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Name: Amazon.com: The Notorious Benedict Arnold: A True Story of Adventure, Heroism & Treachery: 9781250024602: Sheinkin, Steve: Books
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The Notorious Benedict Arnold: A True Story of Adventure, Heroism & Treachery Paperback – February 19, 2013

by Steve Sheinkin (Author)

557 ratings

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New York Times bestselling author, Newbery Honor recipient, and National Book Award finalist Steve Sheinkin presents both the heroism and the treachery of one of the Revolutionary War's most infamous players in his biography of Benedict Arnold.

Winner of the Boston Globe-Horn Book Award for Nonfiction
Winner of the YALSA-ALA Award for Excellence in Young Adult Nonfiction

Most people know that Benedict Arnold was America's first, most notorious traitor. Few know that he was also one of its greatest Revolutionary War heroes.

Steve Sheinkin's accessible biography, The Notorious Benedict Arnold, introduces young readers to the real Arnold: reckless, heroic, and driven. Packed with first-person accounts, astonishing American Revolution battle scenes, and surprising twists, this is a gripping and true adventure tale from history.

“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.” ―Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

“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...Arnold's inexorable clash with Gates and his decision to turn traitor both chill and compel.” ―Horn Book Magazine (starred review)

Also by Steve Sheinkin:

Bomb: The Race to Build―and Steal―the World's Most Dangerous Weapon
The Port Chicago 50: Disaster, Mutiny, and the Fight for Civil Rights
Undefeated: Jim Thorpe and the Carlisle Indian School Football Team
Most Dangerous: Daniel Ellsberg and the Secret History of the Vietnam War
Which Way to the Wild West?: Everything Your Schoolbooks Didn't Tell You About Westward Expansion
King George: What Was His Problem?: Everything Your Schoolbooks Didn't Tell You About the American Revolution
Two Miserable Presidents: Everything Your Schoolbooks Didn't Tell You About the Civil War
Born to Fly: The First Women's Air Race Across America

Editorial Reviews

Review

“* 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.” ―Kirkus Reviews, starred review

“* 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.” ―School Library Journal, starred review

“* 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. . . . Arnold's inexorable clash with Gates and his decision to turn traitor both chill and compel.” ―Horn Book Magazine, starred review

“History junkies are in for a treat when they pick up this lively, highly readable biography of the U.S.'s most vilified traitor. . . . A worthy addition to all libraries.” ―Booklist

About the Author

Steve Sheinkin is the acclaimed author of fast-paced, cinematic nonfiction histories, including Fallout, Undefeated, Born to Fly, The Port Chicago 50, and Bomb. His accolades include a Newbery Honor, three Boston Globe–Horn Book Awards, a Sibert Medal and Honor, and three National Book Award finalist honors. He lives in Saratoga Springs, New York, with his wife and two children.

Product details

Publisher ‏ : ‎ Square Fish; Reprint edition (February 19, 2013)
Language ‏ : ‎ English
Paperback ‏ : ‎ 368 pages
ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1250024609
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1250024602
Reading age ‏ : ‎ 11 - 14 years
Lexile measure ‏ : ‎ 990L
Grade level ‏ : ‎ 1 - 4
Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 2.31 pounds
Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.9 x 0.95 x 8.95 inches

Best Sellers Rank: #92,180 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #5 in Teen & Young Adult United States Colonial & Revolutionary Periods History
- #31 in Teen & Young Adult Historical Biographies

Customer Reviews:
557 ratings

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Steve Sheinkin

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A former textbook writer, Steve Sheinkin is now making amends by writing history books that kids and teens actually want to read. His award-winning nonfiction books include FALLOUT, BOMB, UNDEFEATED, THE PORT CHICAGO 50, MOST DANGEROUS, THE NOTORIOUS BENEDICT ARNOLD, LINCOLN'S GRAVE ROBBERS, BORN TO FLY, and his newest title, IMPOSSIBLE ESCAPE. His newest book is THE BLETCHLEY RIDDLE, a WWII historical mystery co-written with Ruta Sepetys. Steve lives with his family in Saratoga Springs, NY.

Customer reviews

557 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find this historical biography engaging and well-written, with interesting historical facts and well-developed historical figures. Moreover, the book keeps the plot moving and is suitable for younger readers, with one customer noting it's written at a middle school level. Additionally, they appreciate the character development, with one review highlighting the vivid depiction of battles.

