Common Sense Media Review
By Andrea Beach
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Fun imagined tale of Alexander Hamilton's sweet romance.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 11+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 2 parent reviews
Based on 14 kid reviews
Kids say the book offers a mix of opinions, with many reviewers noting its lack of historical accuracy and mixed feelings about the romance. While some readers enjoyed the chemistry between the main characters, others found the story dull and criticized its portrayal of events and character actions, including inappropriate themes.
- historical inaccuracies
- romance chemistry
- mixed opinions
- inappropriate themes
- lack of engagement
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
ALEX & ELIZA: A LOVE STORY speculates about the early courtship between Alexander Hamilton and Elizabeth Schuyler. He's a dashing young aide to General Washington without a family, and she's a daughter of New York's oldest and wealthiest families. They meet at a ball, and he's immediately smitten. She's intrigued, but she has other handsome young men to think about, too. When Alex unwillingly has to prosecute Eliza's father, it looks like any friendship, let alone romance, between them is doomed. But Alex won't give up so easily, not even when he learns that Eliza is engaged to another man.
Is It Any Good?
Best-selling author Melissa de la Cruz's sweet historical romance brings the American Revolution, historical events and characters, and even the charms and intimacies of the everyday to life. Alex & Eliza: A Love Story works well as a romance that fans of the genre, and especially of historical settings, will enjoy. But fans of the Broadway show or cast recording should be aware that if they're really attached to the characters and events portrayed in the show, there are many differences here.
Alex and Eliza take turns narrating events, which builds suspense and keeps perspectives fresh. Both are likable, relatable characters whom romance fans will enjoy rooting for. The dialogue seems a little forced in the beginning but eventually smooths out and feels more natural. There are some anachronisms, and Cruz has taken many liberties with characters and events. But tweens and up open to a different take on one of our first power couples will find a lot to enjoy.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how Alex & Eliza portrays the two main characters. Do they seem realistic? How can you find out how historically accurate they are?
Did you like the two main characters? What do you admire about them? What are some of their flaws, if any?
Why is Alexander Hamilton so popular? What about his story is so fascinating?
Book Details
- Author :
- Genre : Romance
- Topics : Family Stories ( Siblings ) , History
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : G.P. Putnam's Sons
- Publication date : April 11, 2017
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 12 - 17
- Number of pages : 368
- Available on : Nook, Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
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