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Dennis B. Fradin
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The Signers: The 56 Stories Behind the Declaration of Independence Hardcover – January 1, 2003

by Dennis Brindell Fradin (Author), Michael McCurdy (Author)
4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars 69 ratings
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"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness."

For more than 225 years these words have inspired men and women in countries the world over to risk everything in pursuit of these lofty ideals. When they first appeared in our nation's birth certificate, the Declaration of Independence, they were a call to action for a colony on the brink of rebellion. The 56 men who dared to sign their names to this revolutionary document knew they were putting their reputations, their fortunes, and their very lives on the line by boldly and publicly declaring their support for liberty and freedom. As Benjamin Franklin said as he signed his name, "We must all hang together, or most assuredly we shall all hang separately!"

Who were these men who are the first heroes of our nation? Award-winning team of author Dennis Brindell Fradin and illustrator Michael McCurdy bring their considerable talents together to illuminate the lives of these valiant men, ranging from the poorest farmers to the wealthiest merchants, whose dauntless courage inspired thousands of colonists to risk all for freedom.

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Previous page
  1. Reading age
    10 - 12 years
  2. Print length
    176 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Grade level
    5 - 6
  5. Lexile measure
    1070L
  6. Dimensions
    8.85 x 0.68 x 10.78 inches
  7. Publisher
    Bloomsbury USA Childrens
  8. Publication date
    January 1, 2003
  9. ISBN-10
    9780802788498
  10. ISBN-13
    978-0802788498
  11. See all details
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Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 4-6-Most children may know that John Hancock signed the Declaration of Independence, but do they know about the other 55 signers? Each of these men had a life before, during, and after his historical act, yet most of them are unknown. Fradin gives brief, fascinating glimpses into the people who have been overlooked as well as those with whom readers might be familiar. This well-organized book is divided into 13 sections-one for each of the colonies. Each section begins with a brief history of the colony, including its industries, population, and notable persons during the years leading up to and during the American Revolution. A map and a chart listing the vital statistics of the signers complete the introduction to each chapter. Next, information about their backgrounds, their contributions to America's independence, and their lives after signing the Declaration is presented. None of the primary facts or dates has been neglected, yet the lively style of the text maintains readers' interest. The full text of the document is included. The black-and-white scratchboard illustrations are rough and rather crude, and reinforce the historical tone of the text. An excellent resource for report writing.
Heather E. Miller, Homewood Public Library, AL
Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist

Gr. 4-7. This collective biography introduces the 56 signers of the Declaration of Independence. Fradin begins by explaining how the document was written, approved, and signed. Each of the following 13 chapters offers a short history of one colony, followed by a two- or three-page section on the native son who signed the document. In support of that document, the signers pledged "to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor." Some signers, such as Jefferson and Adams, rose to great renown; others paid a heavy price for their loyalty to the patriot cause. These short, cogent biographies illuminate the people and the stories behind the signatures. Including a cameo portrait and a scene from each man's life, McCurdy's excellent scratchboard artwork gives a sense of the period as well as a particular person. This well-designed book is an asset to American history collections. Bibliography appended. Carolyn Phelan
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ 0802788491
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Bloomsbury USA Childrens; 1st edition (January 1, 2003)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 176 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 9780802788498
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0802788498
  • Reading age ‏ : ‎ 10 - 12 years
  • Lexile measure ‏ : ‎ 1070L
  • Grade level ‏ : ‎ 5 - 6
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 2.05 pounds
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 8.85 x 0.68 x 10.78 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars 69 ratings

About the author

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Dennis B. Fradin

Dennis B. Fradin

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"I have the time of my life as a children's author," says Dennis Brindell Fradin, prolific author of close to one hundred and fifty books. "I try not to let a day of the year go by without working." Born and raised in Chicago, Illinois, he earned a creative writing degree from Northwestern University, then taught elementary school for twelve years. In 1989, the National College of Education honored him as the Educator of the Year. He is married to writer Judith Bloom Fradin, who did the photo research on this book. They live in Evanston, Illinois and have three grown children.

