Constitution Week 2006    Each September in accordance with a Congressional request, the President of The United States of America makes a formal proclamation naming the 17th of the month as the beginning of Constitution Week. In last year's proclamation, President George W. Bush announced "In remembrance of the signing of the Constitution and in recognition of the Americans who strive to uphold the duties and responsibilities of citizenship, the Congress, by joint resolution of February 29, 1952 (36 U.S.C. 106, as amended), designated September 17 as "Constitution Day and Citizenship Day," and by joint resolution of August 2, 1956 (36 U.S.C. 108, as amended), requested that the President proclaim the week beginning September 17 and ending September 23 of each year as 'Constitution Week.'" Visit http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2005/09/20050916-12.html to read the entire proclamation. The following books will help teachers, parents, and others interested in sharing the history and philosophy of The Constitution of The United States of America. Contributor: Sheilah Egan Reviews Bill of Rights Sheila Rivera    This book, part of the "American Moments" series, tells about the influential documents and people that lead to the creation of the Bill of Rights. The text is relatively easy to understand, and includes sidebars with text from many "bill of rights," such as the English Bill of Rights, the Virginia Declaration of Rights, and the U. S. Bill of Rights. The book contains many pictures that complement the text. There is also a timeline, fast facts, a glossary, an index, and the publisher's website that says it has updated links to the Bill of Rights as well as other "American Moments" books. At this time, the website did not have any information on this particular series; however, the other websites chosen to accompany different series did look promising. This is a nice read for school reports on the history of the Bill of Rights, or others who are wondering about this important document. 2004, ABDO Publishing Company, $25.65. Ages 8 to 12. Reviewer: Joella Peterson (Children's Literature). ISBN: 1-59197-279-5 The Bill of Rights Judith Lloyd Yero    Perhaps no portion of the pantheon of governmental documents in existence in the United States has greater significance than the first ten amendments to the federal Constitution. Known as the Bill of Rights, these adjustments were originally designed to protect the innate liberties of citizens in a new land founded upon a belief in democracy. Embodied within those ten amendments were protections for various items, such as personal expression, religion, fair trial procedures, and the press. Here, in Judith Lloyd Yero's illustrated work, readers can encounter those impressive protections and their history. The Bill of Rights is designed to offer youngsters an introduction to the history and practicality of this vital part of the Constitution. Written with a deft hand, this is a highly readable look into a subject that could easily descend into the tedium of arid prose. Nevertheless, Yero does an excellent job of chronicling the development and evolution of the Bill of Rights while also offering insights into modern applications. As such, this book serves the dual purpose of offering readers a firm-footed introduction to this important document while simultaneously tickling the reflectivity of its readers. This is a solid work and one that should find a useful place in the libraries of young scholars interested in political science. Part of the "American Documents" series. 2006, National Geographic, $15.95 and $23.90. Ages 10 to 14. Reviewer: Greg M. Romaneck (Children's Literature). ISBN: 0-7922-5395-7 ISBN: 0-7922-5396-5 The Bill of Rights and Other Amendments Geoffrey M. Horn    An addition to the "World Almanac Library of American Government" series, this focuses on the fundamental documents that frame government activity, the roles of Federal agencies, and the organizations that influence the government: political parties, media, and lobbyists. Illustrations, drawn from current news sources, archival material, and political cartooning enliven and convey information. Occasional pie charts and graphs extend ideas within the text and provide interpretative discussion material. Where a document is discussed, the complete transcript appears within the text and here it is the original ten amendments known as The Bill of Rights and the next amendments up to twenty-seven. Frequent sidebars introduce related ideas such as recent incidents that challenged or enlarged our conception of a particular right: the ERA, our right to privacy, the death penalty and crime victim rights, the First Amendment and the Internet, and unpopular causes such as flag-burning issues. Text ends abruptly with a note that the voting age was lowered because most felt that a citizen old enough to fight for the country was old enough to vote. Each volume features a separate timeline of important events, a glossary, other sources of information, and an index. All in all, a clearly written and well-laid out volume that introduces the topic. For supplementary material that introduces readers to some hundred important decisions the Supreme Court has issued in upholding rights, see Tony Mauro's essential reference, Illustrated Great Decisions of the Supreme Court (CQ, 2000). 