Book Description

Featuring an extra-sturdy library binding!

Everybody knows that spies wear white dinner jackets, drive sports cars, like their drinks shaken not stirred, and carry electric saws disguised as watches. Or do they? Certainly, some real spies are sophisticated members of the diplomatic service, but most are ordinary people from all walks of life. Spy is a journey through the history of espionage, from biblical spies who helped bring down the walls of Jericho to today's technological intrusions on the internet. Real-life spying equipment and gadgets are as amazing as those designed by Q for James Bond. Eyewitness Spy shows how, after the Cold War, and despite the new spirit of international cooperation, there is still a place for the spy in the modern world. Written by Richard Platt, author of the best-selling Cross-sections! Man-of-War and Eyewitness Pirate, Spy is a unique introduction to the dangerous lives of those who exist in the shadowy world of espionage. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

The best spy book its got cool gadgets and thats what counts
This was a excellent book and I would like to see more good stuff like this ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Great Resource of Info for Students
This book is ment for school students. This book is a great way to keep up on your school activities during the summer. The book has a lot of units with activities and section reviews at the end. I hope that you will enjoythis book! ... Read more

Amazon.com

Written by Lynne Cheney, author and wife of Vice President RichardCheney, to honor this "beautiful land made more beautiful still by ourcommitment to freedom," America: A Patriotic Primer is a proudcelebration of the individuals, milestones, and principles of this nation. Eachbusy spread features elaborately decorated letters of the alphabet, with one ortwo kids draped over its bars and loops, along with the highlighted concept orperson: "N is for Native Americans, who came here first," "T is forTolerance." Surrounding every letter is a veritable circus ofentertaining and useful related information, illustrated by Robin Preiss Glasser(Alexander, Who's Not (Do YouHear Me? I Mean It!) Going to Move). "J is for Jefferson," forexample, is bordered with biographical details and quotations from ThomasJefferson, while mini images depict the third president's famous home(Monticello), some of his inventions, and a description of the Virginia Statutefor Religious Freedom. This compelling picture book will work best as asupplement for children who are already immersed in basic American history atschool. Teachers and parents will enjoy exploring with their kids every inch ofthe detailed, hand-drawn and illustrated U.S. map found in "U is for UnitedStates," explaining and elaborating on the historical lessons asappropriate. (All ages) --Emilie Coulter ... Read more

Reviews (60)

THE ABC'S OF AMERICA
I buy many children's books for my young niece and nephew so I am always looking for ones that are educational as well as enjoyable.

AMERICA: A PATRIOTIC PRIMER is a colorful, well-written picture book that offers young readers an alphabetical introduction to historical highlights and prominent people in the American saga.

This is a unique book because it also allows parents to share with their kids fun facts and patriotic images which will open the door to family discussion about what makes America great. I can't wait to send this book to my young relatives.

The ABC's of the USA.....
Join Lynne Cheney and Robin Preiss Glasser as they take you on a alphabetical history lesson in America: A Patriotic Primer. Ms Cheney's short, letter by letter text is a bit dry and uninspired, as in "C is for the Constitution that binds us together", "O is for the Oath new Americans take", or "U is for United States", and her simple explanations tend to be more preachy than informatiive. It's Ms Glasser's incomparably, bold, busy, and exuberant artwork that really make this book a winner. Each page is filled with detailed illustrations, creative borders, famous quotations, anecdotes, clever fun facts, trivia, and more. Young and old alike will enjoy poring over and exploring each fascinating and inventive page, and you're sure to find something new and exciting each and every time you open the book. Perfect for children of all ages, parents and teachers should use America: A Patriotic Primer as an introduction to famous Americans, historical events, and important ideas, to whet the appetite and send kids out looking for more.

