misspentdays's review against another edition
This graphic novel adaptation of the US Constitution not only converts the preamble, articles, and amendments into a graphic novel format, it also provides historical context in an easy to understand format. The book, like the constitution, begins with the preamble and includes a brief background on the population of “America” at the time of the writing of the Constitution.
From the Revolution to the Articles of Confederation and Shay’s Rebellion, the reasons for the creation of the Constitution are covered in a way that explains the basics, but might pique interest in learning more. The book illuminates the reasons representatives are based on population, while everyone has two senators. It also covers the roles of the various branches of government as it explains the articles.
Another great thing about the book is the inclusion of various legal cases that have challenged the constitution and the amendments. The book includes a recommended reading list and web site information to gather more information.
Kirkus’s 2010 review states it is, “A sugarcoated but undiluted vehicle for schooling American readers about their rights and responsibilities.” While it does not go into every detail of constitutional argument, I suspect this would be a great book to include in a classroom library, especially in a social studies classroom, to encourage early finishers to pick it up. It would also be a more beneficial assigned read for American History students than some others. Not to mention the format makes the sheer amount of information feel less threatening.
The art is interesting and the book maintains a surprisingly good pace for a book about the constitution! I would recommend it for readers who are just learning about the constitution or are interested in reviewing the constitution.
From the Revolution to the Articles of Confederation and Shay’s Rebellion, the reasons for the creation of the Constitution are covered in a way that explains the basics, but might pique interest in learning more. The book illuminates the reasons representatives are based on population, while everyone has two senators. It also covers the roles of the various branches of government as it explains the articles.
Another great thing about the book is the inclusion of various legal cases that have challenged the constitution and the amendments. The book includes a recommended reading list and web site information to gather more information.
Kirkus’s 2010 review states it is, “A sugarcoated but undiluted vehicle for schooling American readers about their rights and responsibilities.” While it does not go into every detail of constitutional argument, I suspect this would be a great book to include in a classroom library, especially in a social studies classroom, to encourage early finishers to pick it up. It would also be a more beneficial assigned read for American History students than some others. Not to mention the format makes the sheer amount of information feel less threatening.
The art is interesting and the book maintains a surprisingly good pace for a book about the constitution! I would recommend it for readers who are just learning about the constitution or are interested in reviewing the constitution.
alexcruse's review against another edition
3.0
A crash course on the US Constitution. It is history that is easily digested because of the format. While it was an engaging read, some of the examples were a bit on the problematic side. Overall, I would recommend this to history lovers and novices alike.
sangloup's review against another edition
4.0
Not a challeng book. Read as an extra #2
Not bad. Would be great for the younger population to learn about our Contitution in a way that it seem a lot of the younger population seem to grasp better.
Not bad. Would be great for the younger population to learn about our Contitution in a way that it seem a lot of the younger population seem to grasp better.
ubalstecha's review against another edition
3.0
This graphic novel starts out slow, with the first part being a little too hagiographic and a little too, isn't the US great! But once the work settles into the meat of the constitution, the pace picks up and gets much better. This is not a clause by clause graphic explanation of the constitution, but rather a look at prominent sections, clauses and/or amendments and a smidgen of the history that lead up to them.
This would be a good book for those taking a U.S. civic course who are looking for a more visual way to explore the constitution. Comes with a suggested reading list for those who want to explore more.
This would be a good book for those taking a U.S. civic course who are looking for a more visual way to explore the constitution. Comes with a suggested reading list for those who want to explore more.
sannielee's review against another edition
5.0
This graphic novel adaptation of the U.S. Constitution is very simple and straightforward and it explains the Constitution in layman terms. Additionally, it explains a little bit of history behind the document, though not very in depth. However, I would consider that a strength because the book isn't supposed to be a history lesson; it's supposed to be a clarification of the Constitution. A lot of early American history is briefly mentioned (Shays' Rebellion, Articles of Confederation) and it is a great springboard for other information. The things that are only described in one or two panels are things that are important that the reader can look up in a history book or online if (s)he is interested in the topic. More importantly, the book mentions key Supreme Court cases that became the basis for some amendments (such as Roe v Wade, Dred Scott v Sandford, Brown v Board of Education), as well as just generally shaping American history. Again, should the reader want to read more about the cases, enough information is given that the reader can look elsewhere for a more in-depth look.
The art work is OK, though at times unoriginal. For example, one panel says, "Over the next decade Parliament and the king wrestled bitterly with the growing rebellion." The picture is King George III arm wrestling a colonist. On the other hand, I thought it was great how state birds represented the states themselves and it was clear that the different buildings (White House, Supreme Court, the Capitol) represented the different branches of government.
I would recommend this to high school students studying American history, as well as anyone who is interested in American Constitutional law that doesn't really want to read the Constitution in full. It was also a good book to review the very basics of American history and government. But again, this book isn't to be used as a primary source; it makes an excellent companion to the actual Constitution and other history books.
The art work is OK, though at times unoriginal. For example, one panel says, "Over the next decade Parliament and the king wrestled bitterly with the growing rebellion." The picture is King George III arm wrestling a colonist. On the other hand, I thought it was great how state birds represented the states themselves and it was clear that the different buildings (White House, Supreme Court, the Capitol) represented the different branches of government.
I would recommend this to high school students studying American history, as well as anyone who is interested in American Constitutional law that doesn't really want to read the Constitution in full. It was also a good book to review the very basics of American history and government. But again, this book isn't to be used as a primary source; it makes an excellent companion to the actual Constitution and other history books.
erine's review against another edition
4.0
This does not contain the actual text of the Constitution. Instead, it provides a whole bunch of context, history, controversy, and essentially the story of the Constitution's creation and some of its evolution over time. I found it largely informative, although at times the inclusion of relevant court cases became confusing. But we're talking the foundation of the United States government, so simplicity is impossible. There is, however, a reasonable degree of clarity that is unattainable from simply reading the Constitution itself.
missnicelady's review against another edition
3.0
The Constitution's history, articles, and amendments in easy-to-digest comic form. Still kind of dull.
rickklaw's review
5.0
Just in time for the U.S. elections, Hennessey and McConnell's eminently readable, graphical history hits the shelves. Rather than just reprinting the original text, the duo wisely relies on a m effective combination of words and pictures to place the Constitution within its fascinating historical context. Not only do they explain the document itself, they also reveal the story behind many of the amendments as well as the struggles between the federalist and anti-federalist camps. This riveting, all-ages graphic novel clearly explains and relays the exciting origins of the defining document of the U.S. Government.
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