The Notorious Benedict Arnold
Books | Juvenile Nonfiction / History / United States / Colonial & Revolutionary Periods
4
Steve Sheinkin
New York Times bestselling author, Newbery Honor recipient, and National Book Award finalist Steve Sheinkin presents both the heroism and the treachery of one of the Revolutionary War's most infamous players in his biography of Benedict Arnold.Winner of the Boston Globe-Horn Book Award for NonfictionWinner of the YALSA-ALA Award for Excellence in Young Adult NonfictionMost people know that Benedict Arnold was America's first, most notorious traitor. Few know that he was also one of its greatest Revolutionary War heroes.Steve Sheinkin's accessible biography, The Notorious Benedict Arnold, introduces young readers to the real Arnold: reckless, heroic, and driven. Packed with first-person accounts, astonishing American Revolution battle scenes, and surprising twists, this is a gripping and true adventure tale from history.“Sheinkin sees Arnold as America's ‘original action hero' and succeeds in writing a brilliant, fast-paced biography that reads like an adventure novel...The author's obvious mastery of his material, lively prose and abundant use of eyewitness accounts make this one of the most exciting biographies young readers will find.” —Kirkus Reviews (starred review)“Several complex political, social, and military themes emerge, one of the most prominent being that within the Continental army, often simplistically depicted as single-minded patriots, beat hearts scheming with political machinations that are completely familiar today...Arnold's inexorable clash with Gates and his decision to turn traitor both chill and compel.” —Horn Book Magazine (starred review)Also by Steve Sheinkin:Bomb: The Race to Build—and Steal—the World's Most Dangerous WeaponThe Port Chicago 50: Disaster, Mutiny, and the Fight for Civil RightsUndefeated: Jim Thorpe and the Carlisle Indian School Football TeamMost Dangerous: Daniel Ellsberg and the Secret History of the Vietnam WarWhich Way to the Wild West?: Everything Your Schoolbooks Didn't Tell You About Westward ExpansionKing George: What Was His Problem?: Everything Your Schoolbooks Didn't Tell You About the American RevolutionTwo Miserable Presidents: Everything Your Schoolbooks Didn't Tell You About the Civil WarBorn to Fly: The First Women's Air Race Across America
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Author
Steve Sheinkin
Pages
352
Publisher
Roaring Brook Press
Published Date
2010-11-09
ISBN
1429951354 9781429951357
Ratings
Google: 5
Community ReviewsSee all
"I always have an admiration when an author spends a tremendous amount of time researching for his/her book. This author did so and it showed. I typically find biography books often dry but this was a book that drew me in a bit. I should note I got it in the middle school reading list area of the library! LOL<br/>"
J w
Jfly winslow
"Long boring history book"
Chole 934
"You likely don’t think of a war hero when you hear the name Benedict Arnold. However, what you get when you read The Notorious Benedict Arnold by Steve Sheinkin is a biographical recount of his life, adventures, and how it all came to a tragic end for this infamous icon. I really enjoy that this biography shows how the events in Arnold’s life unfolded to create the image of how we see him today. Sheinkin admits to an obsession with the story of Benedict Arnold and his passion shines through in the writing. This non-fiction book reads more like an adventure novel. It is an engaging and well-detailed account of Benedict Arnold’s life. Battle scenes and relationships are recounted to help the reader understand the events that led up to Benedict Arnold’s betray of his country. I was more than fascinated by the play by play account of events that impacted American history. This book is well-researched and well-written. The chapters are done in a journal like fashion with titles and date ranges that help the reader place the events chronologically. This structure, along with the large text, makes this book appealing to children. I especially enjoyed the element of suspense that the very short chapters create as they recount Arnold’s life. Aside from a portrait of Benedict Arnold, the only other artwork that is included in this book are various hand drawn maps that are great to reference while reading. An extensive list of source notes and quote notes are appended, arranged by category and chapter, which can help a reader who may be interested in exploring Arnold’s story a bit further. The Notorious Benedict Arnold is a great example of using documents such as journals, letters, and memoirs to create an in depth and credible recount of a fascinating true story. This book tells a story of war, betrayal, and death and for this reason I believe that it is better suited for junior high aged children and up. Any flaws that this book may have are easily forgotten as the reader turns each page in suspense."
C
Cassie