Traitor: The Case of Benedict Arnold [Hardcover]

Jean Fritz (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 16, 1981 | Age Level: 7 and up | Grade Level: 3 and up

"Jean Fritz's biography of Benedict Arnold is bound to be universally acclaimed. It is a gripping story, related in the author's swift, eloquent style and perceptively recording examples of Arnold's twisted character, from his birth in 1741 through his betrayal of Revolutionary forces and the aftermath of his treason . . ."--Publishers Weekly.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"When most people hear 'large-print book,' they immediately think senior citizen. But large-print editions of popular children's books -- from the powerhouse Harry Potter series to timeless classics like The Adventures of Tom Sawyer -- are now making their way onto the shelves of the Children's Department at the Canton Library. . . . Although large-print editions are targeted to the visually-impaired or dyslexic child, they can also be used by standard-vision readers. So Kershner [Children's librarian at the Canton Public Library] has decided against creating a special section in the Children's Department (as exists in the Adult Department) opting instead to intersperse large-print books on the shelves with the regular print versions of the same titles."
-- The Observer and Eccentric (October 2000) (The Observer and Eccentric )

"Thorndike Press has helped me not only find books I want to read, but they also look like regular books. That's important when you're a kid and you can only read Large Print, you want your book to look like all the other books. I'm reading a lot more now that we have found Thorndike Press."
-- Jim Bernardin, Islamorada, FL

"Everyone loves to read, there's nothing like curling up with a good book. We're a reading family, so when our son was diagnosed with Stargardt's Disease and only able to read Large Print, it was particularly difficult. Books on tape are wonderful but they don't fill the void of actually reading a good story. Large Print books have been around a long time for older people, but to find a good novel for a young person in Large Print began to feel nearly impossible. The books that Thorndike Press publishes have truly made a difference in my son's reading life. He can enjoy current novels as well as some of the classics that he missed reading when it became too difficult with regular print."
-- Sara Bernardin, Islamorada, FL --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

About the Author

"The question I am most often asked," Jean Fritz says, "is how do I find my ideas? The answer is: I don't. Ideas find me. A character in history will suddenly step right out of the past and demand a book. Generally people don't bother to speak to me unless there's a good chance that I'll take them on." Throughout almost four decades of writing about history, Jean Fritz has taken on plenty of people, starting with George Washington in The Cabin Faced West (1958). Since then, her refreshingly informal historical biographies for children have been widely acclaimed as "unconventional," "good-humored," "witty," "irrepressible," and "extraordinary."

In her role as biographer, Jean Fritz attempts to uncover the adventures and personalities behind each character she researches. "Once my character and I have reached an understanding," she explains, "then I begin the detective work--reading old books, old letters, old newspapers, and visiting the places where my subject lived. Often I turn up surprises and of course I pass these on." It is her penchant for making distant historical figures seem real that brings the characters to life and makes the biographies entertaining, informative, and filled with natural child appeal.

An original and lively thinker, as well as an inspiration to children and adults, Jean Fritz is undeniably a master of her craft. She was awarded the Regina Medal by the Catholic Library Association, presented with the Laura Ingalls Wilder Award by the American Library Association for her "substantial and lasting contribution to children's literature," and honored with the Knickerbocker Award for Juvenile Literature, which was presented by the New York State Library Association for her body of work.

copyright ? 2000 by Penguin Putnam Books for Young Readers. All rights reserved.

--This text refers to the Paperback edition.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 7 and up
  
• Hardcover: 192 pages
• Publisher: Putnam Juvenile (October 16, 1981)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0399208348
• ISBN-13: 978-0399208348
• Product Dimensions: 8.6 x 5.7 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 3.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,495,627 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

"The question I am most often asked," Jean Fritz says, "is how do I find my ideas? The answer is: I don't. Ideas find me. A character in history will suddenly step right out of the past and demand a book. Generally people don't bother to speak to me unless there's a good chance that I'll take them on." Throughout almost four decades of writing about history, Jean Fritz has taken on plenty of people, starting with George Washington in The Cabin Faced West (1958). Since then, her refreshingly informal historical biographies for children have been widely acclaimed as "unconventional," "good-humored," "witty," "irrepressible," and "extraordinary."In her role as biographer, Jean Fritz attempts to uncover the adventures and personalities behind each character she researches. "Once my character and I have reached an understanding," she explains, "then I begin the detective work--reading old books, old letters, old newspapers, and visiting the places where my subject lived. Often I turn up surprises and of course I pass these on." It is her penchant for making distant historical figures seem real that brings the characters to life and makes the biographies entertaining, informative, and filled with natural child appeal.An original and lively thinker, as well as an inspiration to children and adults, Jean Fritz is undeniably a master of her craft. She was awarded the Regina Medal by the Catholic Library Association, presented with the Laura Ingalls Wilder Award by the American Library Association for her "substantial and lasting contribution to children's literature," and honored with the Knickerbocker Award for Juvenile Literature, which was presented by the New York State Library Association for her body of work.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

19 of 23 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This was a very interesting and compelling book., May 24, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Traitor: The Case of Benedict Arnold (Unforgettable Americans) (Paperback)

This book about Benedict Arnold told of his heroic deeds as well as his betrayal of our country. The book shows how Benedict Arnold's need to prove that he was courageous, and his desire to be a great hero and receive recognition, led to his downfall. It is a well written book which provided both historical information and entertainment.

17 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars February 16, 1997, February 16, 1997

By A Customer

This review is from: Traitor: The Case of Benedict Arnold (Mass Market Paperback)

This book was great! It tells all about Benidict Arnold. He is a VERY interesting boy. If you really like reading about Revolutionary Heros, then this is a good book to read. Of course you might not be able to call him a hero when you find out what happens at the end. This book tells all about Benidict, before, after, and during the war. Even if you don't like reading non-fiction, you will now. For instance, did you know that Benidict was obsessed with shoes? Or that he killed his own horse because he didn't want to give it to the British? Or that the woman he married was involved in a terrible scandal? Well, if this sound intriguing... READ IT!!!

9 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A Fun Book to Stimulate Interest in History, January 30, 2002

By 

Patrick W. O'Hara "taparaho" (Salt Point, NY United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Traitor: The Case of Benedict Arnold (Unforgettable Americans) (Paperback)

This is a fun book that should help your youngster develop an interest in American History. It is easy to read an has great illustratiions. You will not be disappointed with this purchase. Look for others by the same author.