The Journey of the One and Only Declaration of Independence

by Judith St. George, Will Hillenbrand (Illustrations)

*"This well-researched, readable, and well-illustrated book belongs on the shelves of all public and school libraries. It’s a wonderful way to learn history."
— School Library Journal , starred review

*"History buffs or not, all readers will come away better informed about this honored 2'×21/2' sheet of parchment."
— Publishers Weekly , starred review Everyone would agree the one and only Declaration of Independence deservesthe best. After all, it's at the heart of our country. But since it was signed in 1776, the Declaration has had as many ups and downs as the United States itself. It has been rolled up, copied, hidden away and traveled by horseback, sailing vessel, mail truck, railroad car and military tank. After being front and center of a new nation, it has escaped two British invasions and survived for more than two centuries of both peaceful times and devastating wars.What a journey! And it remains proudly the one and only Declaration of Independence.

Judith St. George, author of So You Want to Be President ?, and Will Hillenbrand give readers a witty and wonderfully illustrated true story of the invincible Declaration, giving heroic testimony to the grit and determination of the country itself.A fun and fascinating way to share the history of the document that gave the American people their freedom.

Genres: Picture Books, History, Nonfiction, Childrens, Historical, American History, American Revolution

48 pages, Paperback

First published November 1, 2012

Reviews

[Aneesa · Rating 3 out of 5]

My 8yo didn't know what the Declaration of Independence was. This book didn't help much. She also doesn't know which hand to place over her heart.

[Katie Tracy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is explains the journey of how the Declaration of Independence was made and utilized in history. It gives details, or facts, that are not well known. It is interactive for the reader, because it asks questions almost every other page. The dates extend from 1775-1944, and even tells us that it is the heart of American history.

I enjoyed the way the book was presented. It was not my favorite non-fiction picture book, but it was good for lower level graders. It uses simple vocabulary and will define advanced words for the readers.

I would use this for elementary aged students in Social Studies.

[Emma Aly · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book tells the story of the Declaration of Independence. It explains the origin and development of the document. It tells how the Declaration has been transferred to different locations throughout history and how it came to rest in the National Archives.

I think this is a decent book. I did not love it because it was pretty repetitive and wordy, but I think kids would really like it. It makes history very exciting and is super informative. It tells about many major people and many major events that contributed to the formation of the America we know today.

I would use this in an elementary school classroom to talk about American history and what went into the making of the country.

[Madison Ramsey · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Declaration of Independence has had a long road to its current home. This story tells the history of America's first legal document. The book follows the Declaration through its many homes from its very beginning, to its current resting place in the National Archives Building.

This was a great historical picture book. It followed the Declaration of Independence throughout the history of the United States. It also teaches many lessons about American History and even how to handle parchment paper. This would be a great book to read during an introductory section into American History or when discussing the importance of the Declaration of Independence.

[Lynda · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an interesting, fact-filled book with many details about the origin, various locations and condition of the Declaration of Independence. I only rated it 3 stars because while it is in a picture book style, the narrative is more suited to a small chapter book. It repeatedly would give a “fact” and then on the next page, state “False!” And then revise it confusing my preschooler. Perhaps it could have presented the information in a “true or false” style, revealing the correct response.

[Autumn Kopesky · Rating 3 out of 5]

Summary:
As the title says, this book is about the journey that the Declaration of Independence took. It was not simply placed into a glass case immediately after it was written.
Evaluation:
The book provided a lot of information as to what happened to the Declaration once it was written. It also gave illustrations that allowed for the reader to picture what the events would have looked like.
Teaching idea:
To explain what happened after the Declaration was written.

[Allison Tubaugh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Genre: biography
Grades: 2-5

This book about the Declaration of Independence would be a great opener into 1770’s and what life was like back then, especially if you are introducing the Declaration of Independence. It is easy to read and understand and the illustrations colorful and bright so they will keep children engaged as it is read aloud.

[Sandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fantastic introduction to both early American history and the historical account how our founding documents were preserved through the tumultuous start of the country. We loved the repetition of how to book asked "Right?" at the end of each section and then said "Wrong!" and explained what happened next on the Declaration's journey.

[Lara Lamb · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book would be a great tool for beginning to teach older students about the Declaration of Independence and how it came to be in our nation. It is very detailed and the illustrations are very detailed and follow along with the story. I would definitely use this in my classroom.

[Cheryll · Rating 5 out of 5]

I saw this animated story on PBS and loved it. I bought a copy of this witty true story of the travels of the original Declaration of Independence parchment. So fun to read with wonderful illustrations. You will be amazed by the history and survival of this document.

