The Declaration of Independence

Children's Literature

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. 2001, Compass Point Books. Ages 9 to 12. Reviewer: Debra Briatico