2004, World Almanac Library, $29.26 and $14.95. Ages 11 to 14. Reviewer: Susan Hepler, Ph.D. (Children's Literature). ISBN: 0-8368-5475-6 ISBN: 0-8368-5480-2 The Cabinet and Federal Agencies Geoffrey M. Horn    An addition to the "World Almanac Library of American Government" series, this volume focuses on the fundamental documents that frame government activity, the roles of Federal agencies, and the organizations that influence the government: political parties, media, and lobbyists. Illustrations, drawn from current news sources, archival material, and political cartooning enliven and convey information. Occasional pie charts and graphs extend ideas within the text and provide interpretative discussion material. Where a document is discussed, the complete transcript appears within the text but here it is a list of the U.S. Cabinet Departments plus another of the notable civilian agencies within the executive branch, such as the CIA, EPA, the Bureaus of the Census, Indian Affairs, ATF and so forth. Frequent sidebars introduce related ideas such as the formation of NASA, the "spoils system," the United Nations, the Federal Reserve System, and other such governmental agencies. Each volume features a separate timeline of important events, a glossary, other sources of information, and an index. All in all, it is a clearly written and well-laid out volume. 2004, World Almanac Library, $29.26. Ages 11 to 14. Reviewer: Susan Hepler, Ph.D. (Children's Literature). ISBN: 0-8368-5476-4 ISBN: 0-8368-5481-0 The Constitution Paul Finkelman    From the "American Documents" series published by the National Geographic Society, this edition briefly details the history of the writing of the Constitution; its importance to the country, both then and now; the three parts of the Constitution; the three branches of government and their purposes; and the Constitution, itself. Excellent color photos, drawings, and reproductions of old paintings and artifacts, as well as an interesting layout combine to peak the interest of older elementary students. The author's use of anecdotal material on important participants in the political process over the years helps to bring the subject to life. It sets the scene for the reading of the Constitution, especially the amendments which should inspire lively discussion in the hands of an interested teacher. A glossary and index are included. 2006, National Geographic Society, $15.95 and $23.90. Ages 8 to 11. Reviewer: Meredith Kiger, Ph.D. (Children's Literature). ISBN: 0-7922-7937-9 ISBN: 0-7922-7975-1 The Constitutional Convention Chris Hughes    This is an important book to add to libraries this year as it will a great teaching tool in the mandated U.S. constitutional studies each fall. As part of the "People at the Center of" series, it gives short biographies of many of the statesmen who contributed to the formation of the constitution. Fifteen men are featured and the reader is informed about their early life and education and how they came to be involved in the American Revolution. Just as in today's political arena, many of these men had agendas for specific interests that they wanted incorporated or protected in the new government. Some ended up fighting against the constitution because of how it would affect their territories or individual rights. (The constitution that is being formed in Iraq has met with many of the same problems.) Each biographical sketch shows a portrait of the individual. A chronology of the main events of the political process leading to the election of our first president is included. There is an index, a bibliography, and a great list of web sites for those seeking additional information. 2005, Thomson Gale, $23.70. Ages 8 to 12. Reviewer: Barbara Youngblood (Children's Literature). ISBN: 1-5671-1918-2 The Creation of the U.S. Constitution Don Nardo, Editor    This book, part of the successful "Opposing Viewpoints in World History" series, provides opposing opinions on the creation of the U.S. Constitution. The first three chapters contain differing opinions on the need for a constitution, what provisions the constitution should have, and the issue of slavery in the constitution. The last chapter provides differing viewpoints in modern-day analysis of the constitution. Both primary and secondary sources are included, with some essays authored by the founding fathers themselves. For example, an essay from the Federalist Papers by Alexander Hamilton arguing that the executive branch should be one person and a speech by George Mason arguing that the executive branch should be a committee are included. This title also includes articles and essays by noted scholars giving their analysis of events surrounding the creation of the constitution. For example, Thurgood Marshall's article arguing that the framers should not have compromised on the slavery issue and historian Herbert J. Storing's article arguing that the framers had no choice but to compromise are presented. This book should prove to be an effective resource for high school students of history and government. 