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Our Nation's Documents
The Declaration of Independence, Constitution of the United States, Gettysburg Address, Emancipation Proclamation, and more! The third title in the handbook series from TIME for Kids following Presidents of the United States and 50 States , Our Nation's Documents offers annotated surveys of American history's foundational works with up-to-date scholarship and more than 200 full-color photos and illustrations. This guide provides young readers with the basic information they need to know about the establishment of our government, and gives an historical perspective on current political events. This collection of documents includes The Declaration of Independence, the U.S. Constitution with the Bill of Rights and amendments, plus excerpts from the Federalist Papers and much more.
112 pages, Hardcover
Published May 1, 2018
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
May 2, 2018
(Thanks to the @kidlitexchange network for the advance reader's copy of this book; all opinions are my own.)
This is a much-needed, timely book for readers in grade 3 up to adults in need of a refresher on the fundamental principles of our democracy. The small (6"x 9"), colorful volume covers the Declaration of Independence and Constitution of course, and also several other pivotal documents including the Emancipation Proclamation and Woodrow Wilson's 14 Points.
There are kid-friendly "Meet the Author" sidebars about Jefferson, Madison, Monroe, and others. Each historical document is explained in a clear introduction which provides good historical context. The full document text follows. The book's terrific format renders this so much more accessible to young readers: in colorful sidebars along each document is an ongoing exchange, shown graphically, in silly text messages between George Washington and others involved in creating the documents, and other historical and fictional figures such as Joe Minuteman, Jane Colonist, etc. For example:
Joe Minuteman, regarding the Constitution's provisions on the power of Congress: "herein granted"? What does that mean?
George Washington: That means Congress has to stick to the powers listed in the Constitution.
JM: No freestyling?
GW: nope.
My review copy lacked the introduction and back matter that will be completed for the final, but the text that I did read provides a lively treatment of important concepts and history, including analysis of the documents' provisions relating to slavery, women's rights, and the rights of the accused. Great work by the editors of Time for Kids. Everyone should read this!
This is a much-needed, timely book for readers in grade 3 up to adults in need of a refresher on the fundamental principles of our democracy. The small (6"x 9"), colorful volume covers the Declaration of Independence and Constitution of course, and also several other pivotal documents including the Emancipation Proclamation and Woodrow Wilson's 14 Points.
There are kid-friendly "Meet the Author" sidebars about Jefferson, Madison, Monroe, and others. Each historical document is explained in a clear introduction which provides good historical context. The full document text follows. The book's terrific format renders this so much more accessible to young readers: in colorful sidebars along each document is an ongoing exchange, shown graphically, in silly text messages between George Washington and others involved in creating the documents, and other historical and fictional figures such as Joe Minuteman, Jane Colonist, etc. For example:
Joe Minuteman, regarding the Constitution's provisions on the power of Congress: "herein granted"? What does that mean?
George Washington: That means Congress has to stick to the powers listed in the Constitution.
JM: No freestyling?
GW: nope.
My review copy lacked the introduction and back matter that will be completed for the final, but the text that I did read provides a lively treatment of important concepts and history, including analysis of the documents' provisions relating to slavery, women's rights, and the rights of the accused. Great work by the editors of Time for Kids. Everyone should read this!
June 26, 2018
Thanks to @kidlitexchange for a review copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
Time for Kids has published a compilation of the United States of America’s most important documents. These include the Declaration of Independence, Constitution, Bill of Rights and Amendments, The Monroe Doctrine, The Emancipation Proclamation, The 14 Points, The Economic Bill of Rights, and the Truman Doctrine. It includes the full text of each document, plus context about its creation and background on its writer.
The editors of Time for Kids Magazine have provided a great resource for classrooms, and even home libraries. Along with original text is an explanation and context for each document. I thought the artificial conversations between historical figures presented as text messages in the margins were unnecessary and even silly at times, but I really like the rest. Recommended title.
Time for Kids has published a compilation of the United States of America’s most important documents. These include the Declaration of Independence, Constitution, Bill of Rights and Amendments, The Monroe Doctrine, The Emancipation Proclamation, The 14 Points, The Economic Bill of Rights, and the Truman Doctrine. It includes the full text of each document, plus context about its creation and background on its writer.
The editors of Time for Kids Magazine have provided a great resource for classrooms, and even home libraries. Along with original text is an explanation and context for each document. I thought the artificial conversations between historical figures presented as text messages in the margins were unnecessary and even silly at times, but I really like the rest. Recommended title.
August 22, 2018
Note: I only skimmed it. But I was disappointed.
At first I thought it would be useful for children and for English language learners, since children's books are usually easier introductions to a topic. I felt the effort to be "Cute" or "relevant" by including imagined texts made for a very confusing, not helpful, narration that only encourages anachronistic thinking or constantly assessing historical decisions with hindsight instead of looking more carefully at the true context. The texts themselves almost seemed lost or smothered by the extra commentaries, rather than enhanced.
Date read = date skimmed, in this case. Not fully explored.l
At first I thought it would be useful for children and for English language learners, since children's books are usually easier introductions to a topic. I felt the effort to be "Cute" or "relevant" by including imagined texts made for a very confusing, not helpful, narration that only encourages anachronistic thinking or constantly assessing historical decisions with hindsight instead of looking more carefully at the true context. The texts themselves almost seemed lost or smothered by the extra commentaries, rather than enhanced.
Date read = date skimmed, in this case. Not fully explored.l
September 1, 2018
Highly recommended as a reference to keep on hand for further study. Great way to keep kids engaged.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews