The Creation of the U. S. Constitution

Children's Literature - Mary Hynes-Berry

Capstone Press seems to want to ensure that they have the corner on the market created by a federal mandate that all schools receiving federal funds observe Constitution Day on September 17 each year. In this case, the book appeals to the easy-read market by using a graphic novel approach that actually works fairly well. The book concentrates on the struggle amongst the Founding Fathers to resolve the tricky issue of how their new country could reach a balance between putting all power in one leader's hands and the chaos that might come of a loose union of independent states. In effect, the graphic story book style of breaking the narrative into many boxes reflects the way the Constitution was the result of a complex interplay of many individuals and points of view. The illustrations, done in a classic "comic book" style with period dress and background help set the historical context. In addition to the story itself, the book includes a glossary and index, bibliography, and a clever link to internet resources that are age appropriate.