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The signers: The fifty-six stories behind the Declaration of Independence
“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.
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.
164 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2003
9 people are currently reading
168 people want to read
About the author
Dennis Brindell Fradin
290 books23 followersThe award-winning author of nearly 300 non-fiction books for children and young adults, Dennis Fradin is known for his meticulous research, attention to detail and smooth, graceful writing.
Fradin attributes his success in part to years of teaching in the Chicago Public Schools. In order to hold his second graders’ attention at the end of the day, he would spin stories about crayons in distress and birds with broken wings. One such story caught the attention of an editor who asked him to write a series of books about the United States. The Sea to Shining Sea series (Children's Press), launched Dennis's career as a full-time author.
Dennis Fradin has written children's books on topics as varied as astronomy, colonial history, the Underground Railroad, slave escapes and scientific discoveries. He has written biographies of Thomas Jefferson, Samuel Adams, Jane Addams and Louis Braille, among others. Bound for the North Star is his riveting collection of true slave escape stories. The Power of One: Daisy Bates and the Little Rock Nine, co-authored with his wife Judy, was a Golden Kite Honor Book.
Dennis has collaborated with Larry Day on two picture books, Let It Begin Here! and Duel! with Walker Books. He's completed two dozen Turning Points books for Marshall Cavendish. Along with his wife Judy, Dennis wrote Five Thousand Miles to Freedom for National Geographic Children's Books, followed by their Witness to Disaster series.
Fradin attributes his success in part to years of teaching in the Chicago Public Schools. In order to hold his second graders’ attention at the end of the day, he would spin stories about crayons in distress and birds with broken wings. One such story caught the attention of an editor who asked him to write a series of books about the United States. The Sea to Shining Sea series (Children's Press), launched Dennis's career as a full-time author.
Dennis Fradin has written children's books on topics as varied as astronomy, colonial history, the Underground Railroad, slave escapes and scientific discoveries. He has written biographies of Thomas Jefferson, Samuel Adams, Jane Addams and Louis Braille, among others. Bound for the North Star is his riveting collection of true slave escape stories. The Power of One: Daisy Bates and the Little Rock Nine, co-authored with his wife Judy, was a Golden Kite Honor Book.
Dennis has collaborated with Larry Day on two picture books, Let It Begin Here! and Duel! with Walker Books. He's completed two dozen Turning Points books for Marshall Cavendish. Along with his wife Judy, Dennis wrote Five Thousand Miles to Freedom for National Geographic Children's Books, followed by their Witness to Disaster series.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
February 21, 2025
I thought this was so great! I had never learned about the lives of all the signers of the Declaration of Independence before reading this! This was a read aloud for my 4th grader, and while he gave it 1/2 of a star, I personally give it 5!!!
April 4, 2010
This is a nice way to have an overview of all 56 signers of the Declaration of Independence. Obviously, because this is a kids' book, the author doesn't go into great depth on any one signer, but instead tries to spend equal time (more or less) on each signer, and on each of the 13 colonies. Although I used to think of the 13 colonies as being more or less the same, this book made it clear to me that they each had their own distinct "personalities" and history, and that some colonies (and people) were much more excited about the Revolutionary War than others.
I thought it was fun to get such a broad overview of each individual signer without being required to read an entire biography on each of them - time is limited, and I don't know that I care quite to that extent (although if there were YA versions of biographies, there were several signers that I would like to learn more about, based on what I read in this book).
The only real downside were the illustrations. The black-and-white illustrations (drawings) made the book look dated. I was surprised to find out that the book had been published in 2002. It looks older than that to me. I would have chosen to do the illustrations differently, that's for sure. No disrespect to the artist - the drawings were fine. I just think that colors and a more realistic look would have made the signers come alive for the readers, instead of black-and-white drawings. That could be just me.
Overall, definitely recommended. Written for age 10 and older; however, if your child is a strong reader, they would probably enjoy it even as young as 8 years old.
I thought it was fun to get such a broad overview of each individual signer without being required to read an entire biography on each of them - time is limited, and I don't know that I care quite to that extent (although if there were YA versions of biographies, there were several signers that I would like to learn more about, based on what I read in this book).
