6 Books for Young Fans of Hamilton

Eliza: The Story of Elizabeth Schuyler Hamilton, by Margaret McNamara
After Hamilton rocketed to success, people were clamoring to learn more about his wife Eliza. And while adults have a new biography to dive into, kids have Eliza: The Story of Elizabeth Schuyler Hamilton, the new picture book biography from Margaret McNamara. The book highlights Eliza’s activism, including her founding of the first orphanage in New York State and raising funds for the Washington Monument, alongside the story of how she grew up and met Alexander.

Alexander Hamilton: From Orphan to Founding Father, by Monica Kulling, illustrated by Valerio Fabbretti
Kids beginning to read on their own might be reluctant to pick up picture books—but they’ll love early reader books! Alexander Hamilton: From Orphan to Founding Father creates a quick summary of the life of Alexander Hamilton for kids who aren’t quite ready for chapter books. It skims over the topics that the musical dives into, including the ratification of the Constitution and the establishment of the national bank.

Lin-Manuel Miranda, by Laurie Calkhoven, illustrated by Alyssa Petersen
You know you’ve made it when there’s an early reader book about you. If you love Hamilton, you probably love writer and star Lin-Manuel Miranda. Did you know he’s won a Tony, and Emmy, a Grammy, and a Pulitzer Prize? This slim volume highlights Lin’s life and work in not only Hamilton but Moana and Mary Poppins Returns. Extras include the history of Puerto Rico and how to write a play.

Aaron and Alexander: The Most Famous Duel in American History, by Don Brown
Don Brown does a lot of incredible nonfiction work, so it’s no surprise that he tackled the duel between Aaron Burr and Alexander Hamilton. As any fan of the musical knows, Burr and Hamilton went from friends to bitter enemies, fighting in a duel that ultimately resulted in the death of Hamilton. This particular picture book is perfect for kids who have been listening to the Hamilton soundtrack but don’t quite understand exactly why Hamilton had to die.

Hamilton and Peggy!, by L.M. Elliott
Eliza and Angelica aren’t the only Schuyler sisters worth discussing. Peggy may only get a mention in the musical, but her real life is full of interesting tidbits—and L.M. Elliott pulls some of them together for her book Hamilton and Peggy!, which imagines the friendship between Hamilton and Peggy. The friendship—which starts with Hamilton asking in her help to woo Eliza—turns into something more important, and more dangerous, as the war goes on. Though technically a young adult title, this is a perfect novel for older middle grade readers who are clamoring for more Hamilton.

Alexander Hamilton, Revolutionary, by Martha Brockenbrough
Ron Chernow’s Hamilton tome, which inspired Lin-Manuel Miranda to write the musical, is a little thick for most kids. However, Martha Brockenbrough’s new biography is the perfect speed. Martha tackles Hamilton’s years in the Caribbean, which the musical doesn’t have time to review, as well as Hamilton’s involvement in both the Revolutionary War and the early years of the American government. Readers will also find samples of Hamilton’s own writings alongside historical details on fashion, music, and etiquette.