What Is the Declaration of Independence? (What Was...?) by Michael C. Harris

What was...?

by Michael C. Harris

Step back in time to the birth of America and meet the real-life rebels who made this country free!On a hot summer day near Philadelphia in 1776, Thomas Jefferson sat at his desk and wrote furiously until early the next morning. He was drafting the Declaration of Independence, a document that would sever this country's ties with Britain and announce a new nation—The United States of America. Colonists were willing to risk their lives for freedom, and the Declaration of Independence made that official. Discover the true story of one of the most radical and uplifting documents in history and follow the action that fueled the Revolutionary War.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Childrens, American History, American Revolution, Middle Grade, Historical

Library Binding

First published May 10, 2016

Reviews

[Daniel Ray · Rating 4 out of 5]

A succinct statement of the events leading to the colonies declaring their freedom from England. The declaration was written by Thomas Jefferson over a 2 week period at the request of the 1st Congressional Congress. He presented his drafts to Benjamin Franklin and a couple others for review, and made minor changes. It declared independence, outlined the harsh treatment by England, provided statements of what the new country would stand for, and its name, the United States of America. No one knows who came up with the name. The name was found in letters not from Jefferson and predating the declaration. Jefferson’s draft included language ending slavery. The final draft was presented to the 2nd Congressional Congress for debate. The Southern states wouldn’t sign with the anti-slavery language, so it was taken out. The original Declaration of Independence is in Washington DC in the National Archives.

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

" 'Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness. . . . This is the most famous part of the Declaration of Independence'."

A fine tutorial of early American history preceding and including one of the most famous documents in world history, The Declaration of Independence. Take a look at the events that forced American colonists to separate themselves from Great Britain, while utilizing the time and talents of great patriot statesmen such as Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin, and John Adams.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read this with my 9 year old. It is a short but concise intro for kids about how the Declaration of Independence came to be and what it is. It still packs a lot of information in a short book. It does have black and white illustrations as well. I would say this book would be great for kids between 7-10.

[David · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.75 This is a nice basic introduction to the Declaration of Independence. In reality a lot more of the book is spent on the causes leading up to the American Revolution and not as much on the Declaration itself. The basic overview of the Revolution was solid, but I would have liked a little bit more on the Declaration itself.

[Sanjuro · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lighter on text than most other books in this series, but uses that space for extra images, which my kids enjoyed. Brief and easy history. The book spends all its time on the background leading up to the writing, and brief comments on the creation of the document, but says very little about what the document actually says. In fact, it says more about what was removed by the Congress than what was left in. But overall it's a helpful book, like most in this series.

[Tina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Our founding fathers battled hard chairs and viscous flies to document our call to freedom.

[Samuel Bierig · Rating 4 out of 5]

really good and helpful. Read it to my almost 4 yr old and she enjoyed it.

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really like this books, but this one in particular was fantastic. What a great introduction to the Declaration for young readers!

[Emma · Rating 5 out of 5]

If my friends and I were born during this time, the Declaration of Independence would have been written much sooner. We women get things done.

[Abby · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think the theme is that don't let people boss you around

[Matty · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's a very nice book. Highly educated. I like the pictures. It's very realistic. Such a good book. I would highly recommend reading this book. There are only good things to say about this book, nothing bad.

[The Book Consultant · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great review of early American history! I enjoyed reading it with my 8 year old son (and I even learned a thing or two myself!).

[Genevieve · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very well written and informative book about how the declaration of independence was written. A great book for anyone who wants to know what led to the Declaration of Independence, or who wrote it or anything about it. Very clear and easy to understand good for both children and adults.

[Brian · Rating 3 out of 5]

A short decent read over the buildup and writing of the Declaration of Independence for young and old. Simple language with straight forward facts and excellent pictures for illustration.
This isn't in depth history, but it does suit readers that want a quick summary. In my case, I wanted to refresh my memory this July 4th. I wouldn't mind going back to the biographies of Jefferson and Adams for a more complete review.

[June Jacobs · Rating 4 out of 5]

In May I began searching for an appropriate middle-grade non-fiction book to use on today's post. As I was browsing the library's online catalog, I found this book in the children's collection. It caught my eye mostly because of the caricatures of our founding fathers on the cover. I recently read another book in this series entitled, 'Who Was Laura Ingalls Wilder?', a biography of one of my favorite childhood authors. I enjoyed the format of that book, so I decided to read this one about the Declaration of Independence. I was not disappointed.

The text is divided into twelve chapters beginning with 'What is the Declaration of Independence?' and ending with 'The Declaration Today'. Each chapter is jam-packed with information about the writers and signers of Declaration as well as the background for why they decided to take such a bold step against a powerful and militarily-superior Great Britain.

Throughout the text there are maps, illustrations, photographs, and sidebars including intriguing information set off in a text box to capture the reader's interest. For example, on page 12 there is a sidebar entitled, 'George Washington, British Soldier'. The history of the beginning of Washington's military career at age twenty-two is explained. He led 150 British soldiers against French troops near the Ohio River which turned out to be the start of the French and Indian War. This episode is certain to raise the interest of young readers--especially when they learn the Father of Our Country, George Washington, had to surrender in shame!