2005, Thomson Gale, $33.70. Ages 14 to 18. Reviewer: Mark Love (Children's Literature). ISBN: 0-7377-2579-6 ISBN: 0-7377-2580-X Declaring Freedom: A Look at The Declaration of Independence, The Bill of Rights, and The Constitution Gwenyth Swain    The Constitution refers to religion only twice. In Article VI, which prohibits "religious tests" for public office, and in the First Amendment, which bars laws "respecting an establishment of religion or prohibiting the free exercise thereof." Swain's text presents an age appropriate interpretation for both references without developing the concept of a separate church and state. The omission reflects the sensitive nature of such dialogue in the U.S., but it does not extend to sound byte quotes about God or a 20th century president who compares the Constitution to the bible. Additional sidebars discuss equal rights for blacks, women, and Native Americans, and highlight Daniel Shay's Rebellion against the first American government. The text concludes with a reference glossary, and a timeline that spans from The Stamp Act in 1765 to The Bill of Rights in 1791. The book is part of the "How Government Works" series. It is a fundamental guide to the Charters of Freedom. 2004, Lerner Publications, $25.26. Ages 10 up. Reviewer: Tina Dybvik (Children's Literature). ISBN: 0-8225-1348-X The Founders: The 39 Stories Behind The U.S. Constitution Dennis Brindell Fradin Illustrations by Michael McCurdy    In May of 1787, twelve of the original thirteen states sent representatives to Philadelphia to redraft the national government's basic operating principles. Up until that point, the newly-independent United States had been governed according to the Articles of Confederation. Unfortunately, that governmental approach had proven too disjointed to satisfy the commercial, political, and social needs as perceived by the leaders of the states. Only Rhode Island refused to send representatives to the Constitutional Convention. Apparently Rhode Islanders feared being "swallowed up" by the bigger states whose power in a more centralized government might overwhelm the smaller states. At the start of the convention Gunning Bedford, Jr. of Delaware rose to speak. Once recognized, Bedford said, in reference to his convention colleagues, "I do not, gentlemen, trust you! If you possess the power, the abuse of it could not be checked." And thus began the contorted process of scripting what was to become the United States Constitution. In this illustrated book readers are provided concise biographies of the thirty-nine men who took part in the sometimes tempestuous process that resulted in the framing of the American Constitution. Each biography is accompanied by pen and ink illustrations that augment the text. While this is a very specialized book that may have a limited audience, it is both well researched and ably written. 2005, Walker & Company, $22.95. Ages 10 up. Reviewer: Greg M. Romaneck (Children's Literature). ISBN: 0-8027-8972-2 ISBN: 0-8027-8973-0 Freedom of Speech William Dudley, Book Editor    Do you know which one of America's forefathers wrote the First Amendment to the United States Constitution? Students will find the answer to this and other questions in this title in the series, "The Bill of Rights." Overall, this is a well-researched, comprehensive book, which gives the reader in-depth coverage on the history of the First Amendment since its ratification in 1791. One drawback may be the use of legal jargon throughout the book; the reader may want to consider having a dictionary handy. For more than two centuries, every American citizen has been guaranteed the right of free speech, and William Dudley discusses how individuals who believe their First Amendment rights have been violated have taken legal action. Interestingly, modern times have caused the courts to struggle with interpreting the Constitution because of new technology--i.e., radio, television, and internet communications. The reader will appreciate the help of an introduction, an appendix and an index, as well as other useful tools. This review and your right to read it are possible thanks to the First Amendment to the U. S. Constitution. 