Protestor, patriot, and signer of the declaration of Independence, John Hancock. His life revealed for picture book readers. When the British started imposing unfair taxes on the colonists, John Hancock decided to stand up to the injustice and dedicate himself to the public good. He would later serve as a delegate to the First Continental Congress, president of the Second Continental Congress, and signer of the declaration of Independence. This Founding Father is made accessible to young children through clear and concise text paired with watercolor art. "Using a warm, subdued palette, Himler's paintings bring Hancock and his times to life," says Booklist . Back matter includes a note, a timeline, source notes, a selected bibliography, and recommended websites. For almost thirty years, David Adler's Picture Book Biography series has profiled famous people who changed the world. Colorful, kid-friendly illustrations combine with Adler's "expert mixtures of facts and personality" ( Booklist ) to introduce young readers to history through compelling biographies of presidents, heroes, inventors, explorers, and adventurers. These books are ideal for first and second graders interested in history or who need reliable sources for school book reports.

Some are household names, other are all but forgotten. These twelve heroes played an important role in the American Revolution. Paul Revere, silversmith, engraver, midnight messenger to the Patriots. Lydia Darragh, nurse, mother of five, Continental army spy. Crispus Attucks, escaped slave, "the first to defy, the first to die." George Washington, father of the country. Deborah Sampson, "the female soldier." From spying on the British to rescuing fallen soldiers on the battlefield, these men and women stand as unforgettable heroes of the Revolutionary War. David A. Adler's lively anecdotes and Donald A. Smith's bold paintings present a dozen figures whose courage and determination to seek freedom were indomitable in their own times and remain a shining example in our own. Author's notes, a list of important dates, source notes, and a selected bibliography expand on the biographies of each person. This is a great gift for young history buffs interested in the Revolutionary War as well as a resource for classroom use.