- A SLJ Best Book of the Year
- An ALA Booklist Best Biography of the Year
- 2008 Cream of the Crop
- A CBC/NCSS Notable Social Studies Trade Book
“The comprehensive text and excellent supporting graphics piece together a thrilling look at the American Revolution and its successes and failures.”
—SLJ (Starred Review)
“Perhaps we can never know the real Arnold, but this splendid biography brings us close….fascinating reading.”
—Booklist (Starred Review)
“As always, Murphy’s prose is clear and detailed. An important addition to collections on the American Revolution.”
—Kirkus
“Jim Murphy, who hit a home run in 2003 with An American Plague…does an impressive job with a less obviously enthralling subject in The Real Benedict Arnold…Murphy succeeds in animating the man-“brilliant soldier,” husband and father-behind the mask of the reviled Revolutionary War traitor.”
—The Washington Post
“While tracing Arnold’s life, Murphy challenges the myths [and] provides readers with the opportunity to predict, discover and reflect….The author’s consideration of other historians’ theories and use of sophisticated vocabulary will challenge his audience to think critically and consider all points of view.”
—Publisher’s Weekly
“Jim Murphy has done it again — crafted a work of non-fiction so compelling that it will keep kids hooked like an action-packed novel. Murphy asks important questions about the man whose name has become synonymous with the word “traitor” and explores those questions with an open mind and an eye for historical detail. This is a fascinating book.
Just as Murphy’s AN AMERICAN PLAGUE is a perfect complement to Laurie Halse Anderson’s FEVER, this book will prove to be an invaluable resource for teachers looking to add some non-fiction to classroom libraries and discussions.”
—Kate’s Book Blog