In July of 1804, enemies Alexander Hamilton and Aaron Burr engaged in an illegal pistol duel. Though their upbringings were similar and the two men had a lot in common, envy and rivalry caused tension that led to the death of Hamilton as a result of the scheduled duel. A good follow up activity would be comparing and contrasting the two men and looking for events that led to the duel. ( )

Dennis Fradin takes the most deadly duel in American history and makes it a child-appropriate retelling. Hamilton and Burr have a long history of political conflict. They were aides to George Washington and even opposing lawyers to each other. Once Burr tries to run for office, Hamilton spreads lies about him to prevent his election. The second time he does this, Burr challenges him to a duel.

He tries to compare their childhoods to make them sound similar, but it feels like a stretch besides them both being orphans. Though he blames both parties, it feels like Hamilton is put in a worse light than Burr. Some of the text, as well, is confusing. Sentences get italicized in odd places. When "Burr wrote a parting letter to his daughter, Theo," I was expecting the letter to come next. However, the very next sentence is in italics, reading "Early the next morning, oarsmen row Hamilton and Burr across the Hudson from New York City to Weehawken in separate boats."

Overall, an effective history book for younger readers. The art helps tell the story and children will have an easy time reading the deadliest duel in America. ( )

Great non-fiction that follows up and reinforces what Jackson feels he knows from listening to the Hamilton! soundtrack. A great bibliography that will be going on our library hold list! ( )

"Duel!" is a book is really enjoyed and learned from. It is the story of both Alexander Hamilton and Aaron Burr's life. Both of whom I knew nothing about before reading this book. The book takes place at first at the duel they were having against each other. They both had guns pointed at each other and both risking their lives and their freedom for the duel that was happening. The book then tells the life of Hamilton and Burr starting at their lives as children and then taking place where Burr was Vice President and Hamilton was first secretary of the treasury. The duel then commence, because of all the bad words Hamilton had to say about Burr in news papers. After Burr hears of Hamilton's words he asks him to a duel and Hamilton agrees. Hamilton ends up dying from the duel, but is never forgotten. Burr is excused of Hamilton's death, but is never taken to trail. The book " Duel!" is a great way of introducing to children the history of Alexander Hamilton and Aaron Burr. ( )

This book, while extremely short, does give helpful background information about both Alexander Hamilton and Aaron Burr as well as a cursory overview of the beginnings of their rivalry. However, these details did not adequately paint a picture as to the men who would take part in the duel. Indeed, the author barely establishes his central argument that both parties were responsible for the duel, and on the last page at that.
This is an interesting book, but would be best suited for private readings by late Elementary students, or the teacher of an early Elementary class reading for students. ( )