Alex & Eliza (The Alex & Eliza Trilogy Book 1)
#1 of 3 in Alex & Eliza Series
on Goodreads (20,845)
What’s inside...
The love story of Alexander Hamilton and Elizabeth Schuyler is depicted in 'Alex and Eliza' by Melissa de la Cruz. Set in 1777 Albany, New York, during the American Revolution, the novel captures the grand ball of the Schuyler family, one of New York's most distinguished families. The three Schuyler sisters, Angelica, Peggy, and Eliza, eagerly anticipate the event, although Eliza is more inclined to support the colonists' cause. The arrival of Alexander Hamilton, a young colonel and aide to General Washington, marks the beginning of a legendary romance with Eliza, significantly influencing American history.
Character compass
Elizabeth Schuyler
Alexander Hamilton
Peggy Schuyler
Angelica Schuyler
Philip Schuyler
Catherine Schuyler
Angelica Schuyler Church
Margarita "Peggy" Schuyler Van Rensselaer
John Barker Church
Stephen Van Rensselaer III
Elizabeth Schuyler Hamilton
George Washington
Discussion points
How do you think Alex and Eliza felt about each other when they first met? What clues in the story helped you figure that out?
What are some challenges Alex and Eliza face, and how do they work together to overcome them?
Why do you think loyalty and trust are important in Alex and Eliza's story?
If you could give advice to Alex or Eliza at any point in the book, what would you say and why?
How do you think the setting of the story, during the American Revolution, affects the characters and their actions?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to compare their first impressions of someone to the characters’ first meeting, and discuss how opinions can change over time.
Discuss the concept of teamwork by reflecting on how Alex and Eliza collaborate and support each other throughout the novel.
Explore the themes of loyalty and trust by asking your child to give examples of these qualities either from the book or their own lives.
Prompt your child to think critically by asking them what advice they might offer the characters at different turning points in the book.
Bring history into the conversation by discussing the importance of the American Revolution and how historical events can shape people’s lives.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Importance of resilience
Explanation: Throughout the story, Alex and Eliza demonstrate resilience in overcoming societal and personal obstacles to their relationship.
Real-World Application: Children learn to face challenges in their own lives with determination and perseverance, understanding that difficulties can be overcome with effort and resilience.
Example Lesson: Value of teamwork
Explanation: Alex and Eliza work together to navigate the complexities of their social environment and achieve their goals, showcasing the power of collaboration.
Real-World Application: Children can apply the principle of teamwork in group projects at school or in sports, learning that cooperation can lead to greater success than individual effort alone.
Example Lesson: Understanding historical context
Explanation: Set during the American Revolution, the book provides insights into historical events and societal norms of the time.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to explore history and understand the context of different eras, promoting an appreciation for the events and people who shaped our world.
Example Lesson: Importance of personal integrity
Explanation: Characters in the book face various moral dilemmas, and those who act with integrity are portrayed positively, teaching the importance of ethical behavior.
Real-World Application: Children learn to make decisions based on honesty and ethics, realizing the long-term benefits of maintaining integrity in their daily interactions.
Example Lesson: Developing empathy
Explanation: By reading about the struggles and victories of characters from a different time, children can develop empathy for others' experiences and perspectives.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children in understanding and respecting diverse viewpoints in their community, fostering a more inclusive attitude towards others.