Just in time for this year's Fourth of July celebrations, Disney+ started streaming the critically acclaimed, smash hit Hamilton. Hamilton, created by Lin-Manuel Miranda, made its Broadway debut in 2015 and follows the rise and fall of Founding Father Alexander Hamilton. Hamilton served in the American Revolutionary War, led the Treasury Department under President Washington, and was one of the most prolific interpreters and supporters of the U.S. Constitution. In addition to a powerful soundtrack that draws heavily on rap and hip hop, the Broadway production casts diverse, non-white actors to break down the barriers between the audience and the historical figures of the past. We at GMPL love Hamilton, and yes, we may have been caught singing our favorite songs at the Children's Desk! Whether you need more to feed your Hamilton fix or you're just discovering the "10 dollar Founding Father" for the first time, we have you covered! Check out our Hamilton materials below!
Learn the catchy lyrics for the first time, or continue the musical long after you've watched the production on Disney+ with the original cast's recording.
by Ron Chernow
Did you know that Lin-Manuel Miranda picked up Chernow's 800+ page biography of Hamilton for some light reading while on vacation? Read the book that inspired it all!
by Margaret McNamara
We know all about the young, scrappy, and hungry Alexander Hamilton - but what about his wife? McNamara details how Eliza raised money for the Washington Monument, founded the first orphanage in New York State, and tirelessly preserved the legacy of her husband during the fifty years after his death. Additional goodies include Phillipa Soo's afterward, websites to explore, and a clear timeline of events.
by L.M. Elliott
Angelica Schuyler is wickedly smart and passionate. Her sister Eliza is generous and sweet. And then there's Peggy. "And Peggy" is finally in the spotlight in this YA novel. When Alexander Hamilton writes to Peggy Schuyler asking for help in wooing over her sister Eliza, a friendship quickly blossoms between the two. Her new friendship and her increasing involvement in the Revolutionary War finally allows Peggy grow into formidable young woman in her own right.
by Pam Pollack
The popular biography series for kids tells the story of how an orphaned Hamilton made his way to the American colonies, studied law, served as an aid to George to Washington during the Revolutionary War and later in his presidential cabinet, designed our current financial system, and more!
by David A. Adler
A great biography for first and second graders, Adler discusses the highlights of Alexander Hamilton's life, such as his involvement in the American Revolution, his time as the Secretary of the Treasury, and his tragic death from a duel with Aaron Burr.
by Ellis Roxburgh
As the first Secretary of the Treasury, Alexander Hamilton handled the fragile finances of the U.S. and designed much of our current financial system. Aaron Burr became the third Vice President of the U.S. in 1800. How did these two prominent men find themselves in a duel that ended the political career of Burr and the life of Hamilton? Roxburgh explains all the incidents that led up the deadly conflict between Hamilton and Burr.
