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From a Small Seed

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 From a Small Seed: The Story of Eliza Hamilton

Written by Camille Andros

Illustrated by Tessa Blackham

New York: Henry Holt and Company, 2019. Informational.



Eliza grew up during the birth of America. She had a happy childhood where she could play outside and have parents to tuck her in at night. She was strong and talented and had the world at her feet. But when she saw a young orphaned boy sitting on a stoop, a passion for helping others ignited in her and she became driven to help when she realized that she was lucky to have a warm home and food on her table. When she grew up she married Alexander Hamilton and helped build the new nation. She was deeply rooted in kindness, even when tragedy struck her family. She took that kindness and shared it with the world by starting the Orphan Asylum Society and the Hamilton Free School. Her whole life of service was all because of one small seed of compassion.

This book is beautifully written with lines that flow like lyrics. The illustrations perfectly tie in the story and are just intricate enough to capture your attention. This book teaches the wonderful message that one small child can grow up to do great things. This heartening tale is one that has stood the test of time.

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