Celebrating Our Constitution

By Julie Douglas, Family Programs Specialist

"The Constitution of the United States is not a mere lawyers' document: it is a vehicle of life, and its spirit is always the spirit of the age"

                  --Woodrow Wilson

I have been surprised by the number of children's books that teach what the Constitution is and tell the story of how it came to be.  Think this list is only for kids? Not so! High-quality non-fiction children's books can be entertaining and educational for adults, too.  If you are looking for a quick refresher course on the U.S. Constitution, pick up a few of these books.

PICTURE BOOKS

Catrow, David.  WE THE KIDS: THE PREAMBLE TO THE CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES

Set in a backyard camp-out, political cartoonist David Catrow's illustrations tie the Preamble of the Constitution to a scenario that young kids will understand. 

Maestro, Betsy and Giulio.  A MORE PERFECT UNION: THE STORY OF OUR CONSTIUTION

The Maestros weave together an easy-to-understand narrative account of the Constitutional Convention and softly-colored illustrations to create a nice read-aloud book for younger children.  

ELEMENTARY (Grades 2-6)

Fritz, Jean.  SHHH! WE'RE WRITING THE CONSTITUTION

The framers of the Constitution met in secret, fought loudly amongst themselves, and barely managed to get enough votes to ratify the Constitution.  Tomie dePaola's illustrations are a delightful complement to the story of the Constitutional Convention.

Kind, David C.  CHILDREN’S ENCLYCLOPEDIA OF AMERICAN HISTORY (SMITHSONIAN)

With a short section actually devoted to the Constitution, this book illustrates the events leading up to the Constitutional Convention and the history of our nation after the Constitution was ratified.

Levy, Elizabeth.  …IF YOU WERE THERE WHEN THEY SIGNED THE CONSTITUTION

Using a question and answer format, Levy introduces children to the basic facts about the U.S. Constitution. Easy to read and interesting, this is a good resource for students who want to know more about how our constitution was created.

Sobel, Syd.  HOW THE U.S. GOVERNMENT WORKS

Understanding how our government works is difficult for children (and sometimes adults!)  Sobel offers a clear, easy-to-follow overview of the branches of government and their unique roles.

Sobel, Syd.  THE U.S. CONSTITUTION AND YOU

Sobel explains the nuts and bolts of HOW the Constitution works in a very           reader-friendly, conversational style.

Travis, Cathy.  CONSTITUTION TRANSLATED FOR KIDS

Let's face it; the founding fathers did not speak the same language that children speak today.  In this slim book, the sometimes mysterious wording of the Constitution is translated into "plain English."  A glossary and study question section, as well as information on proposed Constitutional amendments make this book a valuable learning tool.

Middle School/Junior High and Beyond

Boyd, Bentley.  CONSTITUTION CONSTRUCTION (CHESTER THE CRAB'S COMICS WITH CONTENT)

Imagine the founding fathers as super-heroes and you'll have an idea about the contents of the graphic novel CONSTITUTION CONSTRUCTION.  The comic book style of CHESTER THE CRAB'S COMICS WITH CONTENT is an exciting alternative for reluctant readers or anyone who likes a dash of humor with their history.

Fradin, Dennis Brindell.  THE FOUNDERS: THE 39 STORIES BEHND THE U.S. CONSTITUTION

Did you know that two of the Founders of the Constitution had wooden legs?  Another established a bank and printed money that he named after himself, calling the money "long bobs" and "short bobs."  A rumor about one of the founders claimed that he had invented an amazing weapon that could flip England like a pancake.  If you like biographies, this is a must read!

Justice Learning.  THE UNITED STATES CONSTITUTION: WHAT IS SAYS, WHAT IT MEANS: A HIP POCKET GUIDE

Keep a copy of the Constitution right in your pocket!  This appealing little book is a great resource for anyone who wants to have information about our country's laws at their fingertips.

Medina, Loreta (Editor)  TURNING POINTS IN WORLD HISTORY- THE CREATION OF THE U.S. CONSTITUTION

Students interested in studying the Constitution in depth will find this anthology of essays a useful tool.

For more learning opportunities, visit these web sites.

National Endowment for the Humanities
Constitution Day
http://edsitement.neh.gov/ConstitutionDay/constitution_index2.html

EDSITEment
The Constitutional Convention: What the Founding Fathers Said
http://edsitement.neh.gov/view_lesson_plan.asp?id=402

Best of History Websites
US History: Constitution
http://www.besthistorysites.net/USHistory_Constitution.shtml