Samuel Adams: The Father of American Independence

by Dennis Brindell Fradin

A slight figure clad in a threadbare coat, Samuel Adams was an unlikely portrait of a dangerous revolutionary. The man who would later be called the Father of the American Revolution, however, worked tirelessly behind the scenes to achieve the goal of American independence, uniting his genius for words and his passion for politics to urge countless numbers toward revolution. In this insightful biography, Dennis Brindell Fradin traces Adams's life from boyhood to his two terms as one of Massachusetts's most senior senators, for a thoughtful and dramatic account of the pioneer whose indomitable spirit shaped the national character of what would become the United States. Author's note, bibliography, index.

Genres: Biography, American Revolution, Nonfiction

182 pages, Hardcover

First published April 20, 1998

About the author

The 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.

Reviews

[Heidi · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a lower-level biography- and that is okay. I did learn a TON of information that I have forgotten over the years. I don't think I ever did do much research into Samuel Adams, though. What a wild life he lived in the sense of...(according to this book) he was useless unless it was about American independence- then he was a rockstar. Wild. But I enjoyed learning about his early life and his involvement in creating my country. Because it was an easier read- I almost feel like I want to research a little more about Samuel and about the war.

[Sandie · Rating 3 out of 5]

After watching David McCullough's "John Adams", I realized I knew little or nothing about his 2nd cousin, Samuel Adams. So, I read this book. It is actually a children's book; seemed to be about 7th-8th grade level, and was 175 pages. Perfect for what I wanted to know - a good overview.

[Lauren Richards]

Traces the life of patriot Samuel Adams, who was involved in nearly every event that led up to the war.

[Richard · Rating 4 out of 5]

Life of Samuel Adams, Founding father of the american revolution, Patriot, Statesman and Massachusetts State Politician and Governor.

[Bill · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read for anyone interested is the beginning of our country!