The Declaration of Independence: (We the People (Compass Point Books))

Examines the political situation in America at the time of the troubles between England and her colonies and describes how the Declaration of Independence was written and accepted.

About the Author :
Michael Burgan has written numerous books for children and young adults during his nearly 20 years as a freelance writer. Many of his books have focused on U.S. history, geography, and the lives of world leaders. Michael has won several awards for his writing, and his graphic novel version of the classic tale Frankenstein (Stone Arch Books) was a Junior Library Guild selection. Michael graduated from the University of Connecticut with a bachelor's degree in history. He lives in Santa Fe, New Mexico, with his cat, Callie.

Review :
Learning about American history is fun with this new title from the "We the People" series. This volume introduces young readers to the events leading up to the approval of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. The author examines the political situation in America during the 1760s and 1770s and discusses the taxation debate, the Boston Tea Party, the First Continental Congress, the battles at Lexington and Concord, the Second Continental Congress, Thomas Jefferson's drafts of the declaration, the vote for independence and the ensuing celebration. Written in simple language, this introductory text contains a wealth of visual materials including sketches, maps, paintings, portraits, and reproductions of documents, including the original Declaration of Independence. This well-written and well-documented presentation also contains a glossary, a "Did You Know?" section, a timeline of important dates, a list of important people, a list of recommended books and web sites, a collection of useful addresses, and an index.-- "Children's Literature" Summary In June of 1776 the colonies sent representatives to Pennsylvania State House to discuss the pressing issue of rebelling against Britain and its King. General Washington was commanding troops already and they had won the battle of Bunker Hill. There were mixed feelings about declaring independence from Britain. Richard Henry Lee presented a resolution that helped the Continental Congress make a decision a month later. What began the struggle was when the French and Indian War was won. The war was expensive and America was paying for it. Britain was taxing the colonies without proper representation. They had no say in the taxes that they paid. The most unpopular tax was the Stamp Act that taxed all paper goods. The people were outraged and knew that something needed to be done. The tax was finally lifted but Parliament retained the right to take other taxes from the people. The people strongly against the taxation without representation were called Patriots. One famous clash was the Boston Tea Party, five men were shot. Patriots threw thousands of pounds of Tea into the water and this was the first real act of rebellion. The First Continental Congress decided that they would cut off all trade with Great Britain until the taxes were lifted. British troops were sent to destroy all reserves and weapons that the colonists used to defend themselves. They were met by minutemen, the colonists own militia. In January of 1776 a book went on sale called Common Sense, Thomas Paine was the author. 100,000 copies were sold and it told the people that their great country could only flourish through independence. The vote for independence was put off many times to accommodate representatives who needed to counsel first. Thomas Jefferson went to work penning the Declaration. He sent copies to Adams and Franklin and they put notes on it for revision. The document was divided into three sections, the preamble, a list of complaints against King George and then a declaration of independence for the United States of America. This was the first time that the full name appeared on a document. Finally July 4, 1776 Congress approved the Declaration of Independence. Much more hard work was left to be done but they had done it. Recommendation I think any child interested in our American history would enjoy this book to see how the founding fathers developed the Declaration of Independence. Problems/Conflict No problems. My Reaction I enjoy reading about the revolution and I think this book did a good job of presenting the facts. http: //schmezibooks.blogspot.com/2010/04/47-declaration-of-independence.html-- "Schmezi Books Blog"