The Signers: The 56 Stories Behind the Declaration of Independence

I use this book for my 5th grade class to help them write a short biography on a signer of the declaration. It has interesting facts and pictures.

very little detail on each person

As an adult I appreciated the simple overview of the signer's lives. One can decide whether to do more research or read more complete bios of the signer that most interests them. For me, this book aimed at school children was perfect, a little bit of info, presented simply.Some reviewers object to the inclusion of extra marital relationships among some of the signers. Personally, I think that adds to their humanity, just as learning that several of them made poor business decisions and died in debt. I think it presents a more realistic picture of the times.I do agree that the Jefferson/Hemings controversy should not have been presented as fact, but rather as speculation. I think maybe it's better to present facts to young people up front then wait for them to find out later and feel that they've been misled. But a more honest presentation would have been appreciated.

This book is very basic, and while it does contain information about each signer, the information is typically only about two pages. This reference would probably be suitable for Middle School students. In addition, the signers are placed in the book in the order of the state that was represented. This makes sense if you are reading from cover to cover, but if you are looking up signers individually, it can be a somewhat cumbersome. Overall, the book is of value, but people that want detailed information with documented sources should purchase another volume.

This is a child's book. I only say this so you don't make my mistake. I based my buying decision on the reviews and purchased it for myself. The book came in perfect condition and on time. Upon further investigation from the Amazon page it is indeed intended as a child's book, clearly my mistake. However, I looked through it and it seems well written and very informative for a child 9-13 years old.

It's interesting -- I have the book from 1848 called "Lives of the Signers of the Declaration of Independence", and this book is very similar. But this book has line sketch illustrations that grab your attention. Roughly two pages of text for each signer, and two illustrations each (on average).This book does not really capture the bravery of these men as well as the 1848 book did, and its section on Ben Franklin is nowhere near as inspirational.Still, this book belongs on your child's bookshelf. They can use it as an overview to decide which founder to study next. Also includes the text of the Declaration of Independence, which I am having my kids memorize this year.

My two sons are eight and ten years old and know nothing of American history (thanks public schools!) and so I've tried to fill in the gaps when I've found engaging material to work with. Right now I've started reading through this book with them at the rate of one "signer" a night, and I am learning things too, like how Samuel Adams failed as a beer brewer (which makes those Samuel Adams Boston Lager commercials downright ironic).The people who founded this country were both remarkable and yet very human. Read this and they will become much more real to you.

The information was very well laid out. You learn about history and people. sometimes we forget to learn about the people and their lives