The Bill of Rights: Protecting Our Freedom Then and Now

(back cover)
Syl Sobel transforms America's history into an exciting adventure

When the U.S. Constitution was first written, many of the freedoms we now take for granted were not yet guaranteed. Nowhere did the Constitution say anything about freedom of religion, freedom of speech, freedom of assembly, protection from unreasonable searches and seizures, to name just a few of them. Many Americans feared that the government might someday take away these rights, just as the British had done when the American states were still colonies. That was when the people added ten new amendments to the Constitution, clearly guaranteeing many basic rights to all citizens. Those first ten amendments are called The Bill of Rights.

Author Syl Sobel describes each of these rights, and in the process he points out many fascinating facts that are a part of America's history. Here is a book that will be valued by teachers and enjoyed by students.

Illustrations, glossary, and suggested reading • Ages 8 and older

More books by Syl Sobel
The Declaration of Independence How the U.S. Government Works Presidential Elections The U.S. Constitution and You

Children's Literature

A straightforward introduction about the U. S. Constitution provides the necessary background on the reasons why the Bill of Rights was written. Sobel clearly recounts the negotiation and compromise that occurred among the states and constitutional framers in authoring the Bill of Rights. The final section of the book describes each of the amendments to the Constitution and offers some examples of how these rights are interpreted today. Sobel is strongest in the sections on the history of the Constitution and The Bill of Rights. The modern day examples of the amendments in use are either too brief or too general to effectively enhance a child's understanding of the important document today. While the book provides solid factual information, there is not much in the way of narrative or anecdote to excite the reader. Many of the line illustrations of people are awkwardly drawn. Only the illustrations of notable figures are identified; otherwise, the lack of captions causes confusion rather than clarification of the text. A useful and clear glossary and suggested reading list round out this serviceable but lifeless history. Reviewer: Margaret Orto