Liberty

Children's Literature - Jennifer Lehmann

This edition of the Graphic Library defines liberty by giving examples of what it has meant throughout history and specifically in the United States. Discussions of ancient Rome, the Middle Ages, and French philosophers show the development of our government's understanding of liberty, but the causes and results of wars, like the French Revolution and the Civil War, are oversimplified to prove the point. The text includes a summary of some current lacks of liberty, with brief descriptions of the struggles in Darfur, Sri Lanka, and China. This clearly illustrates liberty as a constant struggle, rather than a problem of the past, and shows how history affects the present. A discussion of the Patriot Act illustrates the balance between individual freedoms and national liberty. The text and comics are nicely interwoven, for both clarity and engagement. The information is given in appropriate vocabulary, and more difficult words are highlighted in red in the text, with definitions on red banners. Extras include sidebars on each page, giving additional information, a timeline including women's suffrage and ending with the Civil Rights Act in 1964, a glossary and index, and suggestions for those who want to read more. Approved internet sites are available through Facthound. Reviewer: Jennifer Lehmann