Product Description

How much do most students know about the Declaration of Independence? For that matter, how much do most adults know about it? Probably everybody is aware that it’s the document that formally severed the 13 American colonies’ ties with England. They also know that it’s dated July 4, 1776, and is why we celebrate the Fourth of July holiday. But how many among us can answer questions like these?

1. On what date did Congress actually vote for independence?
2. Who wrote the Declaration of Independence?
3. When did the members of Congress sign the Declaration?
4. Which famous founder did not sign the Declaration?
(Answers below)
BR> These and many more questions are answered in Syl Sobel’s newest fun-to-read book that covers another of the most important moments in American history. The Declaration of Independence is the latest among his books that enliven major historical events for young readers. Boys and girls will find something unusual and interesting on every page of a book that is virtually guaranteed to become a favorite classroom supplement among history teachers and students alike. Features line art, a glossary, a suggested reading list, and an index.

Answers:
1. On July 2, 1776, the Second Continental Congress voted for Independence. They adopted the Declaration of Independence on July 4.
2. Thomas Jefferson wrote the first version. John Adams and Benjamin Franklin made several changes. Then Congress made more changes before giving final approval.
3. The formal signing was on Aug. 2, 1776, although some members of Congress did not sign it until several days later.
4. George Washington was commanding general of the Continental Army and was unavailable for the signing.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #376785 in Books
• Published on: 2008-03-14
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 48 pages

Features

• ISBN13: 9780764139505
• Condition: NEW
• Notes: Brand New from Publisher. No Remainder Mark.
• Click here to view our Condition Guide and Shipping Prices

From School Library Journal
Grade 3–5—This brief overview interprets a complex topic in a manner that will be understandable to children. Unfortunately, the book's format will not draw them in. The illustrations consist of sketches done in black, white, and shades of blue. No maps, photographs, or reproductions of documents are included. Although sources are listed, the text includes quotations without attribution. Judith St. George's The Journey of the One and Only Declaration of Independence (Philomel, 2005) and Sam Fink's The Declaration of Independence: The Words That Made America (Scholastic, 2002) are both more creative and have a great deal of visual appeal. For a solid basic introduction, consider Michael Burgan's The Declaration of Independence (Compass Point, 2000).—Lucinda Snyder Whitehurst, St. Christopher's School, Richmond, VA
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

From the Inside Flap
(back cover)
THE DECLARATION
OF INDEPENDENCE
How 13 Colonies Became the United States

How much do you really know about the Declaration of Independence? Of course, you know it's the document that formally severed 13 American colonies' ties with England . . . that it's dated July 4, 1776 . . . and that we commemorate its signing every summer when we celebrate the Fourth of July holiday. But can you answer questions like these?

1. On what date did Congress actually vote for independence?
2. Who was the first person to sign the Declaration of Independence?
3. How many men signed the Declaration of Independence?
4. Which famous founder said: ‚“We must all hang together, or assuredly we shall all hang separately?‚”.

Open this book for the answers to these and many more questions. You'll discover a wealth of fascinating facts about the men who assembled in Philadelphia in 1776 to give birth to a new nation.

More books about U.S. law and government by Syl Sobel
The Bill of Rights
How the U.S. Government Works
Presidential Elections and Other Cool Facts
The U.S. Constitution and You

Recommended for grades 3 through 5

About the Author
Syl Sobel, J.D., is Director, Publications & Media Division, Federal Judicial Center, Washington, D.C. He is also the author of How the U.S. Government Works, The U.S. Constitution and You, and Presidential Elections, all available from Barron’s