(2) YA The unwillingness of delegates to the 1787 Constitutional Convention to decide on two issues was disastrous for the nation's future. Leaving voting rights to the states--especially to the slave states with white supremacist governments--meant that the ideal of equality laid out in the U.S. Constitution would be frustrated, with much of the American population denied basic rights. The delegates also could not agree on whether or not there should be a federal court system beyond the Supreme Court, with Southern states, especially, distrusting a national court system, fearing it would threaten their way of life. Goldstone (Unpunished Murder, rev. 9/18) analyzes the promises of the Fourteenth and Fifteenth amendments and the attempt during Reconstruction to expand civil rights under the law. He then demonstrates, through several Supreme Court cases, how "in decision after decision, the Court chose to allow white supremacists to re-create a social order at odds with legislation that Congress had passed, the president had signed, and the states had ratified." The book, with long stretches of text unrelieved by sidebars or visuals, may challenge readers, but steadfast ones will be rewarded by Goldstone's treatment of cases not often covered in similar surveys. The narrative concludes with a brief look at the 1965 march from Selma to Montgomery (led by figures such as John Lewis), and the monumental Voting Rights Act of 1965, later undercut by Alabama v. Holder in 2013, demonstrating that the issue of voting rights is still far from settled. Back matter includes a bibliography, glossary, and thorough source notes (index not seen).

Reviewer: Dean Schneider | Horn Book Magazine Issue: January, 2020

(2) YA Ortiz's volume is a good introduction to progressive Supreme Court Justice Ginsburg's life, along with being a fine primer for studying the United States Constitution. Each chapter opens with an important Supreme Court case, switching midway to events in Ginsburg's biography that were relevant to that case. Many eye-catching archival photographs enhance the information. The Bill of Rights is appended for handy reference. Bib., ind.

Reviewer: Dean Schneider | Horn Book Magazine Issue: May, 2019

(3) YA This detailed and devastating account of the House Un-American Activities Committee and "The Hollywood Ten" explores the HUAC's attack on First Amendment rights. This proved to be a precursor to the rise of McCarthyism in the 1950s, which destroyed the lives of many innocent Americans. Brimner effectively utilizes transcripts from the hearings, archival photos, and secondary sources to document the events. An author's note makes the connection between "then and now." Websites. Bib., ind.

Reviewer: Jack Forman

(3) YA This engaging account of the struggle for U.S. women's suffrage focuses largely on Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Susan B. Anthony, and Alice Paul. The historical context is explained clearly, and the authors don't sugarcoat the harsh realities of the fight. Sidebars--including "Putting It in Perspective" discussions (e.g., "Racism and Suffrage") and "Know Your Radical" profiles of lesser-known activists--help complete this useful chronicle of the movement. Bib., ind.

Reviewer: Cyrisse Jaffee

(3) YA American Values and Freedoms series. This series (by a lawyer/American studies PhD) discusses fundamental American rights and freedoms established by the Constitution and legislative action, both the history and their evolution through time; the message is that these freedoms are continually debated. Photographs and archival documents, inserts on related topics, and chapter-ending "Discussion Starters" add interest to the informative and thought-provoking texts. Timeline. Glos., ind. Review covers these American Values and Freedoms titles; Freedom of Religion, Freedom of the Press, Governmental Checks and Balances, The Right to Bear Arms, The Right to Protest, and The Right to Vote.

Reviewer: Luther B. Clegg

(3) YA American Values and Freedoms series. This series (by a lawyer/American studies PhD) discusses fundamental American rights and freedoms established by the Constitution and legislative action, both the history and their evolution through time; the message is that these freedoms are continually debated. Photographs and archival documents, inserts on related topics, and chapter-ending "Discussion Starters" add interest to the informative and thought-provoking texts. Timeline. Glos., ind. Review covers these American Values and Freedoms titles; Freedom of Religion, Freedom of the Press, Governmental Checks and Balances, The Right to Bear Arms, The Right to Protest, and The Right to Vote.

