America had won the Revolution, but our troubles were far from over. The thirteen states were squabbling, the country could not pay its bills, and in Massachusetts farmers had taken up arms against the government. Was our country, which had fought so hard for its independence, going to survive? In May 1787 delegates from across the country — including George Washington, James Madison, and Benjamin Franklin — gathered in Philadelphia and, meeting over the course of a sweltering summer, created a new framework for governing : the Constitution of the United States. Their efforts turned a shaky alliance of states into a nation that would prosper and grow powerful, drawing its strength for centuries to come from “We the people” and inspiring hope for freedom around the world.

5 Responses to “We the People: The Story of Our Constitution”

1. Elizabeth Yank says:

   September 17, 2010 at 12:00 am

   I have to admit that I don’t care for all of Lynne Chaney’s books. But this is an exception. The artwork of Greg Harlin is fantabulous! Cheney’s prose is clear, yet lively and dramatic. She captures the mood of the strife and turbulence of the times. We can feel the sweltering heat, hear the tempers flaring, and sense the tension between the various delegates. Each two-page spread also includes a quote from someone from that time, highlighting the situation at that moment. For the skeptic, there is a list of sources at the end of the book. This is a book that everyone should read, so that they would have a greater understanding of the founding of this country and the tensions that have always existed. At the same time, she paints a realistic portrait of the writing of the constitution. This was a beginning that was improved upon with time with the Bill of Rights and the eradication of slavery.

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2. Mary Kathryn says:

   July 8, 2010 at 12:00 am

   Got this for my grand nephew. He’ll get it as soon as my nephew, his father, finishes it! Great book, but it’s to be expected from Mrs. Cheney. My grand nephew has another of her books, too. TIMELESS!

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3. N. Fox says:

   January 30, 2010 at 12:00 am

   I start out the 3rd grade school year teaching the Revolutionary War and the founding of our nation. That is my subject and I weave the curriculum standards around it. If the kids understand the Revolution then I am ready to teach all about the Constitution and governance by Constitution Day in October. This book along with Cheney’s “When Washington Crossed the Delaware” are perfect! The artwork is beautiful and the historical background accurate. Make your life easy teachers!

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4. Hooty N. Hansotia says:

   December 15, 2009 at 12:00 am

   This book should be required reading in ALL elementary schools. Our kids MUST know & understand the greatness of our Founding Documents & what our nation stands for. Not the liberal garbage that’s being taught today. Re-educate our kids with the Noble ideals that these documents espouse & maybe we can reverse this dangerous trend towards Socialism & Communism that seems to be the academic agenda these days.

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5. Linda M. Hynds says:

   November 6, 2009 at 12:00 am

   I was looking for a book to help teach my 9 year old grandaughter about the Constitution and Bill of Rights. This book explained why the Constitution was drafted and how difficult a process it was. The illustrations are beautiful.

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