Description: The Declaration of Independence was adopted on July 4, 1776. Since then, it's become one of the most important and famous documents in American history. Young readers will learn about the Declaration's creation, influence, and meaning today.
Brief description: Amy Maranville resides in Franklin, Massachusetts with her husband, two young boys, and vocal boxer-basset hound. She is a graduate of Smith College and holds an MA in Children's Literature from Simmons University. When she isn't writing books, she teaches composition courses at Dean College and writes historical ghost tours. Sharing stories has been a life-long dream for Amy, and she is so proud to be able to share her work with you today.
Review Quotes: When American colonists felt oppressed under British rule, prominent leaders came together to craft what came to be known as the Declaration of Independence, the document by which the United States officially divorced itself from England. This approachable, historical account focuses on the creation and preservation of the document, including the challenges faced in its drafting as well as the meaning of the phrases used within it. Implementing concise language, frequent images that include both photographs and illustrations, and a conversational tone, the book is at once engaging and a source of important information. Not only are readers provided with a wealth of details, but they are also invited to try hands-on activities to imagine themselves in the shoes of the Founding Fathers. Importantly, discussion is included that highlights the people who were excluded from the Declaration of Independence and the ramifications of those exclusions into the present day. Lots of white space, splashy and colorful chapter and subheadings, multiple timelines, photos, and reproductions add to the visual presentation of the historical facts. Back matter includes further reading suggestions. VERDICT Informational and accessible, this is an engaging and useful volume to connect students with the founding document of this country.-- "School Library Journal"