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Readability Information content Book writing Enjoyment Story length Character development Reading age

63 customers mention "Readability"63 positive0 negative

Customers find the book highly readable, describing it as a great and fun story that leaves readers engaged.

"...A REALLY good book for students in middle school and up who want to know more about Benedict Arnold and about American history." Read more

"...historical character, and if anything this is an even better literary read than Bomb." Read more

"...He also provides the perfect coda for the book by describing a most curious monument made in Arnold's "honor" at Saratoga...." Read more

"...I could not put this book down. It's fast paced and thrilling, slowing down just enough to give the reader a sense of place and time and then..." Read more

57 customers mention "Information content"57 positive0 negative

Customers find the book informative and well-researched, containing many interesting historical facts and developing important historical figures, making it a good read for history.

"...I thought I knew the story of Benedict Arnold. I did not! This well-researched, well-written book tells the dramatic life story of a man from a once-..." Read more

"...(a must-read) some wanted to go onto Benedict Arnold - a fascinating historical character, and if anything this is an even better literary read than..." Read more

"...about Benedict Arnold's character and personality, his military genius and derring do, and his innate ability to annoy superiors in the military..." Read more

"...In other words, The Notorious Benedict Arnold makes history enjoyable, fun, and above all else, entertaining on top of being accessible to both..." Read more

29 customers mention "Book writing"29 positive0 negative

Customers find the book well written and easy to read, with a simple format that makes it accessible.

"...I did not! This well-researched, well-written book tells the dramatic life story of a man from a once-great family destroyed by an alcoholic father..." Read more

"Good nonfiction for young adult readers is harder to come by than good fiction...." Read more

"...This book explained it so well. Well-written and fast-paced, with none of the stuffy, over-intellectualized jargon that a lot of historical writers..." Read more

"...are provided, and from the research I've done, it's an accurately told story...." Read more

18 customers mention "Enjoyment"15 positive3 negative

Customers find the book interesting and entertaining, with one noting that it appeals to both children and adults.

"...Curious and symbolically appropriate, I'd say. Recommended for young readers in need of some bracing nonfiction, for a change." Read more

"...In other words, The Notorious Benedict Arnold makes history enjoyable, fun, and above all else, entertaining on top of being accessible to both..." Read more

"...Reading this book was thrilling and exciting...." Read more

"...This book was both educational and entertaining. A great read." Read more

18 customers mention "Story length"18 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the length of the book, describing it as an action-packed page turner that keeps readers engaged throughout.

"...Arnold’s military career, with an accessible style and vivid depiction of battles that leaves readers engaged and on the edge of their seats...." Read more

"...The author has a flair for the dramatic in painting Benedict Arnold as a young man driven to succeed, where his father failed...." Read more

"...The author skillfully portrays Arnold as brash and impetuous and shocked by how he is received...." Read more

"...be a really enjoyable and educational book full of big personalities, intrigue, spy adventure, and war time action/strategy...." Read more

13 customers mention "Character development"13 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the character development in the book, noting its detailed portrayal of emotions, and one customer specifically mentions how it portrays Arnold as a strong military man.

"...He was also a great patriot -- brave, daring and cunning, risking his life many times for our country...." Read more

"...Benedict Arnold is at turns heroic, brave, greedy, and reckless...." Read more

"...This book told of hardship,love,betrayals, and heroism, I loved how it took you through Benedict's life through North America and how his actions..." Read more

"...in "Drums along the Mohawk" (book) and he stood out as a strong military man. I had always thought of him as a cowardly traitor...." Read more

13 customers mention "Reading age"13 positive0 negative

Customers find the book suitable for younger readers, with one mentioning it is written at a middle school level, while another notes how it brings historical events to life for middle-schoolers.

