Eureka!

Real Benedict Arnold, The

Publication Information

Author: Murphy, Jim

Illustrator:

Title: Real Benedict Arnold, The

Date: 2007

Publisher: Clarion

City: New York

ISBN, paperback: 978-0-395-77609-4

ISBN, hardback:

Recommended audience:

ABE/ABLE: Yes

ESOL:

Family:

Young Adult: Yes

Picture: Yes

General Information:

Book Type(s): biography and autobiography, nonfiction

HSE Descriptor(s): social studies

Summary:

This well-researched biography examines the facts and rumors of the life of the hero, then traitor, Benedict Arnold against the background of the Continental Congress and the Revolutionary War. Maps and portraits illustrate the text. End notes, sources, and an index expand the classroom uses for the book. The book, though well-written, is long and detailed.

Teaching Ideas:

Since this is a long, dense book, teachers may want to excerpt passages or chapters. However, the book may especially appeal to male readers who like to follow battle strategy. These readers could choose a favorite encounter and describe or demonstrate it to the class. Teachers might brainstorm Arnold's character traits before students write or discuss how Arnold's personality contributed to his many confrontations and lifelong enemies. Because Murphy includes ample supplementary detail, students might practice summarizing sections of the book or events involving certain people or groups (relationship with George Washington, for example). Of course, the major question that the author addresses is why Arnold turned traitor to help the British after fighting so long and hard for the Patriots. Any of the strategies that deal with controversy would work to gather details and structure discussion. Students could also gather political information about Arnold's nemesis, the Continental Congress, then compare and contrast with the workings of Congress today.

Teaching Strategies: