Hazardous Tales-Lafayette: A Revolutionary War Tale

Bibliography: Hale, N. (2018). Lafayette!: A Revolutionary War Tale (Ser. Hazardous Tales). Amulet Books, an imprint of Abrams. ISBN: 978-1-419-73148-8

Plot Summary: Hale gives the story of Lafayette, a French nobleman, who comes to America to aid the Revolutionaries against the British.  It follows Lafayette from his childhood in France, where he is orphaned at the age of 13. It details his rise through the French military and his controversial trip to America to support the revolutionary cause. It leaves the reader in suspense as it concludes with his return home...where the French Revolution is about to occur. 

Critical Analysis: This book is one of a series of historical graphic novels written by Nathan Hale. Largely accurate, it follows the story of Lafayette, a French soldier who fought in the American Revolution.  It is evident that Hale did his research, as demonstrated by his bibliography which includes various resources.  Anything inaccurate is generally included for comedic effect by the narrator, the Revolutionary War spy Nathan Hale. The illustrations are simple and cartoonish, but support the text and add a comedic effect. They are almost completely black and white with red thrown in occasionally and the color (or lack thereof) make the text easier to read, as there is a lot of it. As a history lover, I thoroughly enjoyed this funny take on the story of Lafayette. Even non-history lovers will enjoy this tale. 


Reviews:

School Library Journal: "As with the other Nathan Hale’s Hazardous Tales, Lafayette is funny, violent, and most always true."

Kirkus Reviews: "Fans of history, Hamilton, and/or Hale’s previous entries will be clamoring for this latest volume."

Awards: 

New York Times Bestselling Series

Connections:

Use in a middle or high school History class. Have students read primary and secondary sources about Lafayette's impact on the Revolutionary War and compare and contrast descriptions.

Use in a middle or high school English or History class. Have students create their own mini graphic novel over a historical event or a character in a novel.




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