Eliza: The Story of Elizabeth Schuyler Hamilton by Margaret McNamara, Esme Shapiro
Published by Schwartz & Wade Books on October 2nd 2018
ISBN: 1524765880
Pages: 48
Goodreads

McNamara has crafted a picture book biography of Elizabeth Schuyler Hamilton. Written in the form of a letter to her soon-to-be-born great-granddaughter, Eliza chronicles the life of the titular woman, covering her childhood, her relationship with Alexander Hamilton, and her work after his death. The letter gives a good foundation of information, and is followed by an afterword by Phillipa Soo, the actress who originated the role in the musical Hamilton, additional information on each aspect of Elizabeth Schuyler Hamilton’s life, as well as a selected bibliography, and additional websites.

The illustrations that accompany the text are sometimes hit or miss. Though detailed and often interesting, those that are alongside the tragic moments of Eliza’s life don’t capture those feelings in a demonstrable way.

Unfortunately, Eliza would be most impactful for someone who already knows some of the history of the time period–the “despicable Mr. Andrew Jackson” is mentioned (p. 5) but nothing else is said about him. The large picture book format will likely not engage older readers who would get more out of the book, and younger readers brought in by the pictures may not understand a lot of the references made, such as when the author discusses the immorality of slavery, but doesn’t actually use the word slaves.

Recommended for collections where Hamilton is in high demand or where older readers pursue picture book biographies.

Reviewed by Sarah Cropley, Scarborough Public Library.