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trin's review against another edition
4.0
Not much I didn't already know (sniffs the adult reading a book intended for 8-to-12-year-olds), but clearly and charmingly presented. I was amused that the Alexander Hamilton chapter was "Alexander Hamilton vs. History." (Our boy Alex has definitely won a recent battle there.) I was also interested to see John Adams' dying words, "Thomas Jefferson still lives," presented with a meaning 180 degrees away from what I was taught, but Quirk appears to have the evidence to back it up. Her version is cuter, too, so I choose to believe it.
sarahcvo's review against another edition
3.0
This was a short, engaging read, focusing on the American Revolution and the early years of the American republic through the conceit of "feuds" between people in that era. I could see how this might draw in some kids who aren't really into history, and spark an interest in learning more. I even learned a few things I didn't know, particularly about Benjamin Franklin and his family.
However, I was quite disappointed with the final chapter on John Adams & Thomas Jefferson - that section seemed the shortest, and didn't even really delve into what the men disagreed about, instead focusing on the idea of friendship turning to hatred turning back to friendship (and wasting time making jokes about "frenemies"). The second part of the book's subtitle - "and How They Shaped the Nation" - was barely addressed at all; I had been hoping for more analysis of why these feuds mattered. Up to that point, I was ready to give this 4 stars, but in the end I felt it only merits 3.
However, I was quite disappointed with the final chapter on John Adams & Thomas Jefferson - that section seemed the shortest, and didn't even really delve into what the men disagreed about, instead focusing on the idea of friendship turning to hatred turning back to friendship (and wasting time making jokes about "frenemies"). The second part of the book's subtitle - "and How They Shaped the Nation" - was barely addressed at all; I had been hoping for more analysis of why these feuds mattered. Up to that point, I was ready to give this 4 stars, but in the end I felt it only merits 3.
bettiespages's review against another edition
5.0
Often history books for kids can really gloss over the bad and will deify our founding fathers especially. I feel like Quirk did a great job of balance with her book! These were great men, but men nonetheless and she showcases that in a kid friendly way with a great job done on the illustrations by Baddeley! Will definitely recommend this to all my young history fans
mrs_mazzola_reads's review against another edition
3.0
Fine introduction to some of the personalities and drama of important historical figures in American history. I felt the information was too simplistic and cursory to really be useful, except as possibly a gateway to more interesting/in-depth books. It was also hard to read as one complete book because the timeline was continually jumping back and forth each time they introduced someone new and that created some confusion about how these people (who all lived at the same time!) would have interacted with each other. Not my favorite American history book, but a decent introduction for the intended audience (approximately 3-5 grade).
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