The only real downside were the illustrations. The black-and-white illustrations (drawings) made the book look dated. I was surprised to find out that the book had been published in 2002. It looks older than that to me. I would have chosen to do the illustrations differently, that's for sure. No disrespect to the artist - the drawings were fine. I just think that colors and a more realistic look would have made the signers come alive for the readers, instead of black-and-white drawings. That could be just me.
Overall, definitely recommended. Written for age 10 and older; however, if your child is a strong reader, they would probably enjoy it even as young as 8 years old.
July 14, 2021
I learned so much from this book. George Wythe has become one of my favorite signers because he was a teacher of presidents and such an honest man that he would rather loose a case than bend the truth. I also learned about Samuel Huntington and how he could be considered the first president.
February 14, 2022
Many people are familiar with the phrase from the Declaration of Independence that guarantees all people the rights of "Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness." Many also know the most famous signers--Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin, John Hancock, John Adams to name a few.
This short book captures all those well-known facts but also highlights more obscure ones. For example, did you know that Virginia's College of William and Mary is the second-oldest university in America (outranked only by Harvard in Massachusetts)? Or that Thomas Jefferson was one of the most accomplished violinists of his time? Or that Francis Hopkinson was the first person to compose non-religious songs as an American (including one called "The Battle of the Kegs" which tells about a scheme Hopkinson devised to fill barrels with gunpowder and float them down a river to blow up British ships; the barrels didn't explode or destroy any ships, but the song became immensely popular with American soldiers).
The author does an excellent job of making history relatable to young modern readers. He conveys the great achievement of the 56 signers and the personal cost to many of them for pledging their support of an independent American nation while refraining, for the most part, from elevating them onto pedestals. These were men with hot tempers, drinking problems, poor health, high ideals, not always sound judgment, and a willingness to all sign a document that needed a unanimous appearance in order for it to be taken seriously. This despite the misgivings and doubts of a number of the signers.
Our current government could learn a lot if this book was required reading for every elected Senator and Representative in Congress. Disagreement isn't a problem; it's what sparks healthy conversation, debate, and critical thinking. The trouble starts when any spoken disagreement is taken as a personal attack or insult; when neither side is willing to even listen to what the other says; and when exchanges are limited to trying to place blame or find fault rather than cultivate common ground for progress and improvement.
In 1776, 56 men of very diverse backgrounds, beliefs, and temperaments all managed to come together to draft a document that was the beginning of the United States, a document which many other nations used as a model in their own quests for independence from colonial powers. If they could do this, then we in the twenty-first century who pride ourselves on our huge advances in thinking, technology, and tolerance, ought to follow their example to ensure that America doesn't stagnate and dissolve because of rancor and rigidity in the minds of its government.
This short book captures all those well-known facts but also highlights more obscure ones. For example, did you know that Virginia's College of William and Mary is the second-oldest university in America (outranked only by Harvard in Massachusetts)? Or that Thomas Jefferson was one of the most accomplished violinists of his time? Or that Francis Hopkinson was the first person to compose non-religious songs as an American (including one called "The Battle of the Kegs" which tells about a scheme Hopkinson devised to fill barrels with gunpowder and float them down a river to blow up British ships; the barrels didn't explode or destroy any ships, but the song became immensely popular with American soldiers).
The author does an excellent job of making history relatable to young modern readers. He conveys the great achievement of the 56 signers and the personal cost to many of them for pledging their support of an independent American nation while refraining, for the most part, from elevating them onto pedestals. These were men with hot tempers, drinking problems, poor health, high ideals, not always sound judgment, and a willingness to all sign a document that needed a unanimous appearance in order for it to be taken seriously. This despite the misgivings and doubts of a number of the signers.
Our current government could learn a lot if this book was required reading for every elected Senator and Representative in Congress. Disagreement isn't a problem; it's what sparks healthy conversation, debate, and critical thinking. The trouble starts when any spoken disagreement is taken as a personal attack or insult; when neither side is willing to even listen to what the other says; and when exchanges are limited to trying to place blame or find fault rather than cultivate common ground for progress and improvement.
In 1776, 56 men of very diverse backgrounds, beliefs, and temperaments all managed to come together to draft a document that was the beginning of the United States, a document which many other nations used as a model in their own quests for independence from colonial powers. If they could do this, then we in the twenty-first century who pride ourselves on our huge advances in thinking, technology, and tolerance, ought to follow their example to ensure that America doesn't stagnate and dissolve because of rancor and rigidity in the minds of its government.