America: A Patriotic Primer
A beautifully illustrated book that that will delight children, parents and grandparents. The cover shows joyous children raising the flag in an Iwo Jima-like illustration. The book includes 5 pages of brief notes including Americans ranging from John Adams, Jane Addams, Roberto Clemente, Frederick Douglass, Chief Joseph, Helen Keller, Jonas Salk to Babe Didrickson Zaharias. The notes also include such details as the full text of the Oath of Allegiance. "D is for Declaration" is illustrated with sketches including John Hancock, Benjamin Franklin and Thomas Jefferson. The border is John Adams words, "I am well aware of the toil and blood and treasure that it will cost to maintain this declaration and support and defend these states. Yet through all the gloom I can see the rays of ravishing light and glory." "T is for Tolerance" includes notes on Ramadan, Easter, Rosh Hashannah, Trung Thu (Vietnamese), Chinese New Year, Diwali (Hindu) and Mormon Pioneer Day plus others.
Some may recall that Lynne Cheney shot down a proposed set of history standards a few years back. This book offers an outline of a reasonable history standard.

this is just ridiculous
I would not recommend this book as a usual "Alphabet Book" because a lot of the words are pretty abstract for a child trying to learn the alphabet. The idea of an alphabet book is to connect a letter to something concrete the child can relate to, like their own name or their dog, not "Suffragettes!" The book is confusing as a history for children who are beginning to read because it is in alphabetical rather than chronological order. There is no narrative here, no "story" in the history.

Much of the history that this book attempts to whitewash over is not, in my opinion, really appropriate for serious discussion until children have begun to develop concepts of society outside of their family, neighborhood, and immediate town in the present day. I mean, my daughter is four years old. I can tell her the REAL story of the first Thanksgiving, but, it's kind of like, well, maybe she should first probably learn where North America IS, or that we live in a place called North America before we go into Metacom's Rebellion.

This is not to say that it is then okay for Cheney to pretend like this history isn't real, that it isn't really impacting our lives today. Her presentation of "the facts" is appalling. Over and over again, we hear about how great America is. No mention of course of that great Vietnam war, what a great idea that was. No "H is for Hiroshima" page. How about "I is for Imperialism." Or "Internment Camps." It is really quite sick, quite pathological, to use the imagery of Iwo Jima on the front cover to hide the atrocities of war and present it instead as FUN! It wasn't any fun for anybody at Iwo Jima, and I have no intention of lying to my children about the realities of war.

If you have a net worth of less than $10 million and you don't own stock in Halliburton, you are not doing your children any favors by aiding the capitalist class in this kind of blind indoctrination.

Look closely and critically at messages in this book!
A theme of this book is "we the people" but for the most part, present day Native Americans are missing from this book, and it is interesting to note which past Native leaders Cheney chose to include.

To start with, look at the parade of children shown on the title page. There's a kid shown in Native American clothing, but he isn't Native American himself. Other kids are white, African American, or Asian American.

Cheney chooses Squanto, Pocahontas and Sacajawea as historic figures to include. Some argue that white America celebrates only those Native people who helped them. To her credit, Cheney includes Sitting Bull and Chief Joseph, and Ben Nighthorse Campbell.

On the map of the US, the only references to Native Americans are historic landmarks that confine them to the historical past.

It seems a fundamental message here is that Americans can emulate attributes of Native Americans (bravery, courage, perseverence), but that today, Native Americans do not exist in Cheney's America. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Superb
I can't imagine a better way to help young people put their"if only's" into action. Kids can choose from small orlarger time involvements, but this book will help them not WASTE time as they begin helping others in their communities. Many specific ideas and even templates to help the first-time volunteer feel comfortable reaching out, giving, and maybe even changing the world a little.

how kids can practice their idealism
This upbeat, engaging book tells young adults --say, 10 and up-- specific ways they can make a difference. Even those vaguely wanting to "do something" may get inspired by the book's stories of caring kids, their ideas, and what skills they developed to get results. My 12-year-old glued herself to the book for several days, then organized a neighborhood campaign to help the homeless in our town. The book helped with ideas for letters, interviews, speeches, surveys, and many resources and contact info. Now I'm reading it! ... Read more

Book Description

Understanding how the government of the United States works can sometimes be a daunting task for adults, so imagine how challenging it can be to children. Now, with this easy-to-follow, simplified, fully illustrated book, written by one of the directors of the Judicial Center in Washington, D.C., children will have a guide that untangles the web of complexity behind the workings of our democratic government.

Having someone who works in the judicial branch of our government lay out how our government works in book form brings an unprecedented clarity to the subject for children.

In addition to explaining the three distinct branches of our federal government, the book discusses the extension of the judicial branch throughout the country by our federal court system. How government officials are elected and appointed is also explained, as is the unique concept that government employees work for the people.

