About the Author

Megan McDonald is the author of the bestselling Judy Moody series. She says that most of the stories about Judy came out of growing up the youngest of five girls. She lives in California, USA, with her husband. Peter H. Reynolds is the illustrator of the successful Judy Moody series and is the author/illustrator of the inspirational picture books The Dot, Ish and So Few of Me. He lives in Massachusetts, USA.

Reviews

Gr 2-4-Judy Moody and her family follow the Freedom Trail in Boston and learn cool facts about the American Revolution in this novel by Megan McDonald (Candlewick, 2005). Judy has a great time and makes friends with a girl from England. Judy wants more freedoms like her new friend, so when she gets home she writes her own Declaration of Independence, insisting on certain "alien rights" like more allowance and getting to stay up later. Her parent's won't go along with it, so Judy tries to show that she is more grown up and responsible by doing her chores and being nice to her brother, Stink. When that doesn't work, she has her own Boston Tea Party in the bathtub which only results in a mess and more trouble. Stink falls asleep on the school bus and Judy makes a heroic bike ride to rescue him. Her parents are finally convinced that she has earned a little more freedom. Actress Kate Forbes narrates all the characters' voices with humor, giving them distinct personalities. Youngsters will enjoy Judy's exploits and her quest for the "purse of happiness" while they learn a little bit about the American Revolution along the way.-Teresa Wittmann, Westgate Elementary School, Edmonds, WA Copyright 2006 Reed Business Information.

Favorite characters and unfolding plot lines will draw kids into a host of summer titles. Celebrating the 4th of July, Judy Moody Declares Independence by Megan McDonald, illus. by Peter H. Reynolds. Where else to set a tale about our nation's beginnings than in "Bean Town... the Cradle of Liberty, Birthplace of Ben Famous Franklin and Paul Revere.... `Boston rules,' " says Judy. Fans get a history lesson delivered with humor, as Judy petitions for her own freedoms-such as more allowance. Copyright 2005 Reed Business Information.