Lafayette!

September 15, 2018
The eighth entry in Nathan Hale's Hazardous Tales tackles the early life of the Marquis de Lafayette, hero of the American Revolution.How it is that Hale (the character) has managed to stay his inevitable execution to tell stories of events yet to happen won't be clear to new readers, but it's unlikely they'll care; Hale (the author) yet again weaves a delightful and engaging narrative sprinkled with silly and scatalogical humor. Recurring characters the Hangman and the Provost return to enthusiastically provide commentary and comedic relief as spy Hale recounts the first half of Lafayette's exceptional life through the end of his participation in the American Revolution. Fans of Hamilton (to which the title is a reference) will recognize familiar characters: George Washington, of course, but also Alexander Hamilton, le comte de Rochambeau, and Philip Schuyler. The narration never skirts or belittles the grim aspects of Revolutionary-era America (the horrific conditions endured by the militia; white men fighting "for freedom" while they enslave other humans). The majority of the cast is white, with members of the Iroquois Confederacy (who speak in stilted English) and a few people of color (enslaved men and women; a black soldier; a portrait of Alexander Dumas) shown briefly.Fans of history, Hamilton, and/or Hale's previous entries will be clamoring for this latest volume. (Graphic historical fiction. 8-12)

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November 15, 2018
Grades 4-7 In the latest addition to Hazardous Tales, author-illustrator Hale tells the rip-roaring, adventurous story of Gilbert du Motier, the Marquis de Lafayette. Lafayette lost his father as a child, became a major general by age 19, and worked alongside General Washington during the American Revolution. He was a man whose entire life was filled with war and battlefields. Hale does a tremendous job of telling the complicated story of one of the most celebrated men in history with facts and figures interspersed throughout the often humorous and informative narrative. His intricately drawn panels are beautifully colored, with pastels of grey and pink, and although a multitude of people from across the globe feature in his story, Hale does an extraordinary job of differentiating characters throughout. His precise linework and neat lettering make the multitude of thought and speech balloons in the panels easy to read. History lovers and comics readers alike will thoroughly enjoy this story of Lafayette and his quest for victory.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2018, American Library Association.)

January 1, 2019
The Revolutionary War hero continues to distract his executioners in this eighth volume in the graphic-novel series. Here the focus is on the Frenchman Lafayette's participation in the Revolutionary War under General Washington; Hancock, Hamilton, and others make appearances. As always, irreverent humor makes a complicated story more accessible; readers will appreciate another compelling history lesson. Small panel illustrations and tiny type can be challenging. Bib.

(Copyright 2019 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)

Starred review from December 1, 2018

Gr 4-7-About-to-be-executed spy Nathan Hale entertains his captors and readers by telling stories about U.S. history in this popular graphic novel series. In this installment, Hale returns to the setting of the American Revolution to focus on the early life of French aristocrat and Revolutionary War hero Marie-Joseph Paul Yves Roch Gilbert du Motier, Marquis de Lafayette. Young, passionate about the American cause, and endearing, Lafayette was accepted into the Continental Army when other French officers were rejected, because of his humility and willingness to learn (and because he was well connected and his wealth meant that he didn't require a salary). George Washington took him under his wing, and Lafayette's loyalty to the commander-in-chief saved Washington from a plot to remove him from command. The narrative pauses for an eight-page mini-comic about Benedict Arnold, the notorious traitor. Newcomers to the series are given enough context in the first few pages to figure out the dynamic among the Provost, Hangman, and Hale and will soon feel in on the jokes in the meta commentary. As has become customary in the "Hazardous Tales," accurate historical facts are made fun and palatable through the action-packed graphic format and a humorous lens. VERDICT A must-buy.-Kacy Helwick, New Orleans Public Library

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