer to it as the "scaffolding" of the book. It seems to me that the recent furor over A Fine Dessert and A Birthday Cake for President Washington are really over exactly this problem you point out: how to give a rounded, honest context and still tell the story you want to tell.
ReplyDeleteI found it a little confusing to keep up with Alexander and Andrew - I'm not too familiar with the history, and the illustrations make everyone look very similar, so I had to pay close attention to keep up! Very exciting stories, though, and great for kids who wrote history off as boring!
ReplyDeleteWith all of the Hamilton buzz, I had to read the duel book. I thought Brown did a good job. I find I am with you - why did these very intelligent men not come up with a better solution than a duel?
ReplyDeleteWhat fascinating information! I am learning to love this time period--my sister works at the Seward House Museum, so I am learning more and more about early American history from her, and I am intrigued.
ReplyDeleteBoth of these look great and really do bring history to life.
I reviewed Aaron and Alexander a couple of weeks ago, too. I love Don Brown's books. The other is new to me. Yay for new 2016 books!
ReplyDeleteThis look great! Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteDon Brown definitely writes some fascinating nfpbs. Can't wait to read this one!
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