Review by Booklist Review
This is an accessible introduction to how the creation of the U.S. Constitution first united the 13 original colonies and continued to evolve for governance. Information is presented in straightforward, declarative sentences, proceeding chronologically and reading much like a standard textbook. Multiple illustrations, charts, maps, and two-tone pen drawings appear throughout the brief chapters, and occasional discussion prompts encourage thinking beyond the text while offering checks for understanding. This is identified as an update to the 2019 edition (previous versions date from 2001 and 2012), but aside from a few online resources cited that date from 2022 and 2023, there doesn't seem to be any updated material. The cited book titles predate 2019, there's no time line, and aside from brief mentions of Franklin Delano Roosevelt and Bill Clinton, there aren't any twentieth- or twenty-first-century references to individuals or legislative actions. Larger collections or those in need of basic civics titles may want to consider this factual update.
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by School Library Journal Review
Gr 3--5--The United States Constitution can be a daunting document to try to understand or explain to others. This is an easy-to-read, albeit uninspiring, explanation of it. As in previous editions, it covers functions, branches, checks and balances, rights of the people and the states, changes, and responsibilities of citizens as outlined in the Constitution. This fourth edition is a barely updated version of the 2001 and 2019 editions. The only noticeable differences are updated formatting and the addition of boxed discussion questions. The text is nearly verbatim. The blue-toned artwork remains the same with the addition of a large illustration depicting the various Cabinet agencies. Oddly enough, for a book about the Constitution, there is no actual text of the document or accompanying amendments. There is a strong glossary, index, and (dated) bibliography. While adequate, the information feels shallow and uninspiring. Katie Kennedy's The Constitution Decoded is more interesting and should appeal to more readers. VERDICT Many more engaging books deserve space on the library shelf.--Lisa Crandall
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