Our Constitution Rocks!

Accessible. Informative. Practical. This section-by -section look at the U.S. Constitution is designed to provide background information and unpack the meaning of this document that has defined our country. The remarkable author, fourteen year old Juliette Turner, provides appropriate interpretative data to make the eighteenth century wording relevant to twenty-first century youth. For instance, Article I, Section 8, Clause 18 (the "Necessary and Proper" Clause) is first stated in its exact form. Then it's summarized with its "Bottom Line". Other sections that shed light on the passage include: "What Were They Thinking?", "Why Should I Care?", "Breakin' It Down", "How Can I Make a Difference?", and "What Has It Done For Me Lately?" Sidebar information includes a brief historical footnote about why Thomas Jefferson was against this clause and his illustration of how it could be misused. An interesting aspect of this book is the thought-provoking questions it poses. For instance, after mentioning a recent related Supreme Court case, it then asks the question of whether Jefferson's fears were justified. The overall format of the book contributes to its understandability. Information is broken down into manageable portions, and graphics depicting certain types of information are consistent throughout the book. Thorough and comprehensive coverage, coupled with insightful analysis and practical application, makes this an excellent choice for a well-grounded study of the Constitution. 224 pgs, pb. ~ Janice