Taxes, the Boston Tea Party, the First Continental Congress, and the birth of the United States of America are all topics covered in this book. Anecdotal evidence is shared proving the courage and dedication displayed by the colonists in their battle for freedom from the British.

The back matter of the book includes a list of the signers of the Declaration of Independence and the colony/state which he represented. There is also a concise 'Timeline of the Declaration of Independence' that would be helpful to young learners. The Bibliography at the close of the book has almost a dozen books which readers and teachers can delve into if they wish to learn even more about this historical, life-changing document.

Highly-recommended for fans of American history, the American Revolution, famous Americans, and famous documents in history. This would be a fun family read, also.

I borrowed this book from the children's section in the local public library.

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[Kryssy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book really helped me put a timeline together. I had learned about all these events in history but I never knew what order they went in or why they were done. To almost every event in history, the reasoning given to us is “they hated the king.” This booked helped to show a more cause-and-effect approach. I was never good at history but now i feel like i know what i’m talking about.

-so sad how the Declaration of Independence declared “all men are created equal” just for many to go onto own slaves
-Wisconsin used to be french territory. France was Britains greatest rival. They had more land but less population
-Britain wanted more land which led to french-indian war
-king george III taxed americans heavily to pay for his war debt
-fine for buying things not made by British
-king george became an a$$. Taxed on sugar and other things, made americans scrap their currency and use british currency, and now tax on stamps
-started to protest British goods
-Boston masacre: colonists killed for defending their belief of no tax
-Sam Adams (cousin of john adams) led Sons of Liberty (also patrick henry, paul revere, john handcock). Found ways to fight king. They organized Boston tea party
-intollerable acts: closed boston harbor, made british soldiers live in colonists’ homes
-first Continental Congress formed and decided to mail a letter asking for representation in parliament
-patrick henry: “give me liberty or give me death”
-colonists stockpiles weapons. British heard off and came to raid. Paul revere went to warn
-colonists attacked british in Lexington. Started revolutionary war. Shot heard around the world
-second continental congress: appointed george washington as commander, used own currency again, asked france for help
-thomas paine: british man wrote why america should split from britain. Sold copies to 1 out of every 4 americans. Gave all profits to american army
-john locke: humans are born with certain rights that cannot be given or taken away
-4 parts: 1. Why want to be free 2. Ideas behind country (democracy) 3. All unfair things by king 4. Introduces new country and states NO involvement of britain
-almost abolished slavery but delegates wouldn’t sign if it did
-Everyone that had a hand in writing was given some kind of role in new government
-George washington never lived in white house

[Bookbag_Betty · Rating 3 out of 5]

-A Leader, Once Convinced That A Particular Course of Action Is The Right One, Must Be Undaunted When The Going Gets Tough
-Every Worthwhile Accomplishment, Big Or Small Has It's Stages Of Drudgery And Triumph; A Beginning, A Struggle And A Victory.
-What This Power Is I Cannot Say; All I Know Is That It Exists And It Becomes Available Only When A Man Is In A State Of Mind In Which He Knows Exactly What He Wants And Is Fully Determined
Not To Quit Until He Finds It.

Taxation Without Representation Is Tyranny.

Give Me Liberty Or Give Me Death.

We The People...

We Must All Hang Together, Or, Most Assuredly We Will All Hang Separately.

Writs of Assistance // The Sugar Act // The Stamp Act // Currency Act // Townshend Acts // The Tea Act // The First Continental Congress //

TRAVELED TO // Boston, Massachusetts, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, St. Stephen's Chapel, Carpenter's Hall, Independence Hall,
MET ALONG THE WAY // Thomas Jefferson, George Washington, James Otis, Ben Franklin, King George III, Samuel Adams, John Adams, Sons Of Liberty, General Thomas Gage, Patrick Henry, Paul Revere, British Soldiers, John Hancock, John Dickinson, Thomas Paine, Richard Lee, Timothy Matlock,

Jefferson's famous phrase about all men being "created equal" didn't hold true in the American colonies.

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book because, as is the case with most of the books in this series, it presents a topic in an overview fashion but includes the conditions in the colonies that led up to the Declaration. What Is the Declaration of Independence? by Michael C. Harris is a quick review for anyone already knowledgeable and familiar with the events surrounding the writing of the Declaration of Independence and perhaps a primer for those who are not sure what it is, as demonstrated by many of the "man/woman-on-the-street" interviews we watch for entertainment these days. Having read numerous books by other authors about the conditions in the colonies and the events that unfolded, I think the material presented in this book fairly represented the different sides of the debate about whether to break from Great Britain as well as why and how. I also appreciated the author's ability to stick to the facts and not apply today's "enlightened" moral thinking to judge the customs and prevailing beliefs of that earlier time as many seem to want to do today.

