The Journey of the One and Only Declaration of Independence

The Journey of the One and Only Declaration of Independence follows America's foundational document from its creation in 1776 through its many travels and relocations across centuries. This children's nonfiction book traces the physical path of this piece of parchment during key moments in U.S. history. Author Judith St. George reconstructs the Declaration's moves during wartime, natural disasters, and periods of national uncertainty. The narrative includes details about the document's transport methods, storage conditions, and the people responsible for its safekeeping. Will Hillenbrand's illustrations complement the text by depicting historical scenes and settings throughout the Declaration's journey. The book balances historical facts with an emphasis on the document's role as a symbol of American ideals and values. This account demonstrates how a single document's survival mirrors the resilience and preservation of the principles it contains. The physical protection of the Declaration serves as a parallel to the protection of American democracy itself.

Parents and teachers praise this book as an engaging way to teach children about the Declaration of Independence's physical journey and preservation. On Goodreads, multiple reviewers note it works well for grades 3-6. Readers highlight: - Clear explanations of historical events - Will Hillenbrand's illustrations that complement the text - Focus on lesser-known details about the document's travels - Success in making history accessible to young readers Common criticisms: - Text can be dense for some younger readers - Some passages move slowly - Limited appeal beyond classroom use Ratings: Goodreads: 3.8/5 (129 ratings) Amazon: 4.4/5 (31 ratings) One teacher reviewer wrote: "Perfect for teaching primary sources and document preservation." A parent noted: "My 9-year-old stayed engaged throughout, though some sections required discussion to fully understand." School Library Journal recommends it for elementary and middle school collections.

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🔷 Author Judith St. George has written over 40 books for young readers and won multiple awards, including the Caldecott Medal for "So You Want to Be President?" 🔷 The Declaration of Independence was written on parchment made from animal skin, not paper, which helped it survive its many travels and tribulations. 🔷 After the British invaded Washington D.C. in 1814, the Declaration was hidden in a farmer's home in Leesburg, Virginia, wrapped in linen bags. 🔷 During World War II, the Declaration was secretly moved from the Library of Congress to Fort Knox for safekeeping, where it remained from 1941 to 1944. 🔷 Today, the original Declaration of Independence is displayed in a titanium and aluminum frame filled with argon gas to prevent deterioration, and is lowered into a vault every night for protection.