Cheap Will You Sign Here, John Hancock (Book) (Jean Fritz, Trina Schart Hyman) Price

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Customer Reviews of Will You Sign Here, John Hancock

An entertaining juvenile biography of John Hancock
You have to wonder what John Hancock would think of the way his entire life as one of the Founding Fathers has been reduced to his oversized signature on the Declaration of Independence. In this entertaining juvenile biography, Jean Fritz and illustrator Trina Schart Hyman tell the story a little boy who grew up to be the richest man in New England and was as well known for his vanity and charm as his ambitiousness and successes. Those who already know some of the key details of Hancock's political life will be impressed that Fritz covers how Hancock's signature was already pretty big before he signed his name on the Declaration of Independence so large that King George III did not need his spectacles to read it (Don't you wonder if the king ever saw a copy of the Declaration, let alone one with copies of the signatures? Hancock's purported boast is always repeated, but I do not think I have ever seen any documentation on what the king did or did not see regarding the Declaration of Independence). There is even a page devoted to the evolution of Hancock's signature over time.

You have to appreciate the humor with Fritz tells Hancock's story, and which plays a part in the cover art for this book, where Hancock impishly looks out at the readers while the other Founding Fathers stand around and watch him write the most famous signature in American history. However the fact that Fritz manages to work in all the key biographical details of Hancock's life along with the humor is equally impressive. "Will You Sign Here, John Hancock?" is one of a series of biographies about major figures of the American Revolution including "And Then What Happened, Paul Revere?" and "Why Don't You Get a Horse Sam Adams?", so there is no reason to stop with this book if young readers are interested in learning about the Founding Fathers in an informative and enjoyable way.

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Nice little biography
John Hancock was a true American patriot. This is a well-researched biography of the first signer of the Declaration of Independence outlining his childhood, all that he did for himself, and what he did for Massachusetts and his new nation. Once the richest man in New England, Hancock also wanted to be liked by everyone. However, when King George started issuing taxes to America, he refused to pay them. He went on to become the president of the Second Continental Congress. A very colorful and flamboyant character, he signed his name nice and big on the Declaration of Independence so King George could read it without his spectacles!

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A Fun Book to Stimulate Interest in History
This is a fun book that should help your youngster develop an interest in American History. It is easy to read an has great illustratiions. You will not be disappointed with this purchase. Look for others by the same author.