"Good nonfiction for young adult readers is harder to come by than good fiction...." Read more

"...fun, and above all else, entertaining on top of being accessible to both younger readers and those who enjoy a good biography...." Read more

"...Arnold's life unfolds will definitely interest students, teachers and reluctant readers...." Read more

"...It is written at a middle school level...." Read more

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N. Gillispie
An action-packed page turner that will teach readers so much! Excellent!
Reviewed in the United States on July 2, 2016
Verified Purchase

This book was amazing! I thought I knew the story of Benedict Arnold. I did not! This well-researched, well-written book tells the dramatic life story of a man from a once-great family destroyed by an alcoholic father who struggled with tragedies in family and love and was determined to regain the family's name and status. He was also a great patriot -- brave, daring and cunning, risking his life many times for our country. It is this heroic Benedict Arnold that makes his betrayal of his country all the more shocking. (And it is so shocking!! We see how even people on the same side of a greater issue can clash bitterly over egos, money and fame.) This story is action-packed and full of famous people, too. It sheds light not only on Arnold but the American Revolution, which was not a sterile war of muskets and powdered wigs but a war of grit, blood and tremendous sacrifice for all people. It was a very dangerous time and the politics and politicians of that day will remind you much of today. A REALLY good book for students in middle school and up who want to know more about Benedict Arnold and about American history.

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Ceal S.
Steve Sheinkin is such a gift author
Reviewed in the United States on October 16, 2024
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After my students had all read Bomb (a must-read) some wanted to go onto Benedict Arnold - a fascinating historical character, and if anything this is an even better literary read than Bomb.

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KC
Betrayed by Blind Ambition
Reviewed in the United States on August 14, 2012
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Good nonfiction for young adult readers is harder to come by than good fiction. Like cavalry over the hill, then, rides The Notorious Benedict Arnold, a book whose ending we know before we start -- but will the kids? I suppose it depends on the curriculum, when they get American history, and to what extent. But even for veterans like me, the book offers details either forgotten or never known.

Benedict Arnold couldn't get out of his own personality's way. His father of the same name, a drunken disgrace, lit the fire of ambition and shame in his son at a young age. Conveniently enough, the Revolutionary War would provide the backdrop Benedict needed to show his mettle. And mettle he showed, at Saratoga and in Quebec, where he came this close to making Canada our 14th colony. During actions at Quebec and Saratoga, Arnold was dealt serious injuries from gunfire. And though he lost a lot of blood, he sadly did not lose his life, missing two golden opportunities to go down among the Giants of the Revolution like Lafayette, Von Steuben, Ethan Allen, and Washington. Instead, he would outlive his heroic chances and allow his sullen, jealous, angry temperament a chance to win notoriety for quite another reputation, one driven by money and relentless ambition.

The lesser star (and fall guy) of the book is concurrent story of Major John André. He played spy to Arnold's traitor, and their tango ended badly for him. Author Sheinkin tells us that André was one of those singularly handsome men who charmed women and men alike with his personality and intelligence. Unfortunately, this intelligence would forsake him in a few key seconds that would seal his fate. After meeting Arnold behind enemy lines near West Point, he was fleeing south toward the British-held city of New York. Alas, he did not think through the actions he would take if he were stopped by Americans. He foolishly said he was British by assuming he was far enough south and already among Loyalists. In retrospect, this made no sense. Had he said he was American, the outcome would have worked to his advantage no matter what. That is, if his interceptors were Americans (which they were), they would have let him by with the handwritten pass he held from Arnold. And even if they were British, they would have seized him and taken him as a "prisoner" to General Clinton -- the very man who sent him out on the mission -- down in New York. At age 29, the dashing Major André had written the opening lines to his own final act.

Some might say he was luckier than Arnold, who would survive and escape Washington's frantic attempts to capture and make an example of him. Arnold made a few forays wearing a redcoat -- burning New London, CT, for one -- but the war soon ended and he spent the remainder of his years in England and Canada with ignominy and Peggy Shippen as his mates. Even the side he defected to held him in low esteem after the war. Washington had offered André's life in exchange for Arnold's, but General. Clinton, as much as he loved André, could not pull the trigger on this tempting deal because of the unwritten rule: You never, but NEVER, turn over a turncoat.

When all is said and done, you will learn a lot more about Benedict Arnold's character and personality, his military genius and derring do, and his innate ability to annoy superiors in the military (where, quite frankly, many men on both sides acted like middle school children in their endless bickering, resentments, intrigues, and calculated slander and libel of each other's character). You will enjoy some military strategizing, take in some battle-day narratives, and learn just how close the colonies came to losing this war. And yes, you will see the major role of irony and chance, and just how comfortable both of these things are in the fertile grounds of history. An awful lot of things had to go wrong for Benedict Arnold's plan to fail. Sheinkin shows just how lucky the Americans got with a series of wild coincidences on the fateful day the West Point trap was set to spring. He also provides the perfect coda for the book by describing a most curious monument made in Arnold's "honor" at Saratoga. Curious and symbolically appropriate, I'd say.