2005, Thomson Gale/Greenhaven Press, $32.45. Ages 12 up. Reviewer: Mary Jo Edwards (Children's Literature). ISBN: 0-7377-1929-X ISBN: 0-7377-1930-3 Freedom of the Press David L. Hebert, Book Editor    This title provides a look at the history of the freedom of the press in the United States and the constitutional basis for this basic freedom. The book is divided into three major chapters: the first includes excerpts from works that provide a historical framework for the notion of a free press, the second contains significant Supreme Court rulings concerning freedom of the press, and the third spotlights current issues in regards to the freedom of the press. Many of the historical works in the first chapter are primary documents from the colonial period--and shortly thereafter--discussing the right of the press to be free from the control of government and the issue of what constitutes libel. Some of the important Supreme Court rulings in the second chapter include the Supreme Court's 1957 ruling that defined the scope of the freedom of the press and that obscenity is not a protected form of expression under the First Amendment. While the first two chapters mainly consist of primary-source documents, the last chapter contains secondary sources that argue the virtue of a free press, such as attorney Daniel Scardino's article arguing that the press should have the right to keep sources confidential. This book, part of the "Bill of Rights" series in which each book details a freedom spelled out in the Bill of Rights, should prove to be a valuable resource for high school students in History and Government. 2005, Greenhaven Press, $32.45. Ages 14 to 18. Reviewer: Mark Love (Children's Literature). ISBN: 0-7377-2047-6 James Madison Mike Venezia    Although a friend once claimed that James Madison was "no bigger than a bar of soap," Madison had big ideas and played an important role in the creation of the United States' government. From his years growing up on a Virginia plantation to his role in drafting the Constitution and the Bill of Rights, James Madison believed in freedom and the right to govern oneself. In this title in the "Getting to Know the US Presidents" series, Venezia introduces readers to the fourth president of the United States. A balanced mix of historical paintings and cartoons adds interest to the text and will keep readers turning the page for more. 2004, Children's Press/Scholastic Inc, $26.00 and $7.95. Ages 8 to 12. Reviewer: Leah Hanson (Children's Literature). ISBN: 0-516-22609-6 John Hancock: Signer for Independence Barbara A. Somervill    As a founding father of the United States, John Hancock, a wealthy merchant, risked his wealth and his life to support the colonies against Britain. When the Revolutionary War began, the task of establishing an independent country fell to leaders like John Hancock. Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin, Roger Sherman, John Adams and Robert Livingston. These men produced the Declaration of Independence, the U.S. Constitution, and later the Bill of Rights. To Britain, John Hancock was the ultimate traitor, but to America he was the ultimate patriot. 2005, Compass Point Books, $30.60. Ages 13 up. Reviewer: Leila Toledo (Children's Literature). ISBN: 0-7565-0828-2 The Right of Trial by Jury Robert Winters, Book Editor    Jury trials, especially those in high profile murder cases, have long fascinated Americans. Witness the myriad court-oriented programs, both the fictional and nonfictional variety, that appear on television. There is something uniquely American about the concept of a trial by a jury of one's peers. Indeed, many other democracies, such as France and Israel, do not even have jury trials as part of their justice systems. This excellent book is a wonderful introduction to the quintessential American notion of a jury trial. The book is a compendium of treatises and articles on various jury-related topics, including the origins of the jury concept, the relationship between juries and democracies, and the U.S. Supreme Court's contributions to the American jury system. These articles are engaging and highly relevant. They include pieces by such well-known commentators as the late Supreme Court Justice Byron White, 19th century French commentator Alexis de Tocqueville, and founding father Alexander Hamilton. This title belongs at the front of any school or library suggested reading list on the jury trial. It is a comprehensive, thought-provoking treatment of this American right. This reviewer, also an attorney who has tried many jury cases, would classify this book as recommended reading for students and adults alike. 