From a small seed The story of Eliza Hamilton

In the concluding author's note, readers are alerted to the dearth of historical material about Elizabeth Schuyler, Alexander Hamilton's wife. From this slight record, Andros has spun a charming, if spare, tale about one of the U.S.'s founding mothers. Her prose dwells on Eliza's empathy, which particularly manifested itself after her widowhood, in the establishment of the Orphan Asylum Society and the Hamilton Free School. Fancifully, Eliza's strength is compared to a tree, and facts are sometimes stretched for instance, in her note, Andros acknowledges imagining the encounter between young Eliza and a local orphan. Still, as historical fiction, the book works to introduce a resilient person worth knowing. Blackham's illustrations are simple but filled with period detail that showcases eighteenth- and early nineteenth-century fashion and pastimes, such as backgammon, which Eliza once played with Benjamin Franklin. The spreads have a folk-art quality suited to placing Eliza within her domestic sphere. Filling a gap in literature, this will appeal to those seeking more about the woman that the musical Hamilton shone a light on.--Karen Cruze Copyright 2010 Booklist

Gr 1--3--As a young girl, Eliza Hamilton played beneath the branches of tall trees with deep roots, proof of their ability to outlast the harshness of life. Hamilton didn't know it then, but she, too, would grow, sink her roots deep, face tragedy and sorrow, and become a strong pillar providing shelter and hope for others. The poetic and graceful text gently weaves metaphors with facts set in lush, detailed illustrations. Readers will find themselves entranced by the story of a woman whose empathy and compassion can serve as an inspiration. Although the story itself may seem vague when it comes to specific details, the author's note on the final pages fills in the gaps and explains many of the clever illustrations. Strong vocabulary is repeated throughout, offering an opportunity to introduce young readers to terms such as "passion, persistence, and perseverance." VERDICT This timely and elegant biography of one of our nation's founding mothers, told in simplest terms, will touch the hearts of its readers. Lyrical and beautifully illustrated.--Emily Beasley, Omaha Public Schools

Eliza Hamilton's life is summarized, along with some fictionalized episodes intended to illuminate her character and accomplishments.Andros uses an extended metaphor of seeds and trees to frame Eliza's long and eventful life. This view of human resilience as stemming from strong roots, along with sophisticated vocabulary and the breadth of Eliza's experiences, may require some explication for young listeners. Repetition of words and ideas and a lyrical flow to the text, however, ensure that listening will be a pleasure even if understanding takes some extra effort. Blackham's matte, nave-style illustrations vary in size and placement, including double-page spreads, single-page pictures, and spot illustrations. The subdued palette appears appropriate to the era; details of costume and setting also serve to anchor the story in time. Eliza is first shown as an energetic, smiling, dark-haired, pale-skinned girl with loving parents. Her empathy for those less fortunate is shown in a drably colored (imagined) interaction with an unnamed white orphan boy. Growth from child to young woman follows quickly, summarized on a two-page spread that shows her eight times against the same simple background, a checkerboard floor. Her marriage to Alexander Hamilton, the birth and raising of their children, the loss of her husband, and her subsequent child welfare work are briefly outlined and illustrated in the remaining pages; the last activity introduces the only characters of color depicted. An accessible and engaging portrait of a remarkable historical figure. (author's note, artist's note, bibliography) (Biography. 6-8) Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.