March 24, 2019
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.
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.
February 28, 2024
We read this for citizenship for homeschool this term. The book was just okay - neither of my kids or I were particularly enthralled by it. The fact that the book covered so many people made it hard to keep them all straight and remember much about each man. The language was a bit dated in its discussion of Native Americans and enslaved people.
I did appreciate learning more about the individuals behind the Declaration, and I'm sure one difficulty in writing this book is that there is limited information about many of the signers. Still, it got really repetitive to hear about so many men who were lawyers, judges, business men etc, and then went on to sign the Declaration.
Also, one thing we talked about a lot is that the men in this book were all white men, and when they were talking about freedom for "all," most of them meant freedom for white men. So I think it's good to keep in mind that this book focuses on a very specific set of people and will not give you a diverse perspective on this time in history.
I did appreciate learning more about the individuals behind the Declaration, and I'm sure one difficulty in writing this book is that there is limited information about many of the signers. Still, it got really repetitive to hear about so many men who were lawyers, judges, business men etc, and then went on to sign the Declaration.
Also, one thing we talked about a lot is that the men in this book were all white men, and when they were talking about freedom for "all," most of them meant freedom for white men. So I think it's good to keep in mind that this book focuses on a very specific set of people and will not give you a diverse perspective on this time in history.
July 9, 2018
This is a great YA reference book! It provides short histories on each of the 56 signers of the Declaration of Independence. I found it fascinating to read about the different situations of each signer and found myself having an even deeper appreciation of the sacrifices that were made to make it possible for the United States to become independent from Great Britain. The best fact I learned was that none of the 56 signers ever changed his mind about wanting independence after signing, even though some were killed, imprisoned, or lost family, wealth or their health. I am truly grateful for each of these brave, valiant men, especially after reading this book!
August 24, 2018
Sadly, the odds of any student willingly reading this book in its entirety is about 1%. However, I loved learning a little bit of information about those treasonous individuals who bravely signed their names to the most well known breakup letter ever conceived. Educators wanting to cover the signers would do well to start the class off with discussing one signer a day. I know personally I will remember very little about these men individually, but my daughter and I both walked away with a huge respect for the sacrifices they endured in the battle for independence.
December 5, 2017
I gave this book 5 stars because it gives just enough information about each other to make it very intresting. Before reading this book I barely knew any of the signers but this book sheds light on a lot of unknown writers who played a big roll in the declaration being formed.
September 21, 2018
I liked it
March 14, 2019
It was lit
May 10, 2021
Brief biographies of each of the signers of the Declaration of Independence are interesting and easy to read. Most of them made tremendous sacrifices for American Independence. Worth owning.
January 18, 2024
This book contains short biographies on the fifty-six signers ofthe U.S. Declaration of Independence. A very good quick read and excellent reference boock to the declaration.
February 1, 2024
Great read about the 56 signers of the declaration of independence.
February 3, 2014
This is a book I picked up years ago, though at the time, I didn't realize it was a children's book. What attracted me to it was the illustrations--I really, really liked the illustrations, and the stories never left my memory.
So years later I ended up reading Signing Their Lives Away Declaration of Independence) and Signing Their Rights Away (Constitution), which are basically the adult version of The Signers. But if it weren't for the inspiration of The Signers, I wouldn't have read the other two books.
This is a lovely book, and probably should be part of every US grade school library. I certainly think it's a nicer way for children to begin to learn some early US history than to just have to listen to a litany of dates and battles. It puts US history on a personal level, which might inspire some children to realize that many of the men who helped start the US were just concerned and involved citizens, no different in many ways than US citizens of today.
So years later I ended up reading Signing Their Lives Away Declaration of Independence) and Signing Their Rights Away (Constitution), which are basically the adult version of The Signers. But if it weren't for the inspiration of The Signers, I wouldn't have read the other two books.
This is a lovely book, and probably should be part of every US grade school library. I certainly think it's a nicer way for children to begin to learn some early US history than to just have to listen to a litany of dates and battles. It puts US history on a personal level, which might inspire some children to realize that many of the men who helped start the US were just concerned and involved citizens, no different in many ways than US citizens of today.
