Lafayette and the American Revolution

This 88-page biography was named a 2011 Robert F. Sibert Informational Honor Book. The Medal "is awarded annually to the author(s) and illustrator(s) of the most distinguished informational book published in English during the preceding year" by the American Library Association.

It's a very readable account of the life of the Marquis de Lafayette, illustrated with mostly-period paintings, drawings, and documents. As the title indicates, Freedman focuses mainly on Lafayette's involvement with the American Revolution, but also addresses his early life and his later involvement with the French Revolution. Freedman ends the book with a time line, source notes, selected bibliography (with commentary), picture credits, and index. The book made show more me want to learn even more about Lafayette (and especially his wife Adrienne, who sounds particularly intriguing). It's an outstanding addition to Freedman's fine repertoire of biography and history.

© Amanda Pape - 2011 show less

The Marquis de Lafayette was a very wealthy French lord who should have been playing games and attending parties in King Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette's royal court in Paris. Instead, the 19-year-old bought a ship, and sneaked out of the country to join the American rebels. France was trying to keep the political peace with England, while hiding the fact that they were shipping supplies and money to the Americans, as well as closing their eyes to the fact that many French officers and soldiers were heading over to join the fight. Lafayette showed up offering to fight without pay (he did have plenty of his own money), and use his royal contacts to help the Americans, as long as he was given the rank of major general. It was a no-brainer show more for George Washington and the Continental Congress, though they made the rank honorary until Lafayette proved himself in battle. Not everything went well for him: he was wounded at the Battle of Brandywine Creek, spent the difficult winter at Valley Forge with Washington and the troops, and had to stop an ill-fated attempt to invade Canada. Loyal and hardworking, the Frenchman proved to be a worthwhile ally to the rebels, and his French connections helped to turn the tide of the war. He was key in cornering British general Cornwallis into surrender on the Yorktown peninsula, with Washington's troops and the French navy filling out the other sides of the triangular trap. Stellar research, with illustrations and paintings of the time, as well as photos of important letters and documents. This is an important addition to any collection, as it brings to life another fascinating part of the story of the American Revolution. It wasn't just poor colonists pitching tea into Boston Harbor; the ideals of freedom and democracy were important across all levels of society. This is as good as Washington at Valley Forge, which I thoroughly enjoyed. Especially good for 8th graders who are knee deep in American History! show less

The story of the impetuous, young French nobleman who ran off and joined the American Revolution, and in so doing became a leader and hero. There seems to be a city or town named Lafayette in every other state and for good reason, because the Marquis played an pivotal role in the success of our fight for independence. For students of history, this would be a good book to show them that we're not the only country where the ideals of liberty and freedom are strong, and that even a member of a ruling class might feel them as well. Lafayette was one of the more colorful characters in the colorful history of our country and is well worth reading about today.

Freedman writes great nonfiction for younger audiences and Lafayette and the American Revolution is no exception. A fact-filled and well-illustrated book for the middle grades it would be an excellent addition to any school library. Lafayette, although married and with a child on the way, was only nineteen when he sailed for America to become a general in Washington's army and only 24 when he played a major part at the Battle of Yorktown, which effectively ended the war with the surrender of Cornwallis.

Although this book is primarily about his experiences during the Revolutionary War, Freedman does give us a summary of Lafayette's early life and also a chapter about his experiences after the War. Definitely recommended for all ages.

Freedman writes great nonfiction for younger audiences and Lafayette and the American Revolution is no exception. A fact-filled and well-illustrated book for the middle grades it would be an excellent addition to any school library. Lafayette, although married and with a child on the way, was only nineteen when he sailed for America to become a general in Washington's army and only 24 when he played a major part at the Battle of Yorktown, which effectively ended the war with the surrender of Cornwallis.

Although this book is primarily about his experiences during the Revolutionary War, Freedman does give us a summary of Lafayette's early life and also a chapter about his experiences after the War.

Recommended.

Tricia

Mr. Freedman wrote an excellent biography of Lafayette. It was a bit short, but still I got a very good education into this revolutionary war figure. There are plenty of pictures, and other illustrations in the book. If you want a crash course into Lafayette's life then this is the book for you. Enjoy.

This is an informational text that is written in a narrative style. It covers the lesser known events and people that are attached to Frances alliance with the US during the American Revolution. I think this book does a very good job of showing a lesser known and not as often seen side to an event that everyone learns about in school. This book could also create a new interest by providing information they haven't heard before.

Media: photographs

Uses: -good informational book on US history and the revolution
-good introduction to more textbook like informational texts