The book is not overwhelming in size or scope and the layout, featuring Pam Tanzey's illustrations, creates a visual presentation that will not intimidate children and is easy to digest. The book also includes a map of the capital area to further help familiarize students with Washington, D.C.. Useful as a shorthand guide to our government, or as a supporting text, How The U. S. Government Works, which also contains an illustrated glossary, is an informed and engaging overview for children of the miracle and makeup of the day-to-day mechanism of our democracy, told by a government insider. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

A good reference book for social studies lessons!
I bought this as a reference book for my middle school-aged children. It does not get bogged down with lengthy discussions. Rather, it is written for the younger crowd and does exactly what I wanted it to do. I would recommend this book to parents looking for a simplified explanation for their children of how the U.S. government is set up.

This book was the best educational book i've ever read!
Syl Sobel is my nextdoor neighbor. This book is a wonderful resource for the whole family. It is illustrated, has a glossary for those hard to know terms and an index! Buy this book today!! ... Read more

Book Description

Photobiography of early twentieth-century photographer and schoolteacher Lewis Hine, using his own work as illustrations. Hines's photographs of children at work were so devastating that they convinced the American people that Congress must pass child labor laws. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Hate school? Your life could be so much worse...
Freedman has collected dozens of black and white photographs taken by Lewis Hine during the first decades of the twentieth century. Hine worked as an investigational photographer for the National Child Labor Committee (NCLC). The NCLC wanted the United States government to pass laws concerning child labor, and thought that photos of the work children did would be more effective persuaders than mere speeches and statistics. Hine traveled the nation with his camera taking photographs, sometimes despite risk to his person.

The text of the book serves partly as a brief biography of Lewis Hine, and partly as explanatory backdrop for the scenes in the photographs. Freeman gives enough background information to put the images in their context, but not so much data as to overwhelm the reader. The machines, tools and environments are so strange to the modern eye that without clarification, many pictures would be meaningless.

The most shocking photographs in the collection are of the young boys involved in the coalmines. The filth on their faces, hands and clothing is astonishing. By comparison, the dangers and deplorable conditions of working in a cotton mill are not as readily apparent as those of working in a coal mine. However, reading Freeman's text exposes the dangers of moving machinery and smothering lint and humidity not so clear in the photos.

The book concludes by sharing the changes in child labor laws that Hine's photographs helped bring about, as well as information on the child labor situation of today.

This book is full of eye opening and shocking information for the unaware. School may be hard, but without child labor laws things could be so much worse.

The meaning of tough
...

This book weaves Hine's story together with his photographs of kids working in Maine's sardine canneries, Texas cotton fields, New York laundries, Tennessee and Georgia cotton mills and in textile mills all over the U.S. south. He took some of the most haunting photos of dark tunnels and grimy breaker rooms in Pennsylvania coalmines. He went inside glass factories, to farms, and onto city streets at 1 a.m. to photograph children distributing newspapers and 1 p.m. to watch them shining boots.

...

If your kids occasionally gripe that they have it tough, get them this book and show them what the word means. Alyssa A. Lappen

an powerful book full of visual and written imagery
Children and adults are both intrigued by this wonderful photo documentation of the history of immigrant children working in the United States. Lewis Hine's pictures tell the story and Russell Freedman's words add a greater depth to this sometimes sad yet beautiful celebration of children at work during the early 20th century.

Convincing and exciting yet sad and true
"Kids At Work" is a great book to tell and show the children of today how hard it was back then. Lewis Hine takes most of the credit. Thanks to his great photos The Declaration Of Dependence was passed. It stated that kids would be dependent and should live a normal kids life. Which concisted of going to school, being able to play freely with other kids ect.. We the children of today thank Lewis Hine for giving us a free life. I also give Ressell Freedman credit for following Mr. Hine and writing this spectacular and amizing book. As far as I am concerned Hine and Freedman greatest authors of all time!!

The "lows' and "Highs" of a courageous photographer
Every year when I take books to schools I always include this one. First, it shows today's children what their life may have been like if Hine and other courageous people hadn't worked to get child labor laws passed. I also like to introduce students to biographies of people who made a difference but were not big names like A. Lincoln and M. Jordan. Though the tone of the book is somber- and the faces in his photographs haunting. I always end on a "high" note- the courage of Hines to climb with a heavy load up to the top of the Empire State building as it was being built. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

A Truly Eye-Opening Experience
I knew this book delt with matters of oppression, but to see that people would actually harm children simply because they were poor, that breaks my heart. This book has many breath taking pictures of children suffering from oppression for some reason or another. The chapter on Iqbal Masih really brings it home. A HIGHLY recommended book.

Heart
When I first read this book I didn't exactly know what it meant. After I finished I did. It is really sad that kids my age or older or younger have to do more work than I could do in two years. It's not fair that they are being denied a childhood. They never will have the chance to fall out of a tree, or get grass stains on the new pair of jeans that they will never have. If you don't find this sad you need to find a heart, picutre yourself doing all the work. I don't think we could do it.

Thye Best Book
It was a stuinning book that truly opened my eyes

Thought Provoking
I saw a story about the man who wrote and photographed this book on 60 Minutes. It was so intersting, I bought the book. The book opens your eyes to child slave labor in third world countries. It's heart breaking to see these children being abused in this manner. The photos are a reality check, and the text will make you weep.

good book
hey im in 8th grade and i read this book and it is a good represntation of what child labor must be like....its scary to know that that is occurs all over the world. ... Read more

Book Description

Reviews (2)

Excellent
The Encyclopedia of Presidents and their times is a wonderful reference book. Our 7 year old son is fasinated by the information availalbe in this book. We enjoy reading this book as a family. I reccommend this to everyone of all ages.

GREAT FOD EDUIATION
IT IS GOOD EDUIATION THOUTH IT IS WREATTEN 1994 NO FAMILY LIVE WITHOUT THIS BOOK ... Read more

Amazon.com

How's this for a novel concept: geography is not just about naming acountry's major exports, memorizing the names of the continents, or finding theSahara Desert on a map. According to Kenneth C. Davis, author of the bestsellingDon't Know Much AboutHistory, as well as the fun new Don't Know Much About series for kids,geography is about "knowing where we are, how we got there, and where we mightbe going." In Don't Know Much About Planet Earth, readers becomeexplorers, discovering remarkable, far-off places, meeting fascinating people,and finding answers to questions they might not have known they even had.Following several chapters about Earth, deserts, earthquakes, maps, tropicalrainforests, etc., come chapters on each of the seven continents. Packedchock-full of fascinating facts, every page is sure to make readers begin tothink more deeply about the world around them. A lively question-and-answerformat explains why maps of the world will always, always be wrong. Find out ifthere is enough food to feed the world, why Earth looks mostly blue from outerspace, and why Australia is home to such unusual animals. Illustrator TomBloom's cartoon-style drawings are an entertaining accompaniment to Davis'upbeat, up-to-date text.

Don't know much about anything? You will soon. Other titles in this amusing andenlightening series for kids include Don't Know Much About the 50States, Don't Know MuchAbout Space, and Don'tKnow Much About the Solar System. (Ages 9 to 12) --Emilie Coulter ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Memorable and heartbreaking...
...this is the kind of book that continues to haunt you long after you put it down. I read this book in elementary school and then stumbled across it as an adult - even re-reading it as an adult, I was shocked by the descriptions of the damage done by the bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.

This book is a must-read. As an American, I believe that the atom bomb was a necessary evil to stop World War II; however, as a human, I believe the atom bomb was a horrible atrocity unleashed on millions of people, including a child named Sadako whose story is poignantly told here. This book is an eye-opener, a heart-wrencher and a beautiful story.

A book everyone should read
No matter what side you are on in the debate on the use of the atomic bombs during WWII, this is a "must read". As a science teacher, I read this book to my Advanced Chemistry class at the conclusion of our nuclear chemistry unit. However, I have yet been able to read it through without crying. And I have not been alone. Sadako's story should teach us all a lesson. My students may not remember the specifics of chain reactions or nuclear decay. But I guaruntee that they will remember Sadako's story. I want them to be informed citizens who make educated choices. One thing that history has shown us is that it repeats itself. What a horrible thought.......that another little girl become a "Sadako". I would hate to think that next time her name might be an American one......It chills me to the bone.

