The Founders: The 39 Stories Behind the U.S. Constitution

by Dennis Brindell Fradin, Michael McCurdy (Illustrations)

The stories behind the Constitution are as powerful as the nation it created. "We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America." After the American Revolution, the thirteen united states were joined, barely, by an almost powerless government. The federal army was too weak to defend the nation; there was no national currency; and there was no authority to collect taxes for debts. Soon states' militias were needed to quiet rebellions. As Washington wrote, if a change wasn't made soon, the new nation "rais[ed] at the expense of so much blood and treasure, must fall." Delegates from twelve of the thirteen states met in Philadelphia in the summer of 1787 to create the United States Constitution. But it was no easy task- four months of bitter debate ensued, in which arguments became so heated that delegates nearly abandoned the convention many times. Thirty-nine men ultimately signed this important, influential framework that saved our country and gave us our amazingly strong and balanced federal government. Dennis Brindell Fradin and Michael McCurdy combine their talents to bring all of the founders stories to light in this fascinating companion volume to their bestselling book The Signers.

Genres: Nonfiction, History, Childrens

176 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2005

About the author

The award-winning author of nearly 300 non-fiction books for children and young adults, Dennis Fradin is known for his meticulous research, attention to detail and smooth, graceful writing.

Fradin attributes his success in part to years of teaching in the Chicago Public Schools. In order to hold his second graders’ attention at the end of the day, he would spin stories about crayons in distress and birds with broken wings. One such story caught the attention of an editor who asked him to write a series of books about the United States. The Sea to Shining Sea series (Children's Press), launched Dennis's career as a full-time author.

Dennis Fradin has written children's books on topics as varied as astronomy, colonial history, the Underground Railroad, slave escapes and scientific discoveries. He has written biographies of Thomas Jefferson, Samuel Adams, Jane Addams and Louis Braille, among others. Bound for the North Star is his riveting collection of true slave escape stories. The Power of One: Daisy Bates and the Little Rock Nine, co-authored with his wife Judy, was a Golden Kite Honor Book.

Dennis has collaborated with Larry Day on two picture books, Let It Begin Here! and Duel! with Walker Books. He's completed two dozen Turning Points books for Marshall Cavendish. Along with his wife Judy, Dennis wrote Five Thousand Miles to Freedom for National Geographic Children's Books, followed by their Witness to Disaster series.

Reviews

[Riq Hoelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good introduction to the signers of the Constitution, it should really have been called The Framers.

I'm not sure how they can call John Dickinson "the Penman of the Revolution" considering Thomas Jefferson, Thomas Paine, Benjamin Franklin and Gouverneur Morris.

Says that Robert Morris spent a million dollars of his own money on the Revolution. Actually it was closer to three-quarters of a million.

Says that John Adams fired James McHenry from the War Department because he was too "gentle a soul to run the war department", thereby ignoring his traitorous behavior to the president.

Strangely the chapter on Charles C. Pinckney says nothing about what he is most famous for, refusing to pay tribute to France during his stay as a minister there.

John Landon's chapter fails to mention that in 1798, Langdon assisted Oney Judge to evade Burwell Bassett, the nephew of George and Martha Washington, who had intended to kidnap Judge and return her to slavery with the Washingtons.

Oddly refers to Hamilton's wife as "Betsy" Schuyler.

[Jane · Rating 5 out of 5]

In The Founders: The 39 Stories Behind the U.S. Constitution Dennis Brindell Fradin gives a fascinating historical insight into the lives of the men who signed the Constitution of the United States, a document which has stood the test of time. The book begins with an overview and then each state's history and corresponding signers are provided. While I found this book in the Young Adult section of the library I would never have selected it as a read at that age unless I was assigned with such a project to complete as it has deep, and sometimes dark, information. For example, William Blount of North Carolina was considered a rascal for his often questionable and sometimes illegal behavior and two of the signers died as a result of duels. Yet, these men, these men who are sometimes revered as being great during their days on earth, believed themselves to be flawed and developed a system that the Constitution could be amended, and for that we can thank James Madison who wrote the first Ten Amendments, known as the Bill of Rights. Even though it is not a quick read and should be read slowly to digest all of the information, I encourage anyone who is interested in U.S. citizenship to read this rich historical account of the country who, like Benjamin Franklin declared at the end of the Convention, "it is a rising sun."

[Flowergarden24 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice compilation of information about the founders and the original 13 states.

[Scott Andre · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a very good book for those who are interested in the founding fathers. A brief description on who each signer was and the effect each signer had on the country. Really good for middle schoolers who want to know about Presidents Washington and Madison. Makes me want to visit the early sites of american history. Easy read especially with the pictures to show who they looked like.

[Paul Rubio · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book that brings to light the stories behind each man who signed the U.S. Constitution. I highly recommend it as a good resource for a study of the Constitution. It makes for a great companion book to "The Signers", also by Dennis B. Fradin.

[Deborah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short bios of the founders of the U.S. Constitution. Little did I know that these were humble men who wouldn't necessarily have been considered successful in the rest of their lives.

Middle school.

[Tamara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent overview of the men and their contributions to the country and its constitution.

[Chrisanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great overview! I just wish they had covered the few who participated but didn't sign. But I still loved it.