Reviewer: Luther B. Clegg

(3) YA American Values and Freedoms series. This series (by a lawyer/American studies PhD) discusses fundamental American rights and freedoms established by the Constitution and legislative action, both the history and their evolution through time; the message is that these freedoms are continually debated. Photographs and archival documents, inserts on related topics, and chapter-ending "Discussion Starters" add interest to the informative and thought-provoking texts. Timeline. Glos., ind. Review covers these American Values and Freedoms titles; Freedom of Religion, Freedom of the Press, Governmental Checks and Balances, The Right to Bear Arms, The Right to Protest, and The Right to Vote.

Reviewer: Luther B. Clegg

(3) YA American Values and Freedoms series. This series (by a lawyer/American studies PhD) discusses fundamental American rights and freedoms established by the Constitution and legislative action, both the history and their evolution through time; the message is that these freedoms are continually debated. Photographs and archival documents, inserts on related topics, and chapter-ending "Discussion Starters" add interest to the informative and thought-provoking texts. Timeline. Glos., ind. Review covers these American Values and Freedoms titles; Freedom of Religion, Freedom of the Press, Governmental Checks and Balances, The Right to Bear Arms, The Right to Protest, and The Right to Vote.

Reviewer: Luther B. Clegg

(3) YA American Values and Freedoms series. This series (by a lawyer/American studies PhD) discusses fundamental American rights and freedoms established by the Constitution and legislative action, both the history and their evolution through time; the message is that these freedoms are continually debated. Photographs and archival documents, inserts on related topics, and chapter-ending "Discussion Starters" add interest to the informative and thought-provoking texts. Timeline. Glos., ind. Review covers these American Values and Freedoms titles; Freedom of Religion, Freedom of the Press, Governmental Checks and Balances, The Right to Bear Arms, The Right to Protest, and The Right to Vote.

Reviewer: Luther B. Clegg

(3) YA American Values and Freedoms series. This series (by a lawyer/American studies PhD) discusses fundamental American rights and freedoms established by the Constitution and legislative action, both the history and their evolution through time; the message is that these freedoms are continually debated. Photographs and archival documents, inserts on related topics, and chapter-ending "Discussion Starters" add interest to the informative and thought-provoking texts. Timeline. Glos., ind. Review covers these American Values and Freedoms titles; Freedom of Religion, Freedom of the Press, Governmental Checks and Balances, The Right to Bear Arms, The Right to Protest, and The Right to Vote.

Reviewer: Luther B. Clegg

(2) 4-6 With Anne Quirk. This clearly written, straightforward study of the Constitution is written by Pakistan-born Khan, who spoke passionately at the 2016 Democratic National Convention. Khan's personal voice is interesting and readable, supplemented with an abundance of sidebars, speech bubbles, black-and-white photographs, and diagrams. Back matter includes a plea to young people to take a stand for the Constitution and a valuable guide to landmark Supreme Court decisions. Ind.

Reviewer: Dean Schneider | Horn Book Magazine Issue: March, 2018

(4) YA The authors present a comprehensive account of the men involved in the writing of the Constitution, the struggles and conflicts between factions, and the eventual compromises necessary for its passage. Considerable space is given to how the Constitution affects our present government, arguing both strengths and weaknesses of the document. The lackluster text-heavy format is somewhat enhanced with sidebars and charts. Timeline. Bib., ind.

Reviewer: Luther B. Clegg

(4) 4-6 Fact Finders: Cause and Effect: The Bill of Rights series. Each of these accessible titles examines the causes for and effects of an amendment to the Bill of Rights, including how the amendment came to be, how it has evolved over time, and current controversies surrounding it. The dry but informative texts are accompanied by drawings, photographs, and quotes, as well as "Fast Facts" and word definitions. Timeline. Glos., ind. Review covers these Fact Finders: Cause and Effect: The Bill of Rights titles: The First Amendment: Freedom of Speech and Religion and The Fourth Amendment: Civil Liberties.