July 22, 2014
I picked this book up for my children and I think they will really enjoy it. It is written for a young audience and has, I think, an appropriate amount of information for them. It's well written and entertaining with stories about the founders that my boys will love. (I give it three stars for myself. I would prefer a more detailed book. This has about two pages, including art, per signer. I suspect my boys will give it 4 or 5 stars.)
FYI, the book does have personal information about, um, character flaws of some of the Founding Fathers (such as illegitimate children, drinking problems and slave ownership). I mention this only because it's something that, as a parent, I'm grateful to have a heads up on the questions that my children may have! The book is written in a positive light about the signers and doesn't shy away from many of the signers beliefs that what they were doing was divine.
FYI, the book does have personal information about, um, character flaws of some of the Founding Fathers (such as illegitimate children, drinking problems and slave ownership). I mention this only because it's something that, as a parent, I'm grateful to have a heads up on the questions that my children may have! The book is written in a positive light about the signers and doesn't shy away from many of the signers beliefs that what they were doing was divine.
March 8, 2012
This book was read from the Green Free Library. I borrowed it to find out more about the signers of the Declaration of Independence. I learned a lot. Elbridge Gerry from Massachusetts is responsible for making political districts favorable to his own party. The term "gerrymandering" came from a district that looked like a salamander but someone thought it looked like a gerryymander and the name stuck.
One also learns that most of the signers actually signed in August of 1776, not on July 4.
This may be a children's book, but I realize that we are lucky if we can name 5 signers of the Declaration unless you are a serious student or have been in 1776 the musical. I certainly remember Richard Henry Lee from that show!
One also learns that most of the signers actually signed in August of 1776, not on July 4.
This may be a children's book, but I realize that we are lucky if we can name 5 signers of the Declaration unless you are a serious student or have been in 1776 the musical. I certainly remember Richard Henry Lee from that show!
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November 5, 2010Loved this book! I reviewed it for book club (we are doing an American History theme) and I knew nothing about it, just chose it at random. I was surprised 1- there were so many signers, 2- I only knew the names of a handful of them, 3-there are so many fascinating stories! I read it all in one day, and I loved that it was a bunch of small stories so I could pick it up and just read a story or two when I got a couple minutes.
September 11, 2010
This book was really fascinating! It was so interesting to hear the backgrounds of the 56 men who signed the Declaration of Independence, and how many are actually related to each other as brothers, cousins, or friends. Now when I see the signatures of this document, I think of how real those men were in establishing our country as it is today!
May 1, 2013
This is an example of a collective biography. I thought the 'topic' or group of people chosen was really interesting to learn about. This is definitely a book to be used to encourage children to gain interest in history.
*Book from text
*Book from text
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April 19, 2016This book is about all the men who signed the Declaration of Independence. I thought this book was interesting because it brought up a lot of facts I didn't know and a lot of behind the scenes news that isn't talked about in a normal conversation about the Declaration of Independence.
October 25, 2008
This was a great book that had a wonderful compilation of all the biographies of the Declaration of Independence's signers.
March 30, 2009
Actually I only read about 1/2 of the book, it was for reading group and I couldn't attend so I quit reading the book.
September 7, 2012
I picked this up on the Patriotic Table at the library. It is awesome!
December 3, 2011
Two page coverage for each of the 56 signers of Declaration of Independence, with wood cuts of each man and maps.
March 5, 2013
Part of our curriculum......I LOVE anything that my daughter loves!
October 2, 2015
Short profiles of all the signers of the Declaration of Independence accompanied by lovely woodcut portraits.
August 30, 2013
3.5 stars
This book has a short biography of each signer of the Declaration of Independence, all 56 of them. It's amazing how much many of these men suffered for their brave decision.
This book has a short biography of each signer of the Declaration of Independence, all 56 of them. It's amazing how much many of these men suffered for their brave decision.
July 6, 2014
Excellent overview of each man and his ideas and contributions to the revolution and founding of the country.
September 26, 2014
Loved it! Just enough of an overview to give you a taste of the incredible spirit they had. Each person was given individual treatment that highlighted an original trait/hobby/statement. Well done!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews