The Notorious Benedict Arnold: A True Story of Adventure, Heroism & Treachery

 1.      BIBLIOGRAPHY

Sheinkin, Steve. 2012. The notorious Benedict Arnold: A true story of adventure, heroism & treachery. (N. Bramhall, Mark.) [Audiobook]. New York, NY: Listening Library. ISBN: 9780449014998

2.      PLOT SUMMARY

Benedict Arnold is a controversial and fiery figure. Most of the time the only time he’s mentioned in history is in regard to his betrayal, but he played such an important part in independence of the United States of America. He was born in Connecticut to a family that had some political background, but hadn’t made a name for themselves. That’s what he fought for, a name. Arnold was always a daredevil and he pulled a lot of pranks, but things got worse when 2 of his sisters died. He went on to become a successful businessman and married a woman named Margaret Mansfield. They had 3 sons. During their marriage he explored the Caribbean, got into duels, and traded. When the British began to tax the colonists, Arnold quickly took up the cause of independence. Arnold led one of the first attacks on the British and he took command of the fort. His wife died shortly after and he met Washington which set him up for another attack on the British in Canada. This attack required a long voyage which didn’t go very well. By the time they tried to invade Quebec the men were in terrible conditions and many men were captured. He later led the first American naval fleet that didn’t win the battle, but escaped with their lives. He was never a fan of politics and he didn’t do well with it. Other men were chosen as major generals before him and he felt slighted. He would’ve resigned, but Washington asked him to help in the North. His help was instrumental in winning the battle of Saratoga. He injured himself badly in the leg and he went back to Philadelphia. His marriage to Peggy Shippen he began conspiring with Loyalists. Arnold came up with a plan to give Britain West Point. He wanted the war over quickly and he was convinced this would so it. He also wanted money. Britain agreed as long as it was as important as he said it was. He worked with Andre (the chief of intelligence) and he gave him the plans, but Andre got caught. This led to everyone (including Washington) finding out what Arnold had done, but not before Arnold escaped to British controlled land.

3.      CRITICAL ANALYSIS

Sheinkin included so many sources. He began the sources section admitting that he had an obsession. This helps to explain the vast number of sources found over the course of 8 pages! It’s really great that he organizes the sources by the people or topics he’s going over and he introduces his favorite at the beginning. The next part of the sources goes over quotes. Sheinkin actually provides the sources for the quotes given in the book. These are organized by the chapters. An index finishes off the book giving students the tool to find relevant information quickly. This can also give students an opportunity to become comfortable using a tool like this. The passion he shares also adds to the excitement and the way he tells the story is a testament to this emotion. Sheinkin decided to tell the story in chronological order while intertwining the story of a different important player, John Andre. The back and forth adds to the suspense of how these two men come together. The execution at the beginning is also looming in the background of everything. Sheinkin knew how to spark the interest and keep the reader engaged throughout. There weren’t any images included, but the details were described vividly and allowed the reader to imagine people and events well. The flow and the unique perspective that this biography has makes it easy to see why it’s an award winner.

4.      REVIEW EXCERPTS

Reviewed in Booklist: “History junkies are in for a treat when they pick up this lively, highly readable biography of the U.S.’ most vilified traitor...Copious source notes and quotation notes will lead both report writers and avid enthusiasts to additional materials. A worthy addition to all libraries.”

Starred review in Horn Book Magazine: “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.”

Starred review in Kirkus Reviews: “Sheinkin sees Arnold as America's "original action hero" and succeeds in writing a brilliant, fast-paced biography that reads like an adventure novel… 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.”

Starred review in School Library Journal: “American history is brought to life in this engaging story of revolution and treason... 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.”

Margaret A. Edwards Award

YALSA Award for Excellence in Nonfiction for Young Adults-Winner

 

5.      CONNECTIONS

*Other books written by Steve Sheinkin:

Sheinkin, Steve. Fallout: Spies, superbombs, and the ultimate Cold War showdown. ISBN: 9781250149015

Sheinkin, Steve. Bomb, graphic novel: The race to build--and steal--the world's most dangerous weapon. ISBN: 9781250206749

Sheinkin, Steve. Undefeated: Jim Thorpe and the Carlisle Indian School Football team. ISBN: 9781250294470

*Invite students to research the history of the American Revolution starting with the source notes found in the book.

*Invite students to write letters to Benedict Arnold or Sheinkin asking any questions they may have about Arnold’s life or sharing their favorite part.