2005, Greenhaven Press, $32.45. Ages 12 up. Reviewer: Bruce Adelson, J.D. (Children's Literature). ISBN: 0-7377-1937-0 The Right to a Fair Trial Enid W. Langbert, Book Editor    I am ashamed to say that I do not spend a great deal of time thinking about the Bill of Rights. It is sad, because the Bill of Rights, perhaps more than any other of the documents penned by our founding fathers, gives me a sense of what America is. The Right to a Fair Trial is one book in a series of titles on the Bill of Rights"from Greenhaven Press. Each title in the series thoroughly investigates a different aspect of the Bill of Rights using both primary and secondary source materials. The Right to a Fair Trial begins with a moving general introduction to the Bill of Rights. The body of the book is divided into three main body sections followed by appendices and an index. The first section, "The historic development of the right to a fair trial," traces the development of criminal trials from Medieval England to the present-day United States. The second section, "Balancing the right to a fair trial against the interests of society," examines the legal difficulties involved in protecting the accused while upholding the laws and needs of the community at large. The third section, "Recent controversies regarding the right to a fair trial," looks at recent arguments about fair trial issues, including media coverage and acts of terrorism. The selections in each of the three chapters are well balanced between primary and secondary source materials. All of the selections are both eloquent and informative. The text would probably be best suited to a high school government classroom. Nevertheless, students interested in law, government, and politics will find this book a moving and informative read (I would recommend it to parents as well). I came away from this book not only with a deeper understanding of the judicial system in this country, but with a deepened respect for the principals and people who have striven to make America great. 2005, Greenhaven Press, $32.45. Ages 15 up. Reviewer: Courtney Angermeier (Children's Literature). ISBN: 0-7377-1939-7 ISBN: 0-7377-1940-0 Samuel Adams: Father of the Revolution Ann Heinrichs    Despite the fact that Samuel Adams never took part in politics, he was an important figure throughout the events leading up to the revolution. He was not a good businessman, and he did not serve very often in political office, but he was a guiding force in the resistance against British rule that began in Boston, and was a primal force in the spread of the resistance to the Massachusetts and the other American colonies. He served in the continental congresses and his concerns regarding the constitution resulted in the addition of the Bill of Rights. Heinrichs has provided an impressive first look at this little known, yet important, revolutionary figure. The text is straightforward and easy to read and appropriate for basic information regarding the American Revolution as well as Samuel Adams. Each chapter has several "Interesting Facts" about Samuel Adams or the times in which he lived; brief sidebars about the American Revolution appear throughout, as well as full-color illustrations of Samuel Adams or important events in his life. Also included are an index, a glossary, additional sources to consult, and a chronology of Adams' life. This book is part of the "Our People" series. 2004, The Child's World, $28.50. Ages 7 to 12. Reviewer: Danielle Williams (Children's Literature). ISBN: 1-5929-6177-0 Shh! We're Writing the Constitution Jean Fritz Pictures by Tomie dePaola    In her conversational and entertaining style, Fritz takes readers behind the scenes to learn what it was like during the Constitutional Convention of 1787. The representatives came together in Philadelphia and suffered the heat and misery of working in a closed up room listening to other delegates drone on for hours, and constantly cajoling colleagues and soothing the concerns and fears of those who were against a national or federal government. Finally thanks to the efforts of many, a Constitution was drafted and ratified by nine states forming the United States of America. A copy of the Constitution and those who signed it are included as well as additional notes supporting the text. A really delightful way to learn American history. 1998 (orig. 1987), Putnam, $5.99, $12.95 and $4.95. Ages 8 to 11. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot (Children's Literature). Best Books: Children's Catalog, Eighteenth Edition, 2001; H.W. Wilson; United States Awards, Honors, Prizes: Jefferson Cup Award Worthy of Special Note 1988 United States State and Provincial Reading Lists: Golden Sower Award, 1989; Nominee; Intermediate; Nebraska South Carolina Book Awards, 1990; Nominee; Children's Book; South Carolina Standards of Learning Information Project Stars: K-5 Children's Literature and Correlation of the Virginia Standards of Learning, Winter 2002, 1995; Grade 5 Objective 4; Virginia-History and Social Science-History-United States; Virginia Department of Education ISBN: 0-698-11624-0 ISBN: 0-399-21403-8 ISBN: 0-399-21404-6 The U.S. House of Representatives Muriel L. Dubois Consultant, Steven S. Smith    Explaining how our federal government works to a primary school student can be a formidable task. Making it simple enough to be understandable yet also relevant to a child's life is challenging. The U.S. House of Representatives, one of four books in the "First Facts-Our Government" series, succeeds in meeting this challenge. Laid out like a mini-textbook, the book includes a table of contents, a hands-on exercise, glossary, bibliography, and index. Each two-page "chapter" is headed by a simple title and an easy-to-read explanation of five to six sentences accompanied by a full-page photo. Children are the frequent subject of the photos and the text. The book opens by describing Kids Voting USA, a law passed to help children learn about voting. A brief description of the Constitution, the bill-making process and who can become a U.S. Representative follows. The Representative's job, a typical day and their "boss," the Speaker of the House, are also described. Interesting "fun facts" are scattered throughout. The book also features the FactHound, an Internet site with a direct link for this book. When FactHound, "the fact-finding hound dog" fetches related web information, it links the student to several kid-friendly web sites offering additional information about the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Government. Easy to read, colorful, interesting and informative, this is a government "textbook" that primary school students will enjoy using. 2004, Capstone Press, $21.26. Ages 5 to 9. Reviewer: Kris Sauer (Children's Literature). ISBN: 0-7368-2288-7 The U.S. Senate Muriel L. Dubois Consultant, Steven S. Smith    Explaining how our federal government works to a primary school student can be a formidable task. Making it simple enough to be understandable yet also relevant to a child's life is challenging. The U.S. Senate, one of four books in the "First Facts-Our Government" series, succeeds in meeting this challenge. Laid out like a mini-textbook, the book includes a table of contents, a hands-on exercise, glossary, bibliography, and index. Each two-page "chapter" is headed by a simple title and an easy-to-read explanation of five to six sentences accompanied by a full-page photo. Children are the frequent subject of the photos and the text. The book opens by describing a law passed to require safer seat belts and booster seats for older children. A brief description of the Constitution, the bill-making process and who can become a U.S. Senator follows. The number of Senators, their job, a typical day and their leader, the Vice President of the United States, are also described. Interesting "fun facts" are scattered throughout. The book also features the FactHound, an Internet site with a direct link for this book. When FactHound, "the fact-finding hound dog" fetches related web information, it links the student to several kid-friendly web sites offering additional information on the U.S. Senate and the U.S. Government. Easy to read, colorful, interesting and informative, this is a government "textbook" that primary school students will enjoy using. 2004, Capstone Press, $21.26. Ages 5 to 9. Reviewer: Kris Sauer (Children's Literature). ISBN: 0-7368-2290-9 The U.S. Supreme Court Muriel L. Dubois Consultant, Steven S. Smith    Explaining how our federal government works to a primary school student can be a formidable task. Making it simple enough to be understandable yet also relevant to a child's life is challenging. The U.S. Supreme Court, one of four books in the "First Facts-Our Government" series, succeeds in meeting this challenge. Laid out like a mini-textbook, the book includes a table of contents, a hands-on exercise, glossary, bibliography, and index. Each two-page "chapter" is headed by a simple title and an easy-to-read explanation of five to six sentences accompanied by a full-page photo. The book opens by describing how police officers, when they read someone their rights during an arrest, are following rules set by the U.S. Supreme Court. A brief description of the Constitution, who can become Supreme Court Justices and their jobs follows. A typical court day, where cases originate and how the justices make their ruling are also covered. Interesting "fun facts" are scattered throughout. The book also features the FactHound, an Internet site with a direct link for this book. When FactHound, "the fact-finding hound dog" fetches related web information, it links the student to several kid-friendly web sites offering additional information on the U.S. Supreme Court and the U.S. Government. Easy to read, colorful, interesting and informative, this is a government "textbook" that primary school students will enjoy using. 2004, Capstone Press, $21.26. Ages 5 to 9. Reviewer: Kris Sauer (Children's Literature). ISBN: 0-7368-2291-7 Added 8/24/2006 To stay up to date on new books on this topic, consider subscribing to The Children's Literature Comprehensive Database. For your free trial, click here.