[Lily Kaplan]

"What was The declaration of independence" by Michael C. Britain is a book about how the Declaration was written. It talked about how Thomas Jefferson wrote the declaration of independence and what he wrote and how he thought of it. It also talked about the first and second Continental Congress's, and what they were for. Finally it was about how the 13 colonies came to want their freedom from Great Britain.
I personally did not really like this book because I was not that interested in the topic. Part of that could have been because I have already learned all about the Declaration of Independence so I was just reading about what I already knew. I also thought this book was more fact after fact then the facts put in a way that didn't seem like that.
I recommend this book for kids in forth grade or older because the vocabulary was not that hard and it is an important thing for kids to learn about and they will definitely know what it is better after they read this book.

[Sunah Chung · Rating 4 out of 5]

Learning the history of others is a good way to understand the culture of the community. For me, learning the meaning of Fourth of July to Americans is the way to respect Americans regarding their brave actions of independence to pursue freedom. The children’s book, What Is the Declaration of Independence?, describes historical events to hatch the act of declaration of independence.
The book consists of chapters, including the backgrounds of colonizing east parts of the current United States of America from British King and parliaments, historical events such as the Boston Teac Party, and the process and birth of the Declaration of Independence. The book also contains illustrations and pictures which represent events and remarkable people who contribute the independence of the centuries. Reading informational books must be not only beneficial for children, but also for English language learners in all ages.

[Jack Hayes]

This who was book is on the topic of the decloration of inepdence. The book starts out by telling how the draft was written sevarl times and was mainly written by tomas jefferson. In the middle It talks not only about the struggles of writting this important document but the purpose of it in a great yet short dethp. In the end it talks about th people wills including how they all could have been killed or captured. Bits and pices fo this book talk about the revoltionary war, but still was not the focus of this book.

I love this book seris because you can find out facts about a particular person, place, or thing in a short time. This book was no expeption, I felt this book was more advanced than some of the others i've read. I thought this book was weel written and it was enjoyable to learn the new stuff I learned.

I would recomend this book to history lovers or patrotic persons.

[David Rough · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is another solid book in a series of historical biographies and events that have influenced our society and the world in general. This short read, designed for young readers, provided me with a good summary and insight into this document that I have not studied since high school. At the desk of Thomas Jefferson in Philadelphia in 1776, he spent hours drafting the Declaration of Independence, a document that would proclaim a severance of this country's ties with Great Britain and powerfully announced a new nation—The United States of America. This book explores the nature of this radical document in history and the volatile reactions to it that fueled the flames of the American Revolution.

[Vincent · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ah so four stars - not bad - I read this book to judge it for the third grade reading project I am involved in. It is OK - It is unlike the "what is a President Election" another book in the series, in my view an easier read. It is short and the details could be better but maybe not to communicate with children.
Many of the children I work with are from less prosperous families. Some have never had books at home. Some don't know who George Washington was - distressing - many are the children of immigrants - this may be more severe than before Covid, I only became involved in the program in 2019, but this book seems good for these 8 & 9 year olds.
I will be able to recommend it to most of the students - unless they are more accomplished readers.

[Shelli · Rating 4 out of 5]

The What Is…? Who Was...? biography series are perfect for elementary or intermediate age students interested in learning about the featured person or subject for an assignment or just for an exciting read. The afterward portion has a timeline on one side showing key events in the person or subjects life and the opposite page shows worldwide key events during the same time period. Making for an interesting comparison and will help readers get a better feel for what else was happening at those times; a cool extra feature I haven't seen in many books.

[Lorraine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great, quick review of our amazing American history! It reminded me how miraculous it all really was. Who would have guessed that a group of men, so spread out and with such minimal ways to communicate--could pull together and have the courage to go up against the British and King George III. Wow. I'm still in awe.

I'm glad I read this one right after "Who was Abigail Adams" because it talked about a lot of the same events yet from a different perspective. Love this series.

[Scarlet · Rating 3 out of 5]

In the hot summer in Philadelphia the Declaration of Independence was written to In 1776 this new government, the Continental Congress formed a committee to tell People why the colonies wanted to be free. Thomas Jefferson was chosen to be the head of this committee. He was an excellent writer. Jefferson wrote a paper that became known as the Declaration of Independence.

[Amber · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great pictures - both illustrated and real portraits - but redundant with other books in the series and inaccurate wokeness. The book said that women were not equal and didn't play much of a role in the revolution but we have so much evidence that shows otherwise. Women were running messages past unsuspecting Brits, for example.

[Jared Silva · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book sucked

This book was terrible. Why did they still have slaves with after the declaration. Iike what the hell is up with that. And they we so racist I bet that the person that wrote it was a racist smh. Do not read unless you have to for school like be.

[Debra McEathron · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series is great. This book talks about what the colonist went through before the revolutionary war. It explains the taxation on items that were necessary to the colonist and what the king did in response to the colonist. It also explains who wrote the Declaration and who signed it.

[Rhiannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoy this series of books. It's a quick read for me, but my kids are enjoying them just as much. I have several in the set and plan to get several more. I'm happy my kids are reading something non-fiction.