2011 Sibert Informational Honor Book

This 88-page biography was named a 2011 Robert F. Sibert Informational Honor Book.  The Medal "is awarded annually to the author(s) and illustrator(s) of the most distinguished informational book published in English during the preceding year" by the American Library Association.

It's a very readable account of the life of the Marquis de Lafayette, illustrated with mostly-period paintings, drawings, and documents (but unfortunately, no maps).  As the title indicates, author Russell Freedman focuses mainly on Lafayette's involvement with the American Revolution, but also addresses his early life and his later involvement with the French Revolution.  Freedman ends the book with a time line, source notes, selected bibliography (with commentary), picture credits, and index.  The book made me want to learn even more about Lafayette (and especially his wife Adrienne, who sounds particularly intriguing).  It's an outstanding addition to Freedman's fine repertoire of biography and history.

© Amanda Pape - 2012

[Lafayette and the American Revolution can be found downstairs in the Curriculum Collection (call number EDUC E207 .L2 F86 2010) of the Dick Smith Library.  This review was originally published at Bookin' It.]