~ MARVELOUS MIDDLE-GRADE
MONDAY NON-FICTION
FEATURE IN HONOR OF
MONDAY NON-FICTION
FEATURE IN HONOR OF
INDEPENDENCE DAY ~
ABOUT THE BOOK {from Goodreads}:
Step back in time to the birth of America and meet the real-life rebels who made this country free!
On a hot summer day near Philadelphia in 1776, Thomas Jefferson sat at his desk and wrote furiously until early the next morning. He was drafting the Declaration of Independence, a document that would sever this country's ties with Britain and announce a new nation—The United States of America. Colonists were willing to risk their lives for freedom, and the Declaration of Independence made that official. Discover the true story of one of the most radical and uplifting documents in history and follow the action that fueled the Revolutionary War.
Step back in time to the birth of America and meet the real-life rebels who made this country free!
On a hot summer day near Philadelphia in 1776, Thomas Jefferson sat at his desk and wrote furiously until early the next morning. He was drafting the Declaration of Independence, a document that would sever this country's ties with Britain and announce a new nation—The United States of America. Colonists were willing to risk their lives for freedom, and the Declaration of Independence made that official. Discover the true story of one of the most radical and uplifting documents in history and follow the action that fueled the Revolutionary War.
MY REVIEW:
In May I began searching for an appropriate middle-grade non-fiction book to use on today's post. As I was browsing the library's online catalog, I found this book in the children's collection. It caught my eye mostly because of the caricatures of our founding fathers on the cover. I recently read another book in this series entitled, 'Who Was Laura Ingalls Wilder?', a biography of one of my favorite childhood authors. I enjoyed the format of that book, so I decided to read this one about the Declaration of Independence. I was not disappointed.
The text is divided into twelve chapters beginning with 'What is the Declaration of Independence?' and ending with 'The Declaration Today'. Each chapter is jam-packed with information about the writers and signers of Declaration as well as the background for why they decided to take such a bold step against a powerful and militarily-superior Great Britain.
Throughout the text there are maps, illustrations, photographs, and sidebars including intriguing information set off in a text box to capture the reader's interest. For example, on page 12 there is a sidebar entitled, 'George Washington, British Soldier'. The history of the beginning of Washington's military career at age twenty-two is explained. He led 150 British soldiers against French troops near the Ohio River which turned out to be the start of the French and Indian War. This episode is certain to raise the interest of young readers--especially when they learn the Father of Our Country, George Washington, had to surrender in shame!
Taxes, the Boston Tea Party, the First Continental Congress, and the birth of the United States of America are all topics covered in this book. Anecdotal evidence is shared proving the courage and dedication displayed by the colonists in their battle for freedom from the British.
The back matter of the book includes a list of the signers of the Declaration of Independence and the colony/state which he represented. There is also a concise 'Timeline of the Declaration of Independence' that would be helpful to young learners. The Bibliography at the close of the book has almost a dozen books which readers and teachers can delve into if they wish to learn even more about this historical, life-changing document.
Highly-recommended for fans of American history, the American Revolution, famous Americans, and famous documents in history. This would be a fun family read, also.
I borrowed this book from the children's section in the local public library.
The text is divided into twelve chapters beginning with 'What is the Declaration of Independence?' and ending with 'The Declaration Today'. Each chapter is jam-packed with information about the writers and signers of Declaration as well as the background for why they decided to take such a bold step against a powerful and militarily-superior Great Britain.
Throughout the text there are maps, illustrations, photographs, and sidebars including intriguing information set off in a text box to capture the reader's interest. For example, on page 12 there is a sidebar entitled, 'George Washington, British Soldier'. The history of the beginning of Washington's military career at age twenty-two is explained. He led 150 British soldiers against French troops near the Ohio River which turned out to be the start of the French and Indian War. This episode is certain to raise the interest of young readers--especially when they learn the Father of Our Country, George Washington, had to surrender in shame!
Taxes, the Boston Tea Party, the First Continental Congress, and the birth of the United States of America are all topics covered in this book. Anecdotal evidence is shared proving the courage and dedication displayed by the colonists in their battle for freedom from the British.
The back matter of the book includes a list of the signers of the Declaration of Independence and the colony/state which he represented. There is also a concise 'Timeline of the Declaration of Independence' that would be helpful to young learners. The Bibliography at the close of the book has almost a dozen books which readers and teachers can delve into if they wish to learn even more about this historical, life-changing document.
Highly-recommended for fans of American history, the American Revolution, famous Americans, and famous documents in history. This would be a fun family read, also.
I borrowed this book from the children's section in the local public library.
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COMING UP SOON ON 'READING, WRITING & STITCH-METIC':
-- Friday, July 6th: 'Top Ten California Towns in Which to Find Vintage Treasures' article. This list includes some of my favorite towns to visit around Northern and Central California including an assortment of shops and museums.
-- Wednesday, July 11th: 'Dangerous to Know' Blog Tour. Post includes a Book Spotlight and Excerpt. Tour organized by AJ Publicity.
-- Friday, July 13th: 'Hope of Azure Springs' Blog Tour. Post includes a Book Spotlight, Excerpt, and Giveaway. Tour organized by JustRead Publicity.
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FOURTH OF JULY!
I've read tons of books in this series, and this one sounds great as well! Thanks so much for the review!
ReplyDeleteYou are entirely welcome! I will look for more books in this series upon your recommendation. Thanks for stopping by my blog. Sincerely, June
DeleteI love that there are books like these to keep kids connected to our important past. I'll look for this one on my next library stop. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteHi, Greg ~ You're welcome. Thanks for sharing your thoughts here. Best, June
DeleteI'm with Greg. We need books like these to engage our kids in what these holidays really mean.
ReplyDeleteHey there, Lee ~ I remember trying to explain to my first graders what the meaning of Labor Day and some other holidays that were little-known to youngsters. Yikes! I agree with you totally. Take care, June
DeleteI do love good history books for kids. Thanks or telling me about this one. I will check it out. Thanks for the post. Happy 4th of July to you.
ReplyDeleteHi, Rosi ~ It was my pleasure to feature this book, so you are welcome. I appreciate your stopping by my blog. Best, June
DeleteKids love the Who Was... and What Was... books and I'm glad to see one on the Declaration. Thanks for sharing this!
ReplyDeleteHello, Carl ~ I'm glad you enjoyed this post. You're right about the Who Was and What Was books for children. Thanks for visiting my blog again this week. Sincerely, June
DeletePerfect choice for kids who like history and facts! This is a new series to me. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteGreetings, Patricia ~ Thanks for sharing your thoughts with us about this book. I can't wait to make a trip to the library to find more books from this series. Take care, June
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