Know Your Rights!: A Modern Kid's Guide to the American Constitution

by Laura Barcella

We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union . . . establish this Constitution for the United States of America.
A simple, unintimidating introduction to the US Constitution and the rights it grants every American citizen.
The American Constitution is one of the nation’s most important documents—but what is it saying, exactly? This book helps children understand the answer to that question. In simple, accessible language, it describes how the Constitution was drafted and who the Founding Fathers were; provides a summary of all the articles, amendments, and the Bill of Rights; and explains why the document remains so relevant today.

Genres: Nonfiction

112 pages, Paperback

Published January 23, 2018

About the author

Laura Barcella is an author and freelance journalist currently based in NYC.

She wrote "Know Your Rights!" (Sterling, 2018), Fight Like a Girl" (Zest Books, 2016), "POPULAR" (with Lauren Urasek; Sterling, 2015), "The End: 50 Apocalyptic Visions From Pop Culture That You Should Know About… Before It’s Too Late" (Zest, 2012), and "Madonna & Me" (Soft Skull Press, 2012). She has also ghostwritten a number of adult nonfiction titles.

As a journalist, she has covered pop culture, crime, and women's issues for the New York Times, PEOPLE, Rolling Stone, the Washington Post, and more.

She's also a professional cat lady -- she works part-time in a neonatal kitten nursery in Manhattan.

Reviews

[Meghan Davis strader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book for an introduction to the Constitution and Bill of Rights.

[Carlen Zhang-D'Souza · Rating 5 out of 5]

A helpful volume that condenses a very complicated document into easily digestible pieces, including segments such as “How Does This Affect Me?” to bring constitutional theories into clearer focus for children. There are snippets of case law, fast facts about the Constitution’s history, ways kids can get involved in the civic process, and explanations of legal terms such as “defendant” and “prosecution.” A nice book to have around, even for adults!

(See more at www.pithysummary.com)

[Diana Avalos · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was very interesting. Although I've studied and learned about the U.S. Constitution many, many years ago, it was a nice refresher. Not too long or short, filled with pictures and images which made it fun and interesting. I believe it to be a good read for those 3rd-6th graders.

[Kendall Wilkey · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great guide for not only kids, but adults also. There is much power in being able to explain complex information into simple rhetoric. This author has my vote.

[Carole · Rating 4 out of 5]

A young people's guide to the United States Constitution.

[Patty · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent for kids and beginners alike. If you need a "government for dummies" type book, this one is a simple read and will lay out the basics.

[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everyone living in the United States should read this book. It is clear, concise, and full of information. I do wish it had explained all the amendments instead of just most of them.