Shh! We're Writing the Constitution

by Jean Fritz Narrated by Jean Fritz

Overview

With wit and scrupulous accuracy, Jean Fritz introduces the viewer to the delegates at the 1787 summer convention in Philadelphia. Benjamin Franklin, George Washington, James Madison, and many others representing the thirteen states gathered there to draft a plan that would unify these states while preserving their sovereignty.

Editorial Reviews

School Library Journal

Gr 2-5 An informative, interesting, and immensely readable account of the Constitutional Convention of 1787. Aimed at the same audience as Fritz' well-known series on Revolutionary heroes (Coward), this is every bit as good as those acclaimed titles, although younger children might need to have some terms clarified. Neatly woven into the discussion of what the framers were doing and how they did it are some wonderfully gossippy tidbits that are sure to catch young readers' imagination and make it all come alive for them. The text of the Constitution is included, as well as several pages of notes that expand upon some of the points that the main text touches upon. DePaola's choice of what to illustrate is excellent, as he has selected situations that have great child appeal. His illustrations, many of which are in color, add a further touch of good humor to the proceedings, particularly the sourpuss expressions on some of the founding fathers. This is superior to Marilyn Prolman's Story of the Constitution (Childrens, 1969), which is for the same age group. It is similar in style to Henry Steele Commager's The Great Constitution (Bobbs-Merrill, 1961), which is for an older audience. Fritz' ability to simplify without condescending makes this an excellent choice for introducing young readers to the complexities of the constitution. Elaine Fort Weischedel, Turner Free Lib . , Randolph, Mass.

From the Publisher

Praise for Shh! We're Writing the Constitution

★"As usual, Fritz's account is lively and spiced with bits of detail that make the report come alive .... The informed reporting that goes on here will give readers a new perspective on our government's beginnings." -Booklist (starred review)

★"The author has distinguished herself again by making a landmark event an exciting story." -The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books (starred review)

"An informative, interesting, and immensely readable account of the Constitutional Convention of 1787 . . . An excellent choice for introducing young readers to the complexities of the constitution."—School Library Journal

"In her conversational and entertaining style, Fritz takes readers behind the scenes to learn what it was like during the Constitutional Convention of