U.S. Constitution and You, The [Paperback]

Syl Sobel (Author)

Book Description

Age Level: 7 and up | Grade Level: 2 and up

All elementary school students learn about the history of the U.S. Constitution when they first begin social studies. This book is different. It tells boys and girls about the great American document itself--explaining exactly what the Constitution does, as well as how it affects and protects people today. Kids discover how the Constitution provides for the federal government's three branches--legislative, executive, and judicial. Then they see how it gives all citizens many rights, including the right to vote, to enjoy freedom of speech and the press, to worship--or not worship--according to one's religious beliefs, to disagree openly with government policy, and to defend oneself in courts of law when accused of crimes or civil wrongs. Kids also see how, according to the Constitution, many rights are kept beyond control of the federal government, and are reserved for the separate states, communities, and individuals. This book's language is clear and simple. It cites many examples that relate directly to each student's own experiences.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Gr 3-5-A straightforward overview of what the Constitution is and what it does. Short chapters on the various components and aspects of the document are direct and easy to understand as branches, checks and balances, and rights are defined and explored. Pen-and-ink sketches and informational sidebars emphasize points made throughout the book. While Betsy C. Maestro's A More Perfect Union: The Story of Our Constitution (Lothrop, 1987) focuses on the design and development of this document in a narrative style, Sobel's book focuses on its essential elements. It's a useful addition to the study of U.S. history and government.

Janie Schomberg, Leal Elementary School, Urbana, IL

Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

About the Author

Syl Sobel is Director, Communications, Federal Judicial Center in Washington, D.C., as well as the author of How the U.S. Government Works, and Presidential Elections and Other Cool Facts, also published by Barron's.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 7 and up
  
• Paperback: 48 pages
• Publisher: Barron's Educational Series (May 1, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0764117076
• ISBN-13: 978-0764117077
• Product Dimensions: 9.4 x 7.1 x 0.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #168,297 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #31 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Children's Books > Reference & Nonfiction > Politics & Government
  • #55 in Books > Children's Books > Education & Reference > Politics & Government

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

25 of 25 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars one of two, January 4, 2004

By 

"galaseller" (Gresham, OR) - See all my reviews

This review is from: U.S. Constitution and You, The (Paperback)

I purchased this book in addition to How The U.S. Government Works, by the same author. I was pleased that the books do not talk down to my middle-schoolers, but instead explain in easily-understood terms how it all is supposed to work. This is a good reference book for a 'tween-ager. I keep both books on my homeschool bookshelf and my children have gone back to them several times.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Interesting and easy to understand, April 29, 2010

By 

Suz (Fort Worth, TX) - See all my reviews

This review is from: U.S. Constitution and You, The (Paperback)

I researched and checked out several books on the Constitution for my 11 year old homeschooled daughter. She said, "I thought reading about the Constitution was boring until I got to this book." It's a sad statement on our educational system, but high praise for this book, that I'd wager my daughter now has a better understanding of the U.S. Constitution than many college graduates. I'm considering buying it (checked it out from the library), and only about 2% of the books we check out make that cut.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great book!, October 14, 2008

By 

David Stonhil "Snobster" (Metropolitan Idaho Falls) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: U.S. Constitution and You, The (Paperback)

This book is required for 4th grade history through K12 Virtual Academies. As the school still hasn't shipped ours, (it is now mid October!)I ordered from Amazon, and the book was delivered very quickly. It is a very well written book that gives accurate information about the constitution in a way that is fun and interesting for grade school children.