Recommended for young readers in need of some bracing nonfiction, for a change.

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JwP
Benedict Arnold, Patriot?
Reviewed in the United States on October 28, 2011
Verified Purchase
The word 'traitor' is just about synonymous with Benedict Arnold in American history courses. Steve Sheinkin's book, however, would suggest that there is a lot more to the story than betrayal of one's country. Benedict Arnold is at turns heroic, brave, greedy, and reckless. Here is a man who would do anything to save his country even if it means becoming a traitor, something he never thought himself to be.
Think you don't like nonfiction? This book is full of interesting historical nuggets told in a gripping novel fashion. The author did plenty of research to back up any and all claims made in the book as well as uncover the truth behind the real man Benedict Arnold. I could not put this book down. It's fast paced and thrilling, slowing down just enough to give the reader a sense of place and time and then moving on to the next event. In other words, The Notorious Benedict Arnold makes history enjoyable, fun, and above all else, entertaining on top of being accessible to both younger readers and those who enjoy a good biography. Get this book even if you hate history. It's so good you'll find yourself siding with Arnold from time to time even when you feel you shouldn't.

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ginabina
Fantastic book
Reviewed in the United States on November 5, 2023
Verified Purchase
I've always been interested in Benedict Arnold. I knew he was a war hero, so I always wondered: what went wrong? This book explained it so well. Well-written and fast-paced, with none of the stuffy, over-intellectualized jargon that a lot of historical writers fall into. I can't wait to read all of this author's other books! If you like history, you'll love this.

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AIS
and biographies / autobiographies in particular had been that they were dull and boring
Reviewed in the United States on September 23, 2015
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When it was announced that due to adoption of "Common Core" we would have to incorporate more non-fiction into our English curriculum, I cringed. My experiences with non-fiction in general, and biographies / autobiographies in particular had been that they were dull and boring. This book, however, is anything but dull and boring. This is my second year of teaching the book to eighth grade students - and they love it. I've had students finish this over a weekend - simply because they couldn't put it down. The material is well documented, extra resources are provided, and from the research I've done, it's an accurately told story. Sheinkin brings Benedict Arnold to life and does a fine job of providing possible motivations for his turncoat behavior. My students are always amazed at how someone who appears in every way to be a true patriot and born leader can suddenly turn against his country. I highly recommend this book.

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Amazon Customer
PHENOMENAL book for readers of all ages...
Reviewed in Canada on January 24, 2024
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This is an incredible book by an incredible author; my brother (17) and I (25) read "Bomb" about the making of the Atomic bomb first, and this was just as well-written and readable! Some history books are incredibly dense, and refer to so many topics that happen concurrently but that you don't know about that you start to feel lost.

This book is immensely readable, meaning a 12-year-old or advanced reader who is younger can also enjoy it. It reads... like a story, which is exactly how history SHOULD read. Not only that, but it is exhaustively and accurately researched; besides the pages of reference material at the back of the book, the author actually went on the famous march that Arnold took his soldiers on when he invaded Canada (didn't know THAT part of the story, did you??) with his wife via hiking, canoe, and car. Absolutely fascinating and well worth the read!

P.S. I got this book for my brother for Christmas (at his request, after reading Bomb). Of course he scarfed it down in a few days. Oh yes and then I did a few days later.

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Top reviews from the United States

There was a problem filtering reviews. Please reload the page.

5.0 out of 5 stars An action-packed page turner that will teach readers so much! Excellent!

5.0 out of 5 stars Steve Sheinkin is such a gift author

4.0 out of 5 stars Betrayed by Blind Ambition

5.0 out of 5 stars Benedict Arnold, Patriot?

5.0 out of 5 stars Fantastic book

5.0 out of 5 stars and biographies / autobiographies in particular had been that they were dull and boring

Top reviews from other countries

5.0 out of 5 stars PHENOMENAL book for readers of all ages...

An action-packed page turner that will teach readers so much! Excellent!

Steve Sheinkin is such a gift author

Betrayed by Blind Ambition

Benedict Arnold, Patriot?

Fantastic book

and biographies / autobiographies in particular had been that they were dull and boring

PHENOMENAL book for readers of all ages...