Alexander Hamilton, Founding Father, a Constitutional Convention delegate, author of the Federalist Papers, and the first secretary of the US Treasury, is brought to life with this vivid and accessible illustrated biography. Alexander Hamilton was an unknown immigrant, an orphan, a boy of no connections but, still, despite all odds, had an important role in transforming the world. As George Washington’s right-hand man, Hamilton helped bring victory to America during the Revolutionary War, wrote most of the Federalist papers, and helped to build a country. Author Frank Keating’s detailed historical facts are complemented by stunning paintings from Mike Wimmer to form a portrait that will fascinate young readers. PreS-Gr 4-This picture book biography, mythologizing the life of Alexander Hamilton, provides a simplistic treatise on a complicated American. The first-person narrative features quotes from Hamilton sprinkled throughout. Each double-page spread chronicles a different chapter in Hamilton's life. Noticeably absent, except in the author's note, is the infamous duel with Aaron Burr that ended Hamilton's life. The book is illustrated with oil portraits, most featuring Hamilton bathed in light like a heroic subject in an Albert Bierstadt painting. One scene of the Revolutionary War depicts smiling, giddy soldiers rushing into battle with their bayonets. A brief bibliography and an author's note about Hamilton's death and legacy are included. VERDICT Skip this one; other treatments of Hamilton's life are more useful for report writing and sharing as a picture book. Try Teri Kanefield's The Making of America: Alexander Hamilton for a more report-worthy title, or David Adler and Matt Collins's A Picture Book of Alexander Hamilton for a similar illustrated approach with more punch.-Jennifer Knight, North Olympic Lib. Syst., Port Angeles, WAα(c) Copyright 2011. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted. Frank Keating has held many positions in public office, including Assistant Secretary of the Department of the Treasury and Associate Attorney General of the United States. He was elected Governor of Oklahoma in 1995 and completed his term in January of 2003. He lives in Oklahoma. Mike Wimmer has illustrated many books for children, including Home Run: The Story of Babe Ruth by Robert Burleigh, which was named an ALA Notable Children’s Book and was called a “grand slam” in a starred review in Publishers Weekly. He also illustrated Flight: The Journey of Charles Lindbergh by Robert Burleigh, which received the Orbis Pictus Award for nonfiction. He lives in Georgia with his family.