Synopses & Reviews
The book is a most enjoyable view of history
. The delightful illustrations exactly suit the times and the extraordinary character of John Hancock.”The Horn Book
Everyone knows that John Hancock was one of the first signers of the Declaration of Independence. But not many know that he signed his name so large to show how mad he was about how the colonists had been treated. This witty book highlights little-known facts about this historical figure.
Review
Praise for Will You Sign Here, John Hancock?
A Boston Globe-Horn Book Award Honor Book
An IRA-CBC Childrens Choice Book
A Notable Childrens Trade Book in the Field of Social Studies
A Library of Congress Best Childrens Book of the Year
“The book is a most enjoyable view of history…. The delightful illustrations exactly suit the times and the extraordinary character of John Hancock.”—The Horn Book
Synopsis
Having a beautiful home, fancy clothes, and plenty of money wasn't enough for Mr. John Hancock. He wanted to be noticed by everyone -- including King George. So he refused to pay taxes, became president of the Continental Congress, and made his signature on the Declaration of Independence so large, King George didn't need his spectacles to see it!
-- "Jean Fritz fleshes out the personality of the most famous signer of the Declaration of Independence with details both sympathetic and amusing". -- School Library Journal
Synopsis
Little-known facts are highlighted in this fun book about this historical figure, by Newbery Honor-winning author Jean Fritz. "The book is a most enjoyable view of history . . . The delightful illustrations exactly suit the times and the extraordinary character of John Hancock."--The Horn Book Everyone knows that John Hancock was one of the first signers of the Declaration of Independence. But not many know that he signed his name so large to show how mad he was about how the colonists had been treated.
About the Author
"The question I am most often asked," Jean Fritz says, "is how do I find my ideas? The answer is: I don't. Ideas find me. A character in history will suddenly step right out of the past and demand a book. Generally people don't bother to speak to me unless there's a good chance that I'll take them on." Throughout almost four decades of writing about history, Jean Fritz has taken on plenty of people, starting with George Washington in
The Cabin Faced West (1958). Since then, her refreshingly informal historical biographies for children have been widely acclaimed as "unconventional," "good-humored," "witty," "irrepressible," and "extraordinary."
In her role as biographer, Jean Fritz attempts to uncover the adventures and personalities behind each character she researches. "Once my character and I have reached an understanding," she explains, "then I begin the detective work--reading old books, old letters, old newspapers, and visiting the places where my subject lived. Often I turn up surprises and of course I pass these on." It is her penchant for making distant historical figures seem real that brings the characters to life and makes the biographies entertaining, informative, and filled with natural child appeal.
An original and lively thinker, as well as an inspiration to children and adults, Jean Fritz is undeniably a master of her craft. She was awarded the Regina Medal by the Catholic Library Association, presented with the Laura Ingalls Wilder Award by the American Library Association for her "substantial and lasting contribution to children's literature," and honored with the Knickerbocker Award for Juvenile Literature, which was presented by the New York State Library Association for her body of work.
copyright ? 2000 by Penguin Putnam Books for Young Readers. All rights reserved.