A More Perfect Union: The Story of Our Constitution [Paperback]

Betsy Maestro (Author), Giulio Maestro (Illustrator)

Book Description

Release date: April 8, 2008 | Age Range: 6 - 10 years | Series: American Story the American Story | Lexile Measure: 850L (What's this?)

This easy-to-understand book tells why and how the Constitution of the United States was created. "Simple, attractive, informative....The most accessible history of the Constitution to date."--School Library Journal.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 2-4 Once again, the Maestros have produced a simple, attractive, and informative book about a milestone in American history. Here they cover the birth of the Constitution from the initial decision to hold the convention, through the summer meetings in Philadelphia, the ratification struggle, the first election, and the adoption of the Bill of Rights. The facts are put forward clearly, but in no way is this a detailed account. Left out, for example, are the events leading to the Convention and the debates on the slavery issue which occured during its course. Instead, the focus is on the most basic issuethe decisions on the organization of the government which resulted in the Great Compromise. The book does get to the core of the achievement of the Constitutionthe establishment of a governmental structure which has been adaptable to change for 200 yearsbut some of the significance is lost in this pared-down description. The pastel-colored paintings are most effective when they present panoramas and least effective when depicting the members of the convention, most of whom look alike except for hair color. A final section includes lists of the signers as well as of all those who attended; chronologies of events and the dates of ratification; and simple summaries of the Articles of the Constitution and amendments to it. The simplest and most accessible history of the Constitution to date. Christine Behrmann, New York Public Library
Copyright 1987 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Review

“Should be invaluable.” (Kirkus Reviews)

“Most useful as the earliest introduction available to the Constitution.” (Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books)

“A good job of showing today’s children how this extraordinary document was created.” (San Francisco Chronicle)

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Age Range: 6 - 10 years
  
• Paperback: 48 pages
• Publisher: HarperCollins (April 8, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0688101925
• ISBN-13: 978-0688101923
• Product Dimensions: 10.9 x 9 x 0.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #40,909 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #3 in Books > Children's Books > Education & Reference > Law & Crime
  • #9 in Books > Children's Books > Education & Reference > Politics & Government
  • #17 in Books > Children's Books > History > United States > Colonial & Revolutionary

More About the Author

Betsy Maestro is the author of the "American Story" series, illustrated by her husband, Giulio. She has also written several other non-fiction picture books, including the Let's-Read-And-Find-Out science books How Do Apples Grow? and Why Do Leaves Change Color?
The Maestros live in Old Lyme, Connecticut.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Great Review of Constitution! December 11, 2000

By Jessica Elliott

Format:Hardcover

This book is great for Middle School Students or even High School Students who want to review the events leading to the Constitution. I am a Middle School Teacher and plan on using the book to review my lessons with my students. Next year I plan on using it to introduce the topic!

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent! July 1, 2004

By A Customer

Format:Paperback

I came across one book by Betsy Maestro "The Discovery of the Americas" and I loved it. The text is simple and the illustrations are great. It is historically accurate as well, a must in my checklist. I didn't realize she also wrote the historical series "You Wouldn't Want to..." They are my favorite!! I recommend all of her books, especially for teachers.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Can't teach the Constitution without it! July 18, 2004

By Teacher Friend

Format:Paperback

Maestro reviews the reasons for the Constitution, but fails to mention the Articles of Confederation. The text includes the Virginia, New Jersey, and Connecticut Plans. The book can easily be read as an introduction to the Constitution in one class period. Students could complete a drawing or group of drawings on a picture web to narrate the important details from the story.