Lafayette and the American Revolution by Russell Freedman

Lafayette and the American Revolution by Russell Freedman

*Review created for Texas Woman’s University graduate level class*

1.       BIBLIOGRAPHY

Freedman, Russell. 2010. LAFAYETTE AND THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. New York. Holiday House. ISBN 978-0-8234-2182-4

2.       SUMMARY

Freedman brings to life one of the most intriguing heroes of the Revolutionary War; a young, French nobleman who believed risked the anger of king, country, and family to fight.  Freedman describes the life of Gilbert de Lafayette, a 19 year old, French marquis, who helped a group of colonies become a nation.  Lafayette played a pivotal role in the American Revolution, won the respect of his soldiers, Native Americans, congressman, and George Washington.  He often bought supplies for his men, using his personal fortune, and was a key figure in the Battle of Yorktown, the last major battle in the war. 

3.       CRITICAL REVIEW

Freedman portrays 19 year old marquis de Lafayette.  Freedman’s use of photographs and other images help gain the attention of readers.  Lafayette and the American Revolution showcases his talent of merging text and visuals in an entertaining informational book.  Lafayette is organized in a way that makes it easy for readers to understand.  He includes a time line of events, notes and citations by chapter, picture credits, and an index for readers.  This is a wonderful resource to help teach children how to use common organizational tools used in informational texts. 

In addition to his organization and style, Freedman provides source notes and citations for his information and includes quotes from letters.  These materials are a demonstration to the accuracy of the book.  The letters are written to a variety of people; Adrienne (his wife), as well as George Washington among others.  In one letter to Lafayette, Washington writes “whether that was the last sight I ever should have of you? And though I wished to say no, my fears answered yes.”  It is through the letters and accounts of Washington and his aides that we see the friendship and respect that Lafayette gained from Washington, his men, and other key figures, all while serving as an unpaid general.  Lafayette was also a key figure in gaining recognition and aid from France.  In summary, any child interested in the Revolution will find Lafayette and the American Revolution worthy of attention. 

4.       REVIEWS/AWARDS

“a gorgeously illustrated, beautifully laid out production in an oversized format.”  School Library Journal

Robert F. Sibert Honor Book

“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.” Starred Kirkus review

5.       CONNECTIONS

Read Washington at Valley Forge, and The Boston Tea Partyby Russell Freedman

Create a timeline of the American Revolution with major battles and events

Read other books written about Lafayette, Washington and others.

Learn more about the War of 1812

Watch The Crossing starring Jeff Daniels about Washington crossing the Delaware River during winter and attacking the Hessian Army in Trenton

Read the historical fiction novel Time Enough for Drums by Ann Rinaldi about a teen girl and her experiences during the war-this would be a good book to read with the movie The Crossing because the story is set in Trenton. 

Works Cited

Hunt, Jonathan. "Best Books." School Library Journal. Accessed July 17, 2012. http://blog.schoollibraryjournal.com/heavymedal/2010/11/17/best-books/.

Kirkus Reviews. "Lafayette and the American Revolution." Accessed July 17, 2012. http://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/russell-freedman/lafayette-and-american-revolution/#review.