[Hannah Klumb · Rating 4 out of 5]

A picture book that could be very helpful in teaching The Declaration of Independence.

[Alyssa Ricard · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a good way to introduce history to young students, very informational yet kid friendly. A tad long but, worth it because it's packed full of historical information!

[Alexandria Baker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good book that tells our history in the United States. Told in a way that kids can understand and learn.

[Hannah Joly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great informational book about holidays. It’s important for students to know about each holiday and why it’s important and why we celebrate it.

[Jeff · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book that talks about the history of the Declaration of Independence. It has good illustrations.

[Teresa · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 July 2020

[Marilyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent! Very thorough and creative in how the story was told.

[Mallory Ong]

This is a fun spin of a historical lesson about the declaration of independence.
Lexile Level- AD820L
Grades- 2-5

[Shawna Ridgley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very entertaining and informative!

[Mary Canupp · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brightly illustrated and filled with hope, this story introduces kids to community heroism and the power of helping others in a time of crisis.

[Ronnie Hobbs · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good educational book about the history of the Declaration of Independence. Would be good for a social studies lesson.

[Angie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic!!! Jeffrey and I loved reading this book. He was not only excited to find the bald eagle/declaration on every page, but also found he knew a lot of the people and places mentioned. Just enough information on each page not to overwhlem a second grader, but enough to keep it interesting we both enjoyed the read and the wonderful illustrations.

I was surprisingly moved by the time I came to the end of the book. I love the Declaration, but to be moved to tears by a children's historical picture book? A second plus is the story of American history encapsulated within the Declaration's journey. Wow, I love this country. Judith St. George's books of this type are my favorites. I just appreciate her perspective.

The only flaw-the word's of the declaration itself are missing...but I guess that's not so bad. We'll just have to find the next book, right?

[Anna Dipprey · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Journey of the One and Only Declaration of Independence was a charming book about Americas past. This book had cute illustrations and lots of information. One thing I particularly appreciated was the date at the top of each page. This would allow students to understand the time things are happening in our past.
This book would be a Great intro to American History. I think it would be best read aloud to students as a prelude to a unit. This book is most likely suited for first to third grade, but older children may find it to be a great tool as well.
The vocabulary was not too advanced and there is not too much information on each page, so potentially a student could read this independently as well.

[Morgan]

This book tells the tale of how the Declaration became to be what it is and where all it traveled. It starts by saying why it was needed, talks about the other names it had, and even who signed it at each name change. It ends with stating that the true home of this tattered paper is in the hearts of the American people.

I loved the silly language and pictures that were used to depict the story. The author would state something and then say "wrong!" Grabbing the young readers attention. Also at one point the USA is depicted as a little baby sitting on houses and I can see my future class giggling about that.

[Shelli · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow! The amount of times that the Declaration of Independence has been moved and the ways it has been cared for over the years is nothing short of shocking. This historical document was intended to endure - that is for sure. This book was very interesting but a bit of a longer read for most single "story-times," that grade school teachers or librarians can have. Two story-times would be just about perfect though and worth the read.

[Datoria · Rating 2 out of 5]

(I) The is a informative picture book. I would use it for 1st-5th. I think that this book is just right for that age group. This book tells the importance of and the process of the declaration of independence. This book would be great to integrate social studies with writing. I think that the students could create the own declaration of independence based on the original.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of our favorite Revolutionary books. Such an interesting angle - following the document around. It also goes beyond the revolution, to the war of 1812 and to present time. My daughter knew a lot (A LOT) about the revolutionary characters before reading this and was REALLY into it. So that might have colored our view...

[Kristen · Rating 5 out of 5]

An interesting (surface) overview of American history (from 1776 to the present) tied together by the travels of the "one and only" Declaration of Independence as it is moved around the country for safe keeping. The kids loved shouting "wrong!" and "we won!" as it was repeated throughout the story. Interesting and age appropriate for my kids. 5 stars.

[Jessica Benson · Rating 3 out of 5]

The is a informative picture book. I would use it for 1st-5th. I think that this book is just right for that age group. This book tells the importance of and the process of the declaration of independence. This book would be great to integrate social studies with writing. I think that the students could create the own declaration of independence based on the original.

[Alison Durbin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book and all of the information it presented in a kid friendly way. I read about information I had already learned, as well as information I had not even heard of. I think that kids would really enjoy this book, because the text is comprehensible for young readers and is somewhat interactive. I can definitely see myself using this book in a history unit.