
A parent might reach for this book when their history-loving child wants the 'story behind the story' of a major event, or when a school assignment on westward expansion feels dry and boring. 'What's the Deal' transforms the Louisiana Purchase from a simple fact into a fascinating political thriller, detailing the high-stakes negotiations between a pragmatic Thomas Jefferson and an ambitious Napoleon Bonaparte. It masterfully explains a complex historical concept while highlighting themes of curiosity and strategic thinking. Perfect for readers aged 9 to 12, this book makes history feel immediate and exciting, showing how personalities and pressures can shape the map of the world.
The book's historical context includes slavery (particularly the Haitian Revolution's impact on Napoleon's finances and ambitions) and the complete disregard for the sovereignty of Native American nations whose land was being sold. These topics are treated directly as historical facts, not as the central emotional core of the book. The approach is secular and historical. The resolution is presented as a political triumph for the United States, and a parent might need to provide additional context on its devastating impact on Indigenous peoples.
Your experience helps other parents find the right book.
Sign in to write a reviewThe ideal reader is a 10 to 12-year-old who is curious about how the world works. They enjoy strategy, like learning the 'why' behind big events, and are ready for a nonfiction book that reads like a compelling story. This is a perfect book for a child who finds their social studies textbook dull but is fascinated by real-life power plays and negotiations.
A parent should be prepared to discuss the long-term consequences of the Louisiana Purchase, especially for the numerous Native American tribes who lived on the land. A book published in 1998 may not center this perspective, so providing that context is important for a more complete and ethical understanding of the event. Having a historical map handy would also be very helpful. A parent has just heard their child say, "Our history project on the Louisiana Purchase is so boring! It's just dates and names." The parent is looking for a resource to bring the topic to life and show their child that history can be as exciting as a fictional adventure.
A 9-year-old will likely enjoy the book as a great 'deal-making' story, focusing on the personalities of Jefferson and Napoleon and the cleverness of the American negotiators. A 12-year-old can better appreciate the complex geopolitical context, the constitutional crisis it created for Jefferson, and the immense, long-term implications of the purchase for the United States' future.
Among books on this topic, Rhoda Blumberg's work stands out for its narrative-driven approach. It doesn't just present the Louisiana Purchase as a static event. Instead, it frames it as a dynamic political chess match, making complex history accessible and genuinely thrilling for a middle-grade audience.
This book provides a narrative nonfiction account of the 1803 Louisiana Purchase. It moves beyond a simple recitation of facts to explore the political context and personal motivations of the key figures involved, primarily U.S. President Thomas Jefferson and French First Consul Napoleon Bonaparte. The narrative details the urgent need for the U.S. to secure the port of New Orleans, the secret negotiations carried out by American envoys in Paris, and Napoleon's surprising decision to sell the entire vast territory, driven by his costly European wars and the failure to suppress the Haitian Revolution.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.