Customer reviews

4.7 out of 5 stars
4.7 out of 5
69 global ratings

Top reviews from the United States

Joe Angelo
5.0 out of 5 stars Educational and Entertaining at the same time
Reviewed in the United States on November 8, 2023
Verified Purchase
just read the 56 by Douglas McKinnon copyright 2022 . . they compliment each other but this version adds images. Will enjoying re-reading it in the future.
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Amazon Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars Simply presented
Reviewed in the United States on July 13, 2015
Verified Purchase
As an adult I appreciated the simple overview of the signer's lives. One can decide whether to do more research or read more complete bios of the signer that most interests them. For me, this book aimed at school children was perfect, a little bit of info, presented simply.

Some reviewers object to the inclusion of extra marital relationships among some of the signers. Personally, I think that adds to their humanity, just as learning that several of them made poor business decisions and died in debt. I think it presents a more realistic picture of the times.

I do agree that the Jefferson/Hemings controversy should not have been presented as fact, but rather as speculation. I think maybe it's better to present facts to young people up front then wait for them to find out later and feel that they've been misled. But a more honest presentation would have been appreciated.
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Momma in Montana
5.0 out of 5 stars Easy lessons!
Reviewed in the United States on August 14, 2018
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This is really neat, short stories, easy to read aloud! Very interesting to know more about our forefathers!!! Love it! Printed by scholastic so it's fairly safe to say it's fairly accurate.
One person found this helpful
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lorainej
5.0 out of 5 stars Great book about signers
Reviewed in the United States on November 28, 2021
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I use this book for my 5th grade class to help them write a short biography on a signer of the declaration. It has interesting facts and pictures.
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M. Heiss
5.0 out of 5 stars Basic introduction
Reviewed in the United States on July 29, 2011
Verified Purchase
It's interesting -- I have the book from 1848 called "Lives of the Signers of the Declaration of Independence", and this book is very similar. But this book has line sketch illustrations that grab your attention. Roughly two pages of text for each signer, and two illustrations each (on average).

This book does not really capture the bravery of these men as well as the 1848 book did, and its section on Ben Franklin is nowhere near as inspirational.

Still, this book belongs on your child's bookshelf. They can use it as an overview to decide which founder to study next. Also includes the text of the Declaration of Independence, which I am having my kids memorize this year.
7 people found this helpful
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Janet B
4.0 out of 5 stars This is a Child's book
Reviewed in the United States on November 26, 2016
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This is a child's book. I only say this so you don't make my mistake. I based my buying decision on the reviews and purchased it for myself. The book came in perfect condition and on time. Upon further investigation from the Amazon page it is indeed intended as a child's book, clearly my mistake. However, I looked through it and it seems well written and very informative for a child 9-13 years old.
2 people found this helpful
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lighten_up_already
5.0 out of 5 stars I'm reading this book to my sons one story at a time.
Reviewed in the United States on May 9, 2011
Verified Purchase
My two sons are eight and ten years old and know nothing of American history (thanks public schools!) and so I've tried to fill in the gaps when I've found engaging material to work with. Right now I've started reading through this book with them at the rate of one "signer" a night, and I am learning things too, like how Samuel Adams failed as a beer brewer (which makes those Samuel Adams Boston Lager commercials downright ironic).

The people who founded this country were both remarkable and yet very human. Read this and they will become much more real to you.
6 people found this helpful
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Michelle Pratico
5.0 out of 5 stars Awesome book!
Reviewed in the United States on December 13, 2012
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Anyone who wants who's frustrated that the schools don't teach American history the way they used to should buy this book! If you want your school-age child to know about those who signed the Declaration of Independence (some of these I've never heard of) this is a very informative & interesting book. Comprehension level is approximately 9 years old & older, good for middle school age.
One person found this helpful
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