Informational Literature: LAFAYETTE AND THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION by Russell Freedman

Lafayette and the American Revolution

By Russell Freedman

Freedman, Russell. 2010. LAFAYETTE AND THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. New York : Holiday House. ISBN 9780823421824

Summary

A young French aristocrat with a thirst for adventure and liberty… revered by George Washington (a personal friend)… integral to the success of the American Revolution…this was the Lafayette. Gilbert du Montier, marquis de Lafayette and his involvement in the American Revolution are chronicled by this feast for the mind and eyes. Daringly leaving France under the nose of the King to eventually become a major military leader and revolutionary hero, Lafayette’s adventurous experiences, tenacity, and strong convictions are revealed to readers as they become familiar with his significant contributions to the creation of the United States of America.  

Critical Analysis

            Freedman is an acclaimed and respected author of informational literature for children, with many books focused on U.S. history. He details his use of sources in the selected bibliography at the end of the book. The numerous illustrations all consist of historical paintings and drawings, and images from primary sources, all of which lend to the accuracy of the book.

            The book is organized chronologically in an easy to read format with a balance of text and images throughout. The reader is aided in a search for specific information by a table of contents, index, and a timeline.

            The large, colorful images with attractive borders make this an extremely attractive an beautiful book.  It is not only a biography but an art books, having so many paintings and drawings featured. These pictures help to complement and extend the text, while drawing the reader through the story of the life of Lafayette.

            The information is presented in a clear and engaging way, many quotes from sources such as letters and journals adding to the dialogue. The details demonstrate the authors enthusiasm for the subject without being overwhelming, while capturing the personality of the Marquis. The vocabulary used is higher level, while still being manageable for young enthusiastic readers. The quality of the style and design of this book make it wonderful for children, but equally as engaging for and a real treat for adults.  

Awards, Honors, Best Book Lists

Robert F. Sibert Informational Book Medal, 2011 Honor Book United States

Booklist Book Review Stars , Aug. 1, 2010 ; United StatesBooklist Editors’ Choice: Books for Youth, 2010 ; American Library Association; United StatesKirkus Best Children's Books, 2010 ; United StatesKirkus Book Review Stars, August 1, 2010 ; United StatesNotable Children's Books, 2011 ; ALSC American Library Association; United StatesPublishers Weekly Book Review Stars, August 16, 2010 ; United States

Review Excerpts

Greg M. Romaneck (Children's Literature)

 With a keen eye for biographical detail, award-winning author Freedman once again offers up a book that will both inform and move his readers. Rather than just telling his readers about the facts and figures that made up Lafayette’s life, Freedman instead fleshes out his subject and thereby brings him to life. Lafayette comes off the pages of this fine work not only as a mythical revolutionary figure but also as an indecisive youth, a sometimes impulsive leader, and a man who was cruelly imprisoned later in life. The art of biography rests in the writer’s capacity to not only tell a person’s life story with accuracy but also with heart. Russell Freedman has accomplished both these objectives in this work.

Kirkus (Kirkus Reviews, August 1, 2010 (Vol. 78, No. 15))
Against the wishes of father, family and nation, 19-year-old Gilbert de Lafayette bought a ship, escaped France and became the youngest general in the Continental Army, a teenager leaving a young wife and a huge personal fortune to pursue military glory. Freedman knows how to distill a lively and focused story from a swamp of information on a much-studied subject, writing with an acute eye for fascinating detail and significant facts.

Connections

Other books about Lafayette

Why not, Lafayette?
1999 Jean Fritz ; illustrated by Ronald Himler. G.P. Putnam's Sons, New York : U.S.A

The call of liberty : Marquis de Lafayette and the American Revolution
2004 Joanne Randolph. Rosen Pub. Group, New York

Marquis de Lafayette : French hero of the American Revolution
2004 Kathleen Collins. Rosen Central Primary Source, New York

Extensions:

* students could explore historical or fictional figures who took risks and made sacrifices for people from other nations/backgrounds

* students could explore other historical friendships, like that of Lafayette and George Washington