by Michelle Hand for TWU Course Literature for Children and Young Adults
Freedman, Russell. 2010. LAFAYETTE AND THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION.
New York, NY: Holiday House Books. ISBN 9780823421824.
This is an informational (non-fiction) book about the life of Gilbert du Motier, marquis de
Lafayette, his critical role in the American Revolution and the sacrifices he made in the name of liberty and freedom for all mankind.
Critical Analysis
Lafayette rebelled against his family and country to defend a newly born country across the Atlantic Ocean. Why? His motto was "Cur non?" (Why not?) Layafette believed that all mankind should have liberty especially those who were oppressed by a monarchial government.. He was not the ideal candidate for a great military leader but had the drive and zeal to overcome the greatest obstacles to fight for freedoms and liberties. Russell
Freedman captures Layafette's life and career as only he can. He provides resources for every fact and has many years of research regarding American historical figures to strengthen his knowledge.
Freedman orders the book in chronological order of Lafayette's life but the chapters are organized in such a way that any one chapter can be read alone. There is a table of contents and an index to pick and choose which aspect of Lafayette's life one would want to read. The design of the book is kid friendly with reproductions of engravings, paintings and letters that add interest by giving faces and places to names. If a child is interested in American history, then this book invites the reader in.
I am skeptical, though, that the book is a little lengthy and wordy to hold a child's attention without an adult guiding he/she through the book and adding some storytelling to it. Overall, it is an excellent source to teach children about American history and pivotal figures who helped form the United States of America.
Review Excerpt(s)
2011 Sibert Informational Honor Book
"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." - Children's Literature - Greg M.
Romaneck
"This study of the marquis de Lafayette, emphasizing his service in the Revolutionary
War, is a gorgeously illustrated, beautifully laid out production in an oversized format." - School Library Journal-Ann W. Moore, Schenectady County Public Library, NY
"An interesting and useful commentary on selected sources rounds out another superb
volume by a master of his craft. (timeline, source notes, index) (Biography. 10 & up)" - Kirkus Reviews
Connections
-When Lafayette was eleven, his mother took him to Paris to begin his education as a gentleman.
-Discuss what this type of education included. How was Lafayette different from the other boys at the Collège du Plessis? Lafayette was considered quite spirited. How did his behavior and temperament make him unsuited for a life as a French gentleman? 2 CCSS 6.RI.2, 5-8.SL.1
-Write a eulogy that Lafayette might have written for George Washington. 6 CCSS .W.3, 5.RI.3
-Take a look at the following site on the American Revolution: www.theamericanrevolution.org/. There are a number of biographies of people who made a contribution to the American Revolution. Think about why Lafayette isn’t included. Then write an entry for him. Include photos or artwork collected from the Internet. 7 CCSS 7.RL.9, 7.W.3
-There are many towns, cities, and counties in the United States named for Lafayette. Locate a list of these places and plot them on a map. Write a tribute to Lafayette that
each of these places may include in their history.
Guide prepared by Pat Scales, retired school librarian and independent consultant, Greenville, South Carolina.
Other informational books about Lafayette, The American Revolution or written by
Russell Freedman for young adults.
Freedman, Russell. THE WRIGHT BROTHERS: HOW THEY INVENTED THE AIRPLANE. ISBN:
9780823410828
Freedman, Russell. INDIAN CHIEFS. ISBN: 9780823409716
Herbert, Janis. THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION FOR KIDS: A HISTORY WITH 21 ACTIVITIES (FOR KIDS SERIES). ISBN: 978-1556524561
Fritz, Jean. WHY NOT, LAFAYETTE? (UNFORGETTABLE AMERICANS). ISBN: 9780698118829
New York, NY: Holiday House Books. ISBN 9780823421824.
This is an informational (non-fiction) book about the life of Gilbert du Motier, marquis de
Lafayette, his critical role in the American Revolution and the sacrifices he made in the name of liberty and freedom for all mankind.
Critical Analysis
Lafayette rebelled against his family and country to defend a newly born country across the Atlantic Ocean. Why? His motto was "Cur non?" (Why not?) Layafette believed that all mankind should have liberty especially those who were oppressed by a monarchial government.. He was not the ideal candidate for a great military leader but had the drive and zeal to overcome the greatest obstacles to fight for freedoms and liberties. Russell
Freedman captures Layafette's life and career as only he can. He provides resources for every fact and has many years of research regarding American historical figures to strengthen his knowledge.
Freedman orders the book in chronological order of Lafayette's life but the chapters are organized in such a way that any one chapter can be read alone. There is a table of contents and an index to pick and choose which aspect of Lafayette's life one would want to read. The design of the book is kid friendly with reproductions of engravings, paintings and letters that add interest by giving faces and places to names. If a child is interested in American history, then this book invites the reader in.
I am skeptical, though, that the book is a little lengthy and wordy to hold a child's attention without an adult guiding he/she through the book and adding some storytelling to it. Overall, it is an excellent source to teach children about American history and pivotal figures who helped form the United States of America.
Review Excerpt(s)
2011 Sibert Informational Honor Book
"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." - Children's Literature - Greg M.
Romaneck
"This study of the marquis de Lafayette, emphasizing his service in the Revolutionary
War, is a gorgeously illustrated, beautifully laid out production in an oversized format." - School Library Journal-Ann W. Moore, Schenectady County Public Library, NY
"An interesting and useful commentary on selected sources rounds out another superb
volume by a master of his craft. (timeline, source notes, index) (Biography. 10 & up)" - Kirkus Reviews
Connections
-When Lafayette was eleven, his mother took him to Paris to begin his education as a gentleman.
-Discuss what this type of education included. How was Lafayette different from the other boys at the Collège du Plessis? Lafayette was considered quite spirited. How did his behavior and temperament make him unsuited for a life as a French gentleman? 2 CCSS 6.RI.2, 5-8.SL.1
-Write a eulogy that Lafayette might have written for George Washington. 6 CCSS .W.3, 5.RI.3
-Take a look at the following site on the American Revolution: www.theamericanrevolution.org/. There are a number of biographies of people who made a contribution to the American Revolution. Think about why Lafayette isn’t included. Then write an entry for him. Include photos or artwork collected from the Internet. 7 CCSS 7.RL.9, 7.W.3
-There are many towns, cities, and counties in the United States named for Lafayette. Locate a list of these places and plot them on a map. Write a tribute to Lafayette that
each of these places may include in their history.
Guide prepared by Pat Scales, retired school librarian and independent consultant, Greenville, South Carolina.
Other informational books about Lafayette, The American Revolution or written by
Russell Freedman for young adults.
Freedman, Russell. THE WRIGHT BROTHERS: HOW THEY INVENTED THE AIRPLANE. ISBN:
9780823410828
Freedman, Russell. INDIAN CHIEFS. ISBN: 9780823409716
Herbert, Janis. THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION FOR KIDS: A HISTORY WITH 21 ACTIVITIES (FOR KIDS SERIES). ISBN: 978-1556524561
Fritz, Jean. WHY NOT, LAFAYETTE? (UNFORGETTABLE AMERICANS). ISBN: 9780698118829
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