Shh! we're writing the Constitution

Gr. 3-5. Fritz' account of the writing of the U.S. Constitution makes clear that the job was by no means an easy task. Deep philosophical differences existed between those who favored state sovereignty and those who felt a national government was necessary for the fledgling nation to function properly. Patrick Henry, for example, never was comfortable with the document, and Rhode Island never held a ratification convention, though the state eventually did formally accept the Constitution in 1790, long after other states had extended their approval. As usual, Fritz' account is spiced with bits of detail that make the report come alive. For instance, she talks about the weather: Philadelphia was hot and humid the summer of the convention, and the New England delegates sweated in their wool suits. Cobblestone streets outside the State House were noisy, so the roadway was covered with slag to cut down on the noise. The informed reporting that goes on here will give readers a new perspective on our government's beginnings, and perhaps the Constitution's stability is less likely to be taken for granted. An energetic, good-humored history lesson that's enlivened by dePaola's droll caricatures of the delegates and their surroundings. DMW. 342.73'029 U.S. Constitutional Convention (1787) / U.S. Constitutional history / U.S. Constitution [CIP] 86-22568

Gr 2-5 An informative, interesting, and immensely readable account of the Constitutional Convention of 1787. Aimed at the same audience as Fritz' well-known series on Revolutionary heroes (Coward), this is every bit as good as those acclaimed titles, although younger children might need to have some terms clarified. Neatly woven into the discussion of what the framers were doing and how they did it are some wonderfully gossippy tidbits that are sure to catch young readers' imagination and make it all come alive for them. The text of the Constitution is included, as well as several pages of notes that expand upon some of the points that the main text touches upon. DePaola's choice of what to illustrate is excellent, as he has selected situations that have great child appeal. His illustrations, many of which are in color, add a further touch of good humor to the proceedings, particularly the sourpuss expressions on some of the founding fathers. This is superior to Marilyn Prolman's Story of the Constitution (Childrens, 1969), which is for the same age group. It is similar in style to Henry Steele Commager's The Great Constitution (Bobbs-Merrill, 1961), which is for an older audience. Fritz' ability to simplify without condescending makes this an excellent choice for introducing young readers to the complexities of the constitution. Elaine Fort Weischedel, Turner Free Lib . , Randolph, Mass. (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

No one writes history for children better than the latest Wilder Award winner; funny, pungent and impeccably accurate, her contribution to the plethora of books written for the Constitution's bicentennial should be at the top of everyone's purchase list. Assembling attention-grabbing tidbits that illuminate personalities (Franklin observed that if the President's term wasn't limited there'd be no way to get rid of him short of shooting him) re-create conditions in the 18th century (delegates sweltered as windows were kept shut during a heat wave to keep out noise and flies), and give an excellent feel for the kind of horse-trading that was required before an acceptable document was produced (it took 60 ballots just to settle on the Electoral College). Fritz surveys the background that made some kind of unity necessary (during the Revolution, when Washington asked some New Jersey soldiers to swear allegiance to the US, they turned him down flat), as well as events from the gathering of delegates (they trickled in from May to August) to the adoption of the Constitution by the states. She summarizes important features of the Constitution, especially the checks and balances it embodies, and the argumentative response that delayed ratification. A few amplifying notes and the text of the Constitution (as sent to Congress on September 18, 1787) are appended. Lively and fascinating, this will be a delightful surprise to any child who stumbles on it as part of an assignment; it is sure to open minds to the interest and relevance of history. Copyright ©Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.