Samuel Adams: The Father of American Independence [Hardcover]

Dennis Brindell Fradin (Author)

Book Description

Age Level: 8 and up | Grade Level: 4 and up

A slight figure clad in a threadbare coat, Samuel Adams was an unlikely portrait of a dangerous revolutionary. The man who would later be called the Father of the American Revolution, however, worked tirelessly behind the scenes to achieve the goal of American independence, uniting his genius for words and his passion for politics to urge countless numbers toward revolution. In this insightful biography, Dennis Brindell Fradin traces Adams's life from boyhood to his two terms as one of Massachusetts's most senior senators, for a thoughtful and dramatic account of the pioneer whose indomitable spirit shaped the national character of what would become the United States. Author's note, bibliography, index.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 6-10-Behind the scenes in Massachusetts politics and in the formation of the new nation, seldom seeking reward or public credit, Samuel Adams played a major role in the events that brought lasting fame to his cousin John Adams, his close friend John Hancock, and his associate Paul Revere. With the possible exception of Patrick Henry of Virginia, he was the first political figure to see the necessity of revolution decades before the outbreak of the war. Fradin's carefully researched and detailed account, illustrated with black-and-white portraits and prints, does much to clarify the importance of Adams's role in history. Although plagued by financial failure, troubled by family losses, and bearing a reputation for fractious politicking, he worked assiduously through his writings, personal contacts, and behind-the-scenes prompting to push events toward the hoped for confrontation with George III and the establishment of the new nation. This much-needed biography focuses on Samuel Adams as an astute politician, able propagandist, and inspired patriot.
Shirley Wilton, Ocean County College, Toms River, NJ
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist

Gr. 5^-9. This attractive, large-format biography introduces Samuel Adams, the Bostonian who devoted his life to creating and driving the public will toward American independence. The author's note states that Paul Revere, John Hancock, and John Adams regarded Samuel Adams as their "political father," and Thomas Jefferson called him "the Man of the Revolution." Following discussions of Adams' youth, education, and family, the text follows his work to provoke and promote the revolution and provides an excellent summary of events from the point of view of one participant. The chapters that follow include Adams' influence on the Constitution and his career as lieutenant governor and governor of Massachusetts. Although Fradin clearly admires Adams, he doesn't shrink from pointing out the man's flaws in areas such as grooming, supporting his family, or twisting the truth to suit his purposes. In this literary portrait, Adams emerges as a complex man, idealistic yet practical, whose influence on American history can hardly be underestimated. Black-and-white illustrations, including reproductions of portraits, engravings, and documents, appear throughout the book. In an unusually personal and readable afterword, Fradin tells of his visits to Boston sites and to a reenactment of the Battle of Lexington as well as a search for an Adams artifact of his own. Carolyn Phelan

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 8 and up
  
• Hardcover: 192 pages
• Publisher: Clarion Books (April 20, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0395825105
• ISBN-13: 978-0395825105
• Product Dimensions: 10 x 8.1 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.7 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,039,442 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

"I have the time of my life as a children's author," says Dennis Brindell Fradin, prolific author of close to one hundred and fifty books. "I try not to let a day of the year go by without working." Born and raised in Chicago, Illinois, he earned a creative writing degree from Northwestern University, then taught elementary school for twelve years. In 1989, the National College of Education honored him as the Educator of the Year. He is married to writer Judith Bloom Fradin, who did the photo research on this book. They live in Evanston, Illinois and have three grown children.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

23 of 23 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This is an excellent book on a great patriot leader., December 16, 1998

By 

George Leef (Raleigh, NC) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Samuel Adams: The Father of American Independence (Hardcover)

My wife and I like to read books on American history to our sons (ages 7 and 8) and were absolutely delighted with this book. Samuel Adams was one of the most important of the patriot leaders, but one about whom little is said these days. That is too bad because no one was a truer, more consistent believer in freedom than he was. Samuel Adams opposed England's taxes and mercantilist trade restrictions; he was just as vociferous an opponent of slavery. Fraidin's writing is clear and easily understood by children, but this is not a childish book. The parents enjoyed and got as much out of it as did the children did. If you think it is important for young Americans to know the history and philosophy of our independence, this book is one give them.

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This book is so good, it merits being in every classroom., July 27, 1999

By 

[e-mail] (Garland, Maine) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Samuel Adams: The Father of American Independence (Hardcover)

Although this is a children's book, it is "must reading" for any adult who wants to re-energize their enthusiasm for the origin of America. I got this book for my grandchildren, but after reading it myself, decided that it's an adult book as well.

The author has succeeded in making the reader understand the genius of Samuel Adams of Boston. The type of grassroots politics practiced by Adams and other patriots, clearly is as valid today as in theirs.

Always focused upon the ultimate goal, "the last Puritan" was given the title by his peers of "the father of American independence". Author Fradin has been successful in pointing out why Adams deserves the title.

The story is breathtaking. If I had one wish regarding this wonderful book, it would be that every American child hears or reads the story. They would be better Americans for it.

Thanks to Dennis Fradin for writing it. I was so impressed with it, that after reading it I called the author to personally thank him.

An exciting experience awaits young and old when they pick up this book.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This book is so good, it merits being in every classroom., July 27, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Samuel Adams: The Father of American Independence (Hardcover)

Although this is a children's book, it is "must reading" for any adult who wants to re-energize their enthusiasm for the origin of America. I got this book for my grandchildren, but after reading it myself, decided that it's an adult book as well.

The author has succeeded in making the reader understand the genius of Samual Adams of Boston. The type of grassroots politics practiced by Adams and other patriots, clearly is as valid today as in theirs.

Always focused upon the ultimate goal, "the last Puritan" was given the title by his peers of "the father of American independence". Author Fradin has been successful in pointing out why Adams deserves the title.

The story is breathtaking. If I had one wish regarding this wonderful book, it would be that every American child hears or reads the story. They would be better Americans for it.

Thanks to Dennis Fradin for writing it. I was so impressed with it, that after reading it I called the author to personally thank him.