We the People: The Story of Our Constitution (Hardcover)

~ Lynne Cheney (Author), Greg Harlin (Illustrator)

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Starred Review. Grade 3–5—In clear, cogent prose, Cheney lays out the tumultuous situation of the country at the end of the Revolutionary War. She moves on to the gathering of the representatives at the convention and colorfully describes the various issues and arguments that had to be resolved before the Constitution could be written. The vocabulary is rich, and the author incorporates fascinating details about the personalities who undertook this monumental task. The text is placed on clean white space on a quarter of each spread, with a quote from one of the historical figures at the bottom. The remaining three quarters of the spread is given to Harlin's impressive artwork, described as being done in "various water media." The sweep of these realistic paintings across the pages highlights the drama of each situation, and the artist makes remarkable use of perspective, making readers feel as though they are part of the actual scene. A delight for history buffs, perfect for reports, and a good read in general, this well-researched offering should be a first purchase for most libraries.—Grace Oliff, Ann Blanche Smith School, Hillsdale, NJ
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Product Description

America had won the Revolution, but our troubles were far from over. The thirteen states were squabbling, the country could not pay its bills, and in Massachusetts farmers had taken up arms against the government. Was our country, which had fought so hard for its independence, going to survive? In May 1787 delegates from across the country -- including George Washington, James Madison, and Benjamin Franklin -- gathered in Philadelphia and, meeting over the course of a sweltering summer, created a new framework for governing: the Constitution of the United States. Their efforts turned a shaky alliance of states into a nation that would prosper and grow powerful, drawing its strength for centuries to come from "We the people" and inspiring hope for freedom around the world.

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 9-12
  
• Hardcover: 40 pages
• Publisher: Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing (September 9, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 141695418X
• ISBN-13: 978-1416954187
• Product Dimensions: 10.6 x 10.6 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (38 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #20,325 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

  Popular in these categories: (What's this?)

  #5 in	Books > Children's Books > Reference & Nonfiction > Politics & Government
  #14 in	Books > Children's Books > History & Historical Fiction > United States > Colonial & Revolutionary
  #46 in	Books > Children's Books > People & Places > Social Science

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

52 of 55 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Lynne Cheney's books are a gift to children!, September 16, 2008

By	Dean Wilkerson - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I can't believe that people would rate Mrs. Cheney's book based on their political views. That's simply disgraceful and they should be ashamed!

This book is a wonderful version of how our Constitution came to be that is suitable for children. It's time we get back to teaching our children the wonderful history of the United States. Just listen to one interview with Mrs. Cheney and you will understand how knowledgeable she is about US history and how much she loves this country. It seems she is commited to doing something positive for children.

Oh, and the illustrations in this book are wonderful!

Dean Wilkerson

27 of 30 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Another Wonderful History Book from Lynne Cheney, September 17, 2008

By	History Buff (Boston, MA) - See all my reviews

I have been a big fan of all of Lynne Cheney's books for children, and this is no exception. Our children need to understand that the Constitution was no accident, nor was it easy, but was the product of the hard work and sacrifice. The illustrations are beautiful, and will keep children's attention as they learn the history of our Founding. I highly recommend this book for anyone who has children who enjoy history, or who wants to help foster their kid's appreciation for history.

20 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Highly Recommend, September 17, 2008

By	S. Jordan "Mom of 2 boys" - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I just bought this book yesterday and read it last night to my third grader. The illustrations are outstanding. Our family made a trip to Philadelphia over the summer and visited Independence Hall. What I enjoyed so much about this book is that it made the days of the drafting of the constitution come to life. Our sons had heard the narrator at Independence Hall tell the story of those days, but to see it on paper with the illustrations of Benjamin Franklin, John Madison, and George Washington, my 8 yr old understood it more clearly. He immediately recognized the chair that Benjamin Franklin had commented on at the end of the book as being a "Rising Sun" for America. For the ability it gave my son to see on paper the very rooms we visited on our trip and hear the story of the birth of our country make me want to recommend it to any parent with school aged children. It is very educational. My one con about the book is that in the effort to make it understandable to most, it is not a book I would recommend for very young children. It did not hold the attention of my four year old. However, it is a book that I will keep and use as a resource for both of my sons and continue to pull it off our shelves and read it to them to instill in them an appreciation of our forefathers and the struggles they went through framing this young nation.