What Is the Declaration of Independence?

Which of these facts are true?
It announced that the thirteen colonies were splitting from Great Britain
The signers of the declaration risked being put to death as traitors
It continues to inspire people all around the world who yearn for freedom

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • Step back in time to the creation of America’s founding document with this fascinating history for young readers, part of the beloved What Was? series. The perfect way to celebrate the U.S.A.’s 250th anniversary!

On a hot summer day near Philadelphia in 1776, Thomas Jefferson sat at his desk and wrote furiously well into the night. He was drafting the Declaration of Independence, a document that would sever ties with Britain and announce the establishment of a new nation: the United States of America. Colonists were willing to risk their lives for their freedom, and the Declaration of Independence made that official. Discover the true story of one of the most radical and uplifting documents in history and follow the action that fueled the Revolutionary War in this easy-to-understand narrative for young readers hoping to learn all about the foundation of America.