Freedom of Speech

School Library Journal

YA-- This compact, clearly written book is certain to be a success with both students and teachers. Leinwand gives a brief historical overview leading up to the writing of the Constitution. He then narrows his focus to the First Amendment and how its interpretation has impacted on American life to the current time. By using Supreme Court decisions, he illustrates the importance of the right of free speech, a free press, religion, and the right to assemble peaceably. The Mapplethorpe/NEA controversy, the Pentagon Papers case, and the civil rights movement are some of the examples used. At book's end, Leinwand looks at the future of this key amendment and concludes that this concept is a distinctly American reflection, citing the fact that the rest of the world, including the United Nations, does not necessarily believe that all information should be available to the public.-- Barbara Weathers, Duchesne Academy, Houston