The Journey of the One and Only Declaration of Independence

By Judith St. George

Book Overview

*"This well-researched, readable, and well-illustrated book belongs on the shelves of all public and school libraries. It's a wonderful way to learn history."
--School Library Journal, starred review

*"History buffs or not, all readers will come away better informed about this honored 2' 21/2' sheet of parchment."
--Publishers Weekly, starred review

Everyone would agree the one and only Declaration of Independence deservesthe best. After all, it's at the heart of our country. But since it was signed in 1776, the Declaration has had as many ups and downs as the United States itself. It has been rolled up, copied, hidden away and traveled by horseback, sailing vessel, mail truck, railroad car and military tank. After being front and center of a new nation, it has escaped two British invasions and survived for more than two centuries of both peaceful times and devastating wars.What a journey And it remains proudly the one and only Declaration of Independence.

Judith St. George, author of So You Want to Be President?, and Will Hillenbrand give readers a witty and wonderfully illustrated true story of the invincible Declaration, giving heroic testimony to the grit and determination of the country itself.A fun and fascinating way to share the history of the document that gave the American people their freedom.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 014751164X
• ISBN13: 9780147511645
• Release Date: May 2014
• Publisher: Puffin Books
• Length: 48 Pages
• Weight: 0.54 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.2" x 8.5" x 10.7"
• Age Range: 7 to 10 years
• Grade Range: Grades 2 to 5

Customer Reviews

Wow! What a book!

I'm an armchair historian who's also interested in children's literature and so I'm always on the lookout for lively kids' books on the topics that interest me. Yesterday, just by chance, I came across this book at the library and after looking at just a couple of pages, I checked it out immediately. I knew I'd truly enjoy it, but I assumed it wouldn't interest my kids, who are focused on enjoying the last days of summer. They want to read manga, not history. Imagine my surprise then when once we were back in the car and headed for home my teenage son picked up this book, pointed out a funny picture to his sister (also teenaged) and then began to read its especially funny and interesting bits out loud. We all got so involved in it that he started to read it to us word for word. Now all five members of my family - we range in age from 9 to 47 - have read it. And so I give this book my heartiest recommendation. This is a very lively read, packed with facts and enlivened by very colorful illustrations, which are not just attractive but worth looking at very closely. (One of the things I like best about this book is that its words and pictures work hand in hand - you learn from both.) The author's writing style is very interesting. I love her use of interesting words like wingding. I'm impressed by her very clear description of some big ideas (she describes the process of engraving in just three or four sentences). I know that because this is a picture book it will most likely be read mostly not by but to small children. But I think it deserves a much broader audience. It would be a great place for any student writing a report about the Declaration to start. It would also make a great gift for anyone with a sense of humor who's especially interested in the Revolution, Thomas Jefferson, or the Declaration. Five stars from me.