A Wonderful Companion Book to Eleanor Coerr's Sadako
Often fiction leads us into a story and leaves us helpless to change anything. Takayuki Ishii's book takes us into the real world of Sadako Sasaki who died of leukemia years after the bomb was dropped on Hiroshima. This is a well researched document, with family and classmate interviews, which sheds light on the real child whose world changed as a result of adult decisions. Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park is home to a statue commemorating Sadako's life. It was built by the donations solicited by her classmates. Each day children from all over the world send folded paper cranes to this statue in her memory and in the hope for world peace. It is rare for a teacher to have the opportunity to compare and contrast a fictionalized event with the non fictional and rarer, still, to then have the opportunity to construct a real life project, from classroom reading, for students which will make the voices of the children heard. I am a teacher and the children in my school, the Henry Viscardi School, forwarded their cranes to the statue. This moving experience is recorded on our school Web site (under Japanese Odyssey)and was inspired by Reverand Ishii's book. The book had been published first in Japan. Random House has now made it available in the United States and as word of its publication reaches schools and libraries, it is destined to become a "must have" for every American classroom. ... Read more

Book Description

"Here is the story of the 1936 Summer Olympics in Berlin during which the German Nazi Party attempted to turn the Games into a propaganda vehicle for its own political agenda.This fascinating book, based on an exhibit mounted by the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, tells the story of those infamous Olympics.Profiled are the organizers, the politicians, and most important, the athletes: those who boycotted the games, those who were banned from participating, and those who competed.All these riveting tales are vividly recounted by Susan Bachrach, author of Tell Them We Remember.Using intriguing sidebars and evocative photographs, she brings this iconic event to life in a book that not only will be read avidly this summer as the 2000 Olympic Games take place, but also for years to come." ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Nazi Olymics
The book I read on the Holocaust was called The Nazi Olympics: Berlin 1936 by Susan D. Bachrach. This book is about the Olympics held by the Nazis. In this book, it tells about the steps Nazis took to hold the Olympics. It also tells you where exactly the Olympics were held. This book is not a book that actually tells a story, it is a factual book that tells facts and gives you images to describe the facts. Adolf Hitler was head of Germany's Government. In 1931, Berlin was chosen as the site of the 1936 Summer Games. After World War I, Hitler and the Nazi promised a "new Germany" that would give to those many Germans who were fearful to the future. Soon Germany was turned into a police state for "Aryans only". As the year of 1936 came closer and closer with the Olympics, people questioned whether the Olympics should be held in a country whose ideology ran counter to the ideals that inspired to the Games. Many participants questioned the same thing.

Absolutely wonderful!
This large and attractive book tells the story of the 1936 Summer Olympics held in Berlin. Many Americans have heard of them, though their knowledge is limited to the fact that Jesse Owens, an African-American, won four gold medals, humiliating Adolf Hitler. This book tells the story of those Olympics from the choice of venue in 1931, through the rise of Hitler and National Socialism, the Nazi racial policies, the movement to boycott the games, the Olympics themselves, and finally on to the aftermath of the games and the Holocaust. Following the texts are some wonderful appendices on the chronology of the games, statistics on the 1896-1936 Olympics, and a list of nations participating in the 1936 Olympics. But don't stop there! After the index is collection of in-color reproductions of posters and artwork connected with the 1936 Olympics.

This book is absolutely wonderful! It covers everything you ever wanted to know about the 1936 Olympics, and even quite a few things you never would have thought to ask. Although this book is placed under Ages 9-12 category, it is very informative, and a must-read for anyone who wants to understand those games. I highly recommend this book!

High quality writing, graphics and layout
The most striking feature about The Nazi Olypmics is the layout. Photos from the Library of Congress, National Holocaust museum, and a variety of personal and corporate collections are nicely arranged. The illustrations emphasize that Nazi propaganda convinced participating countries that the 1936 Olympic Games were going to adhere to the Olympic code and be inclusive of all peoples and faiths. Magazine covers, newspaper headlines, political cartoons, and pictures of segregated Nazi and Jewish sports clubs reinforce the point that Nazi ideology was (and still is) directly opposite the Olympic code, in spite of Hilter's assurances to the contrary.
Occasionally, the graphics take over and result in a two page spread of captioned photos that detract from the text but in most cases, the captions are brief or enclosed in a separate boxed section of information. The writing is clear, but the subject matter is recommended for grades 6 and up. Rachbach places the Olympics in perspective of the political upheaval and the Nazi dictatorship that ensued, rather than relating just a history of the Olympics, or a rundown on record breakers and medallists (these details are included, but always admirably within the historical context).
Rachbach not only focuses on the prejudice in Germany; she also informs the reader of the racism against African-Americans and anti-Semitism on the homefront. The coverage of boycotts (both potential and realized) of athletes and countries is excellent. The author notes the positives that came out of the Olympic games, such as the new record set by Jesse Owens, and the quality of the athletic facilities in Berlin.
Two appendices include a list of locations of the summer games from 1896-1936, and a list of participating countries in the 1936 Berlin games. The chronology, index, and suggestions for further reading were excellent. Although published to capture the audience of the 2000 Games, the 1936 Games are an interesting topic and will be a good resource for students studying the Holocaust who want to go beyond concentration camps and battles, or a tool for teaching about anti-Semitism and other prejudices. ... Read more

