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Overview
Judith Lloyd Yero's lively, interactive book takes a close look at the document that defines democracy in the United States and the events that led to the country's creation.
Readers learn about the escalation of unrest caused by the King's tax and trade laws, which culminated in the Boston Massacre and the Boston Tea Party. Period illustrations dramatize the evolution of the Declaration itself, and brief biographies highlight key figures such as Samuel Adams, Thomas Paine, and Thomas Jefferson. The document's four sections are examined: the preamble, the list of beliefs, the list of 27 complaints against the King, and the formal statement of independence. The text also discusses the "unfinished business" of the Declaration, such as slavery and women's rights, and stresses the need to protect the rights enshrined in the document.
Included in the backmatter are the complete text of the Declaration of Independence, Jefferson's rough draft, and a portion of the Constitution of Virginia, which served as a model for the list of grievances against the King, with a web site reference to the entire document.
Synopsis
Judith Lloyd Yero's lively, interactive book takes a close look at the document that defines democracy in the United States and the events that led to the country's creation.
Readers learn about the escalation of unrest caused by the King's tax and trade laws, which culminated in the Boston Massacre and the Boston Tea Party. Period illustrations dramatize the evolution of the Declaration itself, and brief biographies highlight key figures such as Samuel Adams, Thomas Paine, and Thomas Jefferson. The document's four sections are examined: the preamble, the list of beliefs, the list of 27 complaints against the King, and the formal statement of independence. The text also discusses the "unfinished business" of the Declaration, such as slavery and women's rights, and stresses the need to protect the rights enshrined in the document.
Included in the backmatter are the complete text of the Declaration of Independence, Jefferson's rough draft, and a portion of the Constitution of Virginia, which served as a model for the list of grievances against the King, with a web site reference to the entire document.
Greg M. Romaneck - Children's Literature
In July of 1776, a group of august residents of the Thirteen Colonies gathered in response to a true crisis. Rebellion against King George had occurred and the rift between the colonists and the British over issues of governance had spilled over into open warfare. Therefore, in a brave hearted move, the colonial representatives identified a cadre of their members to draft a statement of purpose and direction to base future actions upon. That written document was to known as the Declaration of Independence and its story is ably chronicled in this illustrated work. In this text, Judith Lloyd Yero describes both the history and importance of the Declaration of Independence. Originally penned by Thomas Jefferson, this document was unique in its nature and construction. Written at a time when the international norm in government was monarchy, the Declaration of Independence cites individual liberty and justice as the foundation for a new form of governance. In taking this bold step the original signatory members of this gathering took their very lives in their hands when they added their names to it. This story, as well as the modern applications of the ideas contained within the Declaration of Independence, is well handled in Ms. Yero's solid work. This is a well-written and carefully researched book and one that will appeal to readers interested in American history. Part of the "American Documents" series. 2006, National Geographic, and Ages 10 to 14.
Editorials
Children's Literature
In July of 1776, a group of august residents of the Thirteen Colonies gathered in response to a true crisis. Rebellion against King George had occurred and the rift between the colonists and the British over issues of governance had spilled over into open warfare. Therefore, in a brave hearted move, the colonial representatives identified a cadre of their members to draft a statement of purpose and direction to base future actions upon. That written document was to known as the Declaration of Independence and its story is ably chronicled in this illustrated work. In this text, Judith Lloyd Yero describes both the history and importance of the Declaration of Independence. Originally penned by Thomas Jefferson, this document was unique in its nature and construction. Written at a time when the international norm in government was monarchy, the Declaration of Independence cites individual liberty and justice as the foundation for a new form of governance. In taking this bold step the original signatory members of this gathering took their very lives in their hands when they added their names to it. This story, as well as the modern applications of the ideas contained within the Declaration of Independence, is well handled in Ms. Yero's solid work. This is a well-written and carefully researched book and one that will appeal to readers interested in American history. Part of the "American Documents" series. 2006, National Geographic, and Ages 10 to 14.—Greg M. Romaneck