John Hancock: Independent Boy

The life of John Hancock, contemporary of Samuel Adams and Paul Revere and first to sign the Declaration of Independence is featured in this volume of the Young Patriots series. Detailing Hancock's early years, this work focuses on his relationship with boyhood friend John Adams and his academic struggles with what he would later become most famous for—his writings. Hancock's famous achievements later in life are also chronicled, from attending the Boston Tea Party to becoming president of the Continental Congress. The entirety of his life is colorfully illustrated with renderings that convey the drama of the birth of the United States.

The life of John Hancock, contemporary of Samuel Adams and Paul Revere and first to sign the Declaration of Independence is featured in this volume of the Young Patriots series. Detailing Hancock's early years, this work focuses on his relationship with boyhood friend John Adams and his academic struggles with what he would later become most famous for—his writings. Hancock's famous achievements later in life are also chronicled, from attending the Boston Tea Party to becoming president of the Continental Congress. The entirety of his life is colorfully illustrated with renderings that convey the drama of the birth of the United States.

Anita Barnes Lowen - Children's Literature

John Hancock is best known as the man who signed the Declaration of Independence in a large, bold hand. "England can read my name without glasses," he said. "She may now double her reward for my head." This is the ninth volume in the "Young Patriot" series of fictional biographies written to introduce young readers to famous people. Although the many adult accomplishments of this signer of the Declaration of Independence are touched upon in the last chapters, the book is written to tell the story of Hancock's childhood. Illustrated with black and white drawings, the book will give readers a glimpse of what it was like to be a young boy growing up in pre-Revolutionary Massachusetts. Lesson plans and links to sites with more information on John Hancock are found on the easy-to-use Patria Press website. The lesson plans include discussion questions, assessment strategies and many suggestions for across-the-curriculum activities. At the end of the book readers will find a "What Happened Next?" page, a time line, "Fun Facts" and a brief glossary. 2004 (orig. 1963), Patria Press, and Ages 8 to 12.

Kathryn Cleven Sisson was the author of Eddie Rickenbacker and Famous American Patriots for Young People, which won the Dolley Madison Award from the Sons of the American Revolution. Cathy Morrison is the illustrator of Ignacio's Chair and the Young Patriots series. She is a member of the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators and Picturebookartists.org. She lives in Denver, Colorado.