The Notorious Benedict Arnold: A True Story of Adventure, Heroism, and Treachery
written by
Steve Sheinkin
Edition
-
Publisher
Roaring Brook
Imprint
Flash Point
ISBN
9781596434868
Awards and Honors
2012 YALSA Award for Excellence in Nonfiction for Young Adults Winner; YALSA Readers' Choice Nomination 2012, Nonfiction; Horn Book Fanfare, Best Books of 2010, Nonfiction; School Library Journal 2010 Best Book: Nonfiction; 2011 Boston Globe-Horn Book Award, Nonfiction; 2011 Cybils Awards, Nonfiction, Middle Grade and Young Adult, Finalist
POTENTIALLY SENSITIVE AREAS
None
POTENTIALLY SENSITIVE AREAS
None
Details
Format
Page Count
208
Trim Size
5 5/8" x 8 1/4"
Dewey
973.3/82092 B
AR
7.3: points 9
Lexile
990L
Scholastic Reading Counts
14
JLG Release
Mar 2011
Topics
Benedict Arnold (1741-1801). The American Colonies. The American Revolutionary War (1775-1783). John Andre (1750-1780). George Washington (1732-1799). Politics. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Peggy Shippen (1760-1804). Treason.
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Praise & Reviews
Starred or favorable reviews have been received from these periodicals:
Booklist, The Horn Book Magazine*, Kirkus Reviews*, School Library Journal*, Voice of Youth Advocates (VOYA)
Praise & Reviews
School Library Journal
American history is brought to life in this engaging story of revolution and treason. Most people know very little about Benedict Arnold—only that he was a traitor during the American War of Independence. Sheinkin recounts the tale of a larger-than-life persona, from his uncertain boyhood to his immense popularity as an unpredictable, yet brilliant, commander in the American army, and finally, to his end days, living in London, despised and disgraced. The story of Arnold’s bravery and his rise in the esteem of the colonists is played out against the political squabbling and fears the Continental Congress had about military figures becoming too powerful and upsetting the delicate democracy they were busy creating. Through letters, journals, historic accounts, and other resources, Sheinkin keeps readers wanting to know what will happen next. Short, episodic chapters titled with relevant dates are an effective way to pace various battles—on the field and off—and understand their place in the larger picture of the war. Other key figures are well developed in the narrative. Seeing a glimpse of these personalities makes their subsequent actions believable and meaningful. The Notorious Benedict Arnold is likely to make readers want to learn more about the American Revolution and its players, great and small. Source notes at the end of the book allow them to do just that.—Karen Elliott, Grafton High School, WI
Horn Book
STAR Sheinkin, known for his slightly irreverent but oh-so-readable general histories (see, for example, King George: What Was His Problem? rev. 7/08), adopts a more serious tone in this biography of Benedict Arnold. 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. Believing that the Revolution was his path to honor, respect, and wealth, Benedict Arnold embodies such ambition-driven maneuverings. With a strong military record (especially when moving troops northward into Canada under the harshest of circumstances, described with graphic immediacy by Sheinkin), Arnold fights for both rank and recognition, most often clashing with General Horatio Gates, less flamboyant than Arnold but just as eager for glory. Interspersed throughout is the story of Major John André, the British officer who colluded with Arnold and whose hanging provides a gripping introduction to the book. Arnold’s inexorable clash with Gates and his decision to turn traitor both chill and compel. Numerous quotes (many from original sources and all documented) add to the lively narrative. Five maps, an index, and an exhaustive bibliography complete the book.
Grades 10 & Up
History High
For Grades 10 & Up
The past opens with a turn of the page in these fully-documented histories and compelling works of historical fiction. Experience the past frequently with the 12 books in this category.
12 books per Year
$259.20 per Year
Interests
Diversity,Fiction,Mature Readers,Nonfiction,Biographies,Realistic Fiction,History
Grades 10 & Up
History High
12 books per Year
$259.20 per Year
