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A review by misspentdays
The United States Constitution: A Graphic Adaptation by Jonathan Hennessey
This graphic novel adaptation of the US Constitution not only converts the preamble, articles, and amendments into a graphic novel format, it also provides historical context in an easy to understand format. The book, like the constitution, begins with the preamble and includes a brief background on the population of “America” at the time of the writing of the Constitution.
From the Revolution to the Articles of Confederation and Shay’s Rebellion, the reasons for the creation of the Constitution are covered in a way that explains the basics, but might pique interest in learning more. The book illuminates the reasons representatives are based on population, while everyone has two senators. It also covers the roles of the various branches of government as it explains the articles.
Another great thing about the book is the inclusion of various legal cases that have challenged the constitution and the amendments. The book includes a recommended reading list and web site information to gather more information.
Kirkus’s 2010 review states it is, “A sugarcoated but undiluted vehicle for schooling American readers about their rights and responsibilities.” While it does not go into every detail of constitutional argument, I suspect this would be a great book to include in a classroom library, especially in a social studies classroom, to encourage early finishers to pick it up. It would also be a more beneficial assigned read for American History students than some others. Not to mention the format makes the sheer amount of information feel less threatening.
The art is interesting and the book maintains a surprisingly good pace for a book about the constitution! I would recommend it for readers who are just learning about the constitution or are interested in reviewing the constitution.
From the Revolution to the Articles of Confederation and Shay’s Rebellion, the reasons for the creation of the Constitution are covered in a way that explains the basics, but might pique interest in learning more. The book illuminates the reasons representatives are based on population, while everyone has two senators. It also covers the roles of the various branches of government as it explains the articles.
Another great thing about the book is the inclusion of various legal cases that have challenged the constitution and the amendments. The book includes a recommended reading list and web site information to gather more information.
Kirkus’s 2010 review states it is, “A sugarcoated but undiluted vehicle for schooling American readers about their rights and responsibilities.” While it does not go into every detail of constitutional argument, I suspect this would be a great book to include in a classroom library, especially in a social studies classroom, to encourage early finishers to pick it up. It would also be a more beneficial assigned read for American History students than some others. Not to mention the format makes the sheer amount of information feel less threatening.
The art is interesting and the book maintains a surprisingly good pace for a book about the constitution! I would recommend it for readers who are just learning about the constitution or are interested in reviewing the constitution.