Give Me Liberty!: The Story of the Declaration of Independence

by Russell Freedman

Celebrated children’s historian Russell Freedman explores the tensions in colonial America that led to the creation of the Declaration of Independence and the birth of a nation.

This engaging account delves into the deep-rooted conflicts between the American colonies and the British crown, presenting the Revolution not as a sudden break between distant governments but an inevitable result of building pressure, spurred on by events and guided by the distinct personalities that would become the Founding Fathers.  

With a strong focus on cause and effect and the actions of important individuals, Give Me Liberty! traces the tensions that built up in the 1770s, including the Stamp Act, the Boston Tea Party, and the early battles of the Revolutionary War, culminating in the signing of the Declaration in 1776, and its spread through the new American nation.

Illustrated with historical paintings, prints, and document reproductions, Freedman weaves primary sources and contemporaneous accounts into his narrative, making it an immersive and eye-catching resource.

Perfect for students of American history, this introduction to the American Revolution also includes a final chapter on how the ideals expressed in the Declaration of Independence have persisted and evolved through the years, inspiring later generations to seek rights for more and more Americans.  Detailed backmatter includes a printed image and full text of the Declaration, a timeline of events, selected bibliography, and index.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, American Revolution, American History, Picture Books, American Revolutionary War, Historical

96 pages, Paperback

First published October 11, 2000

About the author

Russell A. Freedman was an American biographer and the author of nearly 50 books for young people. He may be known best for winning the 1988 Newbery Medal with his work Lincoln: A Photobiography.

He grew up in San Francisco and attended the University of California, Berkeley, and then worked as a reporter and editor for the Associated Press and as a publicity writer. His nonfiction books ranged in subject from the lives and behaviors of animals to people in history. Freeedman's work has earned him several awards, including a Newbery Honor each for Eleanor Roosevelt: A Life of Discovery in 1994 and The Wright Brothers: How They Invented the Airplane in 1992, and a Laura Ingalls Wilder Medal.

Freedman traveled extensively throughout the world to gather information and inspiration for his books. His book, Confucius: The Golden Rule was inspired by his extensive travels through Mainland China, where he visited Confucius' hometown in modern day QuFu, in the Shantung Province.

Reviews

[Joan · Rating 5 out of 5]

As usual for Freedman, it is well written with excellent illustrations. It gives an excellent history of events leading up to the writing, gives Adams excellent arguments why Jefferson not Adams should write it, what Jefferson used as guides to his writing and how he had to watch the delegates mark up his work with the conclusion it still was his work in essence. He included a fascinating discussion of how Jefferson had included a passage on the evils of slavery! But that he still had prejudice, feeling that slaves shouldn’t stay in the United States (btw fascinating to note that the first mention of the country was united States with a small u!). Needless to say that passage wasn’t allowed to remain by both southerners and northerners who made money on the slavery trade. He notes it led to the civil war. Freedman also noted that women and American Indians were not considered in terms of equality either. I also appreciated the list of signers to the Declaration and the easier to read printed version of the Declaration. Highly recommend!

[Bookbag_Betty · Rating 3 out of 5]

My Hand Trembles, But My Heart Does Not.

That these United Colonies are, and of right ought to be, free and independent States, that they are absolved from all allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political connection between them and the State of Great Britain is, and ought to be, totally dissolved.

Whoever dares to look at them as an irregular mob will find himself very much mistaken. They have men amongst them who know very well what they are about.

By the rude bridge that arched the flood,
Their flag to April's breeze unfurled,
Here once the embattled farmers stood.
And fired the shot heard round the world.

When In The Course Of Human Events...

It Becomes Necessary For One People To Dissolve The Political Bands...

We Hold Theses Truths To Be Self-Evident...

That All Men Are Created Equal...

That They Are Endowed by Their Creator With Certain Unalienable Rights...

Life, Liberty And The Pursuit Of Happiness...

TRAVELED TO // The Original 13
MET ALONG THE WAY // The American Colonists, Patriots & Founding Fathers

[Sia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pretty good. Good summary of the events around that time period. We did it as a read aloud with the family. The only thing I didn't like about it, was that there was some information, although true, but not the whole story, regarding the founding fathers and their specif choices and views about slavery. Reading a deeper much longer book that tells their full story gives full light to who these men really were and their real opinions and why they did what they did. However, I am glad that this book didn't gloss over the not so pretty sides of these men either. It is important to understand that they were not perfect and that they made mistakes too. Isn't it wonderful that imperfect being can accomplish such great feats? There is hope for us all!

[Julie Tate · Rating 3 out of 5]

My son and I read this together, but simply found it to be repetitive of what we had already read in our fabulous Christian world-view based history curriculum. We were hoping to find a bit more depth than what we given; however, what was given was good. There were a decent amount of quotes from original sources.

[Momruns5 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good solid story of the path American took to independence. Middle readers.

[Eloise · Rating 4 out of 5]

Succinct non-fiction for young readers.

[Ami McNay · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this with my 6th and 3rd graders. Presented the different sides of the times and was a great conversation starter.

[Destiny Dawn Long · Rating 4 out of 5]

Freedman covers the history of the American Revolution from the tax acts that sparked colonial unrest through the signing of the Declaration of Independence. He incorporates paintings, engravings and advertisements from the period to add an extra dimension to his text. He presents the key figures of the revolution, not as elevated heroes, but as real men and women who were making difficult choices in the name of freedom. By focusing in on key figures and events of the period, Freedman crafts a clear and engaging portrait of the American Revolution. The book includes a transcription of the Declaration of Independence, a chronology of events, a bibliography and an index.

This historic account of the American Revolution was refreshingly lacking in jingoism. In one section, Freedman discusses the “Boston Massacre,” pointing out how the event was named to be used as colonial propaganda and that the British soldiers were acting in self-defense. I enjoyed that he attempted to present a balanced view of history. The author has twice received the Newbery Honor and has won a Newbery Medal for other books he has written on American history.

[Heidi · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is an odd book. The American author is sympathetic to the British. He describes them as being "frightened soldiers" attacked at the Boston Massacre. Thomas Paine and Patrick Henry are both characterized as propagandists. At one point "the Americans were bent on revenge." The British are "hounded redcoats. . .saved from disaster" in Concord. Most of our American patriots are described simply as rebels. As an avid student of American history these descriptions annoy me. More because they may be overlooked for what they are. It is a new way to rewrite our history. Subtly make the American patriot look like the bad guy. Especially in the current climate of the Tea Party and frustration with Washington we can not allow these subtleties to sneak in to our kids history books.

[Alicia · Rating 4 out of 5]

We read this a chapter or two each day while studying the American Revolution. It is just an overview of events up to the signing of the Declaration of Independence. It mentioned the key figures I remember learning about in school. We watched several dvds and read other books about the revolution to "fill out" our information. One reviewer on Amazon said she didn't understand what was so bad about the colonists paying a 3 cent tax on paper. I have to say she missed the point completely. I think this book is meant for middle schoolers. It would be kind of dry to only use this book while studying the Declaration of Independence.

[Hannah Ruck · Rating 3 out of 5]

This Social Studies informational book began at the Boston Tea Party and led to the signing of the Declaration of Independence incorporating artifacts from this time period in the form of paintings, news articles, and other artifacts. The book simplified the struggle to declare independence from England in a elementary school age language. It also included detailed information about the battle of Lexington and Concord, the role African Americans played in the beginning of the American Revolution, and struggles and successes the colonists had beginning a war with England.

[Michele · Rating 2 out of 5]

Chapter 8, titled 'Declaring Independence: July 4, 1776,' provides excellent detail on the writing and signing of this historic document. The original document is reproduced followed by the full text, including the names of the signers. Reproductions of paintings, sketches and documents are scattered throughout the book. Additional resources include table of contents, chronology of events, selected bibliography, illustration credits and index.

[Angie Mills · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great overview of the history of the Revolutionary War and how the Declaration of Independence was drafted. Because of some graphic content, I would recommend this book for upper elementary students. I learned quite a bit in it that I hadn't heard before and enjoyed the read.

[leavin 4eva · Rating 1 out of 5]

This is a book about history. It thought me even more about what happened in yhe history. Actullay thought me more about our declaration of independence. More of the battle, I mean.... you should read this instead of me tilling you

[Rebecca Snodgrass · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great overview of the history of the Revolutionary War and how the Declaration of Independence was drafted. Because of some graphic content, I would recommend this book for upper elementary students. I learned quite a bit in it that I hadn't heard before and enjoyed the read.

[Sidney Owens]

This story talked a lot about how the Declaration of Independence was created. They knew that not everything in it was going to be abided by from every citizen but it was worth a shot. They created these 10 ammendments, which later became our Bill of Rights.

[Tracey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This would be an excellent book for a classroom. The author takes the reader through the events during this time period. Well written, great photographs and primary documents are part of the reading journey. I would highly recommend this book!

[Rose · Rating 2 out of 5]

973.3 Fre

[Heloyce · Rating 4 out of 5]

Russell Freedman writes for young people in a clear and precise manner. The basics of an event or biographical account are to the point with all bases covered.

[Kelsie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book taught me more about the Declaration of Independence.

[Trinna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great young adult version of the story of the declaration of Independence being created. Im really enjoying these Russell Freedman books. Excited to read 1776 to learn even more.

[Eric Shea]

This non-fiction book tells the tale of the revolutionary war and how America gained their independence with the Declaration of Independence.

[Hhamby1]

A story about the how the declaration was created. I could use this to teach students about the history of the Declaration of Independence.

[Charity · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoy his writing because it is easy and straight forward.