The Notorious Benedict Arnold

October 1, 2010

If only Benedict Arnold had died sooner. Had he been killed at the Battle of Saratoga, he'd be one of the greatest heroes of American history, and "we'd celebrate his life as one of the best action stories we have." Instead, he survived and went on to betray the colonies and die in shame. Sheinkin sees Arnold as America's "original action hero" and succeeds in writing a brilliant, fast-paced biography that reads like an adventure novel. Opening with the hanging of Major Andre, the British officer who plotted with Arnold to turn West Point over to the British, the story sticks to the exciting illustrative scenes of Arnold's career—the invasion of Canada, assembling America's first naval fleet, the Battle of Valcour Island, the Battle of Saratoga and the plot with Andre, whose parallel narrative ends in a bungled mission, his execution and Arnold's dishonor. The author's obvious mastery of his material, lively prose and abundant use of eyewitness accounts make this one of the most exciting biographies young readers will find. (source notes, quotation notes, maps [not seen]) (Biography. 11-14)

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Starred review from November 1, 2010

Gr 7 Up-American history is brought to life in this engaging story of revolution and treason. Most people know very little about Benedict Arnold-only that he was a traitor during the American War of Independence. Sheinkin recounts the tale of a larger-than-life persona, from his uncertain boyhood to his immense popularity as an unpredictable, yet brilliant, commander in the American army, and finally, to his end days, living in London, despised and disgraced. The story of Arnold's bravery and his rise in the esteem of the colonists is played out against the political squabbling and fears the Continental Congress had about military figures becoming too powerful and upsetting the delicate democracy they were busy creating. Through letters, journals, historic accounts, and other resources, Sheinkin keeps readers wanting to know what will happen next. Short, episodic chapters titled with relevant dates are an effective way to pace various battles-on the field and off-and understand their place in the larger picture of the war. Other key figures are well developed in the narrative. Seeing a glimpse of these personalities makes their subsequent actions believable and meaningful. The Notorious Benedict Arnold is likely to make readers want to learn more about the American Revolution and its players, great and small. Source notes at the end of the book allow them to do just that.-Karen Elliott, Grafton High School, WI

Copyright 2010 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

October 15, 2010
Grades 6-9 History junkies are in for a treat when they pick up this lively, highly readable biography of the U.S. most vilified traitor. Emphasizing Arnolds reckless, adventurous side, Sheinkin, who admits to being a longtime admirer of the infamous figure, makes a good case for why Americans have cause to embrace the generals early incarnation as a heroic icon of the Revolution. Without his impetuous personality and willingness to hurl himself into a fray, the war might well have been lost before the French directed their might our way. Arnolds fall also becomes understandable, if inexcusable, in Sheinkins hands. How much did his wounds, colossal ego, and need for money sway him to become a potential betrayer? Weaving in the story of John Andr', Arnolds British contact, creates an atmosphere of suspense. When will they finally meet? How close will they come to throwing the war? Copious source notes and quotation notes will lead both report writers and avid enthusiasts to additional materials. A worthy addition to all libraries.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2010, American Library Association.)

Starred review from January 1, 2011
Sheinkin, known for his slightly irreverent but oh-so-readable general histories (see, for example, King George: What Was His Problem? rev. 7/08), adopts a more serious tone in this biography of Benedict Arnold. Several complex political, social, and military themes emerge, one of the most prominent being that within the Continental army, often simplistically depicted as single-minded patriots, beat hearts scheming with political machinations that are completely familiar today. Believing that the Revolution was his path to honor, respect, and wealth, Benedict Arnold embodies such ambition-driven maneuverings. With a strong military record (especially when moving troops northward into Canada under the harshest of circumstances, described with graphic immediacy by Sheinkin), Arnold fights for both rank and recognition, most often clashing with General Horatio Gates, less flamboyant than Arnold but just as eager for glory. Interspersed throughout is the story of Major John Andr, the British officer who colluded with Arnold and whose hanging provides a gripping introduction to the book. Arnold's inexorable clash with Gates and his decision to turn traitor both chill and compel. Numerous quotes (many from original sources and all documented) add to the lively narrative. Five maps, an index, and an exhaustive bibliography complete the book. BETTY CARTER

(Copyright 2011 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)

January 1, 2011
Benedict Arnold, ambition-driven, believed the Revolution was his path to honor, respect, and wealth; his decision to turn traitor is both chilling and compellingly portrayed. Interspersed throughout this biography is the story of Major John Andri, the British officer who colluded with Arnold. Numerous quotes (many from original sources and all documented) add to the lively narrative. Maps are included. Bib., ind.

(Copyright 2011 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)