Reviewer: Cyrisse Jaffee

(4) 4-6 Fact Finders: Cause and Effect: The Bill of Rights series. Each of these accessible titles examines the causes for and effects of an amendment to the Bill of Rights, including how the amendment came to be, how it has evolved over time, and current controversies surrounding it. The dry but informative texts are accompanied by drawings, photographs, and quotes, as well as "Fast Facts" and word definitions. Timeline. Glos., ind. Review covers these Fact Finders: Cause and Effect: The Bill of Rights titles: The First Amendment: Freedom of Speech and Religion and The Fourth Amendment: Civil Liberties.

Reviewer: Cyrisse Jaffee

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Matt Faulkner. Through Q and A (from "Why is America called the 'Land of the Free'?" to "How can we keep spreading and celebrating American freedom?"), Shamir looks at the birth of freedom and growth of civil rights in America. Engaging prose and informative sidebars work seamlessly with humorous watercolor and pencil illustrations packed with details to pore over. "Who's who" list and author's note (with resources) appended. Timeline.

Reviewer: Christina Dorr

(3) K-3 Smithsonian Little Explorer: Introducing Primary Sources series. This engaging series strikes the right balance between information and images. Each volume focuses on a primary source, examining the events that led to its creation, its evolving role throughout history, and its current status. Well-captioned photographs, maps, documents, and paintings are featured prominently throughout, breaking up the age-appropriate texts. Common Core critical thinking questions are appended. Reading list, timeline. Glos., ind. Review covers the following Smithsonian Little Explorer: Introducing Primary Sources titles: The U.S. Constitution, The Liberty Bell, and That Statue of Liberty.

Reviewer: Kristy Pasquariello

(4) 4-6 How America Works series. Designed to give middle-grade readers a basic understanding of American governmental operations, this series includes a broad overview (Government); information about the function of each branch; framework for our country's individual and collective freedoms (Bill of Rights and Constitution); and clarification on the electoral process (Elections). Photographs, illustrations, charts, and sidebars add interest to the choppy but informative texts. Reading list. Glos., ind. Review covers the following How America Works titles: How Elections Work, How the Government Works, How the Judicial Branch Works, The Bill of Rights, The U.S. Constitution, How the Executive Branch Works, and How the Legislative Branch Works.

Reviewer: Luther B. Clegg

(4) 4-6 American Citizenship series. These books are designed to give young readers an overview of how the American political system was created and how it operates. Primary sources (e.g., an excerpt from Washington's farewell address) extend the serviceable texts, but related core-standards-geared prompts and activities may distract general researchers. Photographs and charts provide additional insight. "Fast Facts" and discussion questions are appended. Reading list. Glos., ind. Review covers the following American Citizenship titles: Modern Political Parties, Our Electoral Leaders, Voting and Elections, and Constitutional Rights.

Reviewer: Luther B. Clegg

(3) 4-6 Illustrated by Anna Divito. Beginning with the text of the Bill of Rights and an overview of its history and importance, the book is divided into chapters focusing on each amendment. Legal cases (often involving children's rights) are well explained. Final chapters discuss later amendments and constitutional controversies. The casual prose and amusing illustrations make this updated edition a kid-friendly introduction. Websites. Bib., ind.

Reviewer: The Horn Book, Inc.

(3) K-3 Good Question! series. A question-and-answer format provides information relevant to each book's American government topic. Informative responses are given to such questions as "What is women's suffrage?"; "Why was Susan B. Anthony arrested in 1872?"; "Who was the Father of the Constitution?"; "Who attended the Constitutional Convention?"; and "What is the Bill of Rights?". Illustrations and archival photographs enhance the readable texts. Timeline. Review covers the following Good Question! titles: Why Couldn't Susan B. Anthony Vote? and What Are the Three Branches of Government?.

Reviewer: Luther B. Clegg