Our Country's Founders: A Book of Advice for Young People [Hardcover]

William J. Bennett (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 1998

Encouraged by the thousands of young Americans who enjoyed The Book of Virtues for Young People, William J. Bennett returns with an inspiring collection of wisdom from the men and women who founded our great nation. On that hot July day in 1776 when our forefathers pledged "our lives, our fortunes, and our sacred honor" to establishing a free country, they started a revolution based on fundamental values such as patriotism, love, civility, education, industry, justice, and piety. The advice offered by the Founders on these values still rings true for young people today.

In speeches, letters, poems, and articles, the words and deeds of the brave men and women of the Revolution reveal the basic principles of how to be a good American. Witness the courage of George Washington crossing the Delaware. Enjoy the expression of true love between John and Abigail Adams. Feel the great bond of friendship between Madison and Jefferson. And take to heart the lessons on education and frugality of Benjamin Franklin.

Drawn from the best-selling adult book Our Sacred Honor, this adapted version includes new selections, plus important documents such as the Constitution and Declaration of Independence; a time line; and biographical notes on our revolutionary forefathers. Our Country's Founders provides all the background needed to appreciate these timeless lessons and advice from America's founders.

--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 6-9-Most of the selections in this book of moral instruction are drawn from Bennett's Our Sacred Honor (S & S, 1997), an adult title. However, the introduction and editorial comments throughout are new and simplified for this audience, and additional materials such as the famous stories about Betsy Ross and Washington's cherry tree have been added. The chapter headings clearly denote the tenor of the advice: "Patriotism and Courage," "Love and Courtship," "Civility and Friendship," etc. Sources, credits, and attributions are scrupulously listed at the end of the book, along with the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the Bill of Rights. While it is unlikely that many young people will choose this collection of historical writings for leisure reading, it is a valuable resource on the beliefs and ideas of Washington, Jefferson, Franklin, and other leaders of that period. Letters between husbands and wives, most famously Abigail and John Adams, advice from parents to children, diary entries, speeches, printed materials, and epitaphs all attest to the humanity and personal attributes of these often over-sanctified figures. Their doubts and disputes, their genuine feelings of friendship and affection, and their profound belief in the ideals of democratic government are expressed in their many writings. Occasional black-and-white drawings illustrate the entries. This volume will provide material for reports and primary sources on the principles and ideas that are our national heritage.
Shirley Wilton, Ocean County College, Toms River, NJ
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From Booklist

Gr. 7^-12. Bennett, former secretary of education, began a postcabinet career for himself as America's morality guru with the publication of The Book of Virtues (1993). His newest title, an adaptation of his recent book Our Sacred Honor , contains excerpts from the private and published writings of Washington, Jefferson, Adams, and others. Although the subtitle has a hint of castor oil about it, the counsel included is actually delivered with subtlety, affection, and restraint. Bennett briefly introduces each selection, connecting it to the chapter's theme without hitting readers over the head with his message. He draws on a wide variety of primary, secondary, and tertiary sources, ranging from the love letters of John and Abigail Adams to Mason Weems' apocryphal tale of George Washington and the cherry tree. Few young adults are likely to pick this up on their own, but teachers will find it a valuable resource. The divide between our founders' principles and present-day politics is as wide as it has ever been, and this book offers a way to get students talking and thinking about the subject. Source notes, reprints of several of the nation's founding documents, and a handful of short biographies are appended. Randy Meyer --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 300 pages
• Publisher: Broadman & Holman Pub (September 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0805416005
• ISBN-13: 978-0805416008
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 6.1 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #984,222 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

17 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Excellent!, July 21, 2000

A Kid's Review

This review is from: Our Country's Founders: A Book of Advice for Young People (Hardcover)

This is a wonderful book that all young people should definately read. Although it may not be the easiest writing, etc, our country was founded by the people who wrote the book. We, as Americans, should listen to what they have to say. For, I am sure, we would be no where without them.

0 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Source For the Actual Beliefs of the Founders, August 5, 2011

By 

BigSqueak - See all my reviews

This review is from: Our Country's Founders: A Book of Advice for Young People (Hardcover)

This book was written for children, but is just as easily enjoyed by adults. So often today, history

is revised and some authors wrongly apply labels to historical figures based on the writer's ideology.

The beauty of this book is that the Founders are read in their own words based on actual letters they wrote;

it is all original source material.

Beyond that, the book is enjoyable. The material includes their opinions on a wide variety of subjects - everything from political opinions to practical everyday advice (on dating, money, etc.) to spiritual views. It is an interesting read and, in places, prophetic to our day. Best of all, since it is originally sourced, it is completely accurate.