Synopses & Reviews
"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.
About the Author
DENNIS BRINDELL FRADIN is the author of Walker and Company's The Signers and has garnered many accolades for his children's books, including ALA Notables, a Booklist Editor's Choice, and a School Library Journal Best Book of the Year. He lives in Evanston, Illinois, with his wife.
MICHAEL MCCURDY is the illustrator of Walker and Company's The Signers and the author/illustrator of Trapped by the Ice, CBC-NCSS Notable Trade Book in the Field of Social Studies. He has illustrated more than 150 books and has twice received the New York Times Best Illustrated Books award. Michael lives in western Massachusetts.