Book Description

Democracy - America has it and it seems like many other countries want it.But what exactly is a democracy and how easy is it to maintain?Despite the banter in today's media, many Americans are still in the dark when it comes to knowing and acting upon their rights and responsibilities as citizens of a democratic society.In refreshingly candid and straight-to-the-point language author Elissa Grodin takes readers of all ages on an A-Z trip through our government's structure, from its earliest beginnings to definitons of basic components and concepts (including immigration and taxation).Engaging, disarming, and frequently thought-provoking artwork from illustrator Victor Juhasz emphasizes the magnitude of the subject.From founding fathers, first ladies, and the First Amendment to the presidential oath of office, D is for Democracy details the political processes, parties, and people of democracy, American-style. ... Read more

Book Description

In Peace, teens from across the U.S. and around the world share their thoughts on peace, on what the world was like before September 11th, how their lives have changed, and what their hopes and dreams are for the future. Quotes and anecdotes from real teens are enhanced by song lyrics, a timeline of peace events, bios of world leaders, and much more in this moving and inspiring book. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Peace!
This book came out after September 11th.I thought it was going to be a bit irrelevant now, but it turns out that this book covers peace efforts in the present and past.It was very interesting and I definitely got something out of it.Since the US is still in a war state, the thought of peace is definitely worth a book or two. ... Read more

Book Description

Which 462 words are so important that they've changed American history more than once? The Bill of Rights: the first ten amendments to the Constitution, the crucial document that spells out how the United States is to be governed.

Find out what the Bill of Rights is and how it affects your daily life in this fascinating look at the history, significance, and mysteries of these laws that protect the individual freedoms of everyone -- even young people.

• Why did early American founders (like James Madison, Congressman from Virginia) argue that individuals needed a Bill of Rights to protect them from government?

• Why is freedom of speech so thrilling and so controversial?

• What is religious intolerance, and when can it be fatal?

• What does it really mean to take the Fifth?

• And how does the Bill of Rights affect the rights of kids?

Packed with anecdotes and sidebars, case studies, and humorous illustrations, innovative author Kathleen Krull's introduction to the Bill of Rights brings a little understood topic vividly to life.

Reviews (4)

Vibrant writing makes a sometimes dull topic sparkle
In this well researched, well-written book, Krull describes the history of the Bill of Rights and remarks on its significance, historically and for our future. She begins by giving props to James Madison, the "100 pound giant" responsible for creating the Bill of Rights and goes on to relay the explanation behind each amendment, and weaving in recent issues to show how relevant the 462 words of the Bill of Rights still are today.
Krull is a strong youth advocate. Many of the court cases she mentions revolve around kids: censorship of school newspapers, illegal locker searches, prayers at school functions, and banned books. Krull points out that the words are open to interpretation, and explains how some amendments were interpreted differently in the past to show the true staying power of the Constitution and Bill of Rights.
Krull devotes a separate chapter to the other 17 amendments, with a date and brief explanations for each. She includes a quick explanation of the ratification process, and speculates on what sorts of proposed amendments the future might bring. The final chapter acknowledges problems with the Bill of Rights.
Divito's illustrations are whimsical, and the lettering for the amendments that head each chapter is elegant and dignified. Bullets, quotes, and drawings break up the text. See-also type entries on influential people, precedent setting court cases, and other appear in different fonts and separated from the narrative with bars. These sections are always related to the subject, and surprisingly don't interrupt the flow of the writing.
Krull has a knack for finding little known gems of information and relating them with enthusiasm. Her writing style is very engaging. This is a great book to browse or read in one sitting, and the thorough index can be used to look up just one fact. U.S. history teachers will no doubt find it useful. The list of further reading is contemporary and extensive. Websites are mentioned throughout the book and not compiled in a single list. Every library should own this book that brings history alive and makes the daily impact of the Bill of Rights real.

fairly readable, sometimes good, a bit biased.
Actually, we have her "lives of the Presidents" book, too, and I'd give a review of it about the same title!

This is a fairly readable book, appropriate for interested fifth to seventh graders (or younger, if they like to read, or maybe older if they need a simple introduction)

It's a great topic and Krull uses a nice approach, with lots of illustrative cases that kids might find engaging -- Some are famous Supreme Court decisions, others are recent news stories, many involve minors.

The writing style is ok, nothing great "One day in 1925, John Scopes, a biology teacher in Dayton, Tennessee, decided to do something daring..." Lots of term-paper-like usage of "many", "some", etc.: "Today, many view school prayer as a way to promote values and ethical behavior in children. Others insist that the teaching of moral values does not require the removal of the wall between church and state."

I find it a little plodding in spots, but my nine year old son didn't seem to notice. And it does provide a good starting point for our own discussions.

Lots of very sensitive political issues are touched on -- and the author definitely has a liberal bias. It's most noticable in the second amendment discussion, but you don't have to look very hard to find it elsewhere. Sometimes I have no idea where she's coming from. In the eighth amendment discussion, just before some predictable stuff on capital punishment, she says "Recently, however, many have come to feel that depriving liberty to any but the most violent criminals may be inappropriate punishment." I think the point about prison conditions is worth making, but I'm not sure I've ever heard it expressed this way before. The restriction to only the *most* violent criminals is a particularly startling touch.

And, I wonder who she means by:
"There are some who see the interests of government as more important than the rights of the people. They can be actively hostile to the Bill of Rights and would just as soon undermine it." Somehow, I don't think she's talking about the Environmental Protection Agency's lack of concern for the takings clause of the fifth amendment. Incidentally, her discussion of the fifth amendment skips that clause completely.

And of course, she has little good to say about the tenth amendment, though she mentions that Bob Dole made a point of quoting it in his presidential campaign.

Despite my last few paragraphs, I actually do like this book, mostly. I *definitely* approve of the concept -- a book about real government issues in a style accessible to kids. And it has led to some interesting conversations with my son, which I find very rewarding (he seems to like them, too).

Sloppy research and Slanted Data
I was less then impressed by Ms Krull's work. Taking the 2nd amendment as an example, her information was less then accurate.

PP81 where Ms. Krull claims that "by 1999 about 16 American children a day were being killed by guns.." is even higher than an often quoted figure from HCI. The HCI figure has been shown wrong numerious times.

pp84 Ms Krull states without James Madison to explain himself, people have been arguing about these words since written. When James Madison's good friend Tench Coxe wrote to explain all the amendments in the Bill of Rights he indicated "..The people are confirmed in the next article (2nd amendment) in their right to keep and bear their private arms. Madison told Coxe that "he was indebted to the co-operation of your pen" for helping to explain the amendments to the public. Madison's support of like explainations clearly indicates that the 2nd is an individual right.

pp84 "Lawyers and legal prfessors usually have taken the narrower view: the right to own guns is a collective one..". Really?? why then do 29 out of 32 legal reviews of the 2nd amendment since 1980 indicate the 2nd is an individual right? Why has even famed socialist legal scholar Lawrence Tribes changed his mind and says its an individual right?

I could go on and on. Ms Kull's indication that gun control could prevent crime has been disproven so many times its sad. Even her pointing to England as a place of control providing low crime has been proven wrong since this book was written in 1999. Since then England has experienced a dramatic increase in crime. British Government studies point to the banning of firearm ownership in 1999 as the cause of the problem.

Ms. Kull has high praise for the Brady Bill. However, in the 8/2/00 issue of the AMA anti-gun researchers where forced to admit that there was no data to support the Brady Bill as having reduced crime.

Two issues are clear to anyone who honestly reviews the 2nd amendment: (1) It is an American right to privately own and carry arms (2) Gun control mearly makes it easier for criminals to commit crimes and turns "We the People" into "We the sheep/victum".

Rights for Teen Revealed!
My high school senior students love this book as a jumping off place for their study of the Bill of Rights. The minute they read about the drug-sniffing dog, or Mary Beth Tinker, they begin to understand the importance of their own rights under the law. By using cases involving teens, the author brings the language and beliefs of the 18th century into the lives of 21st century teens. A great classroom resource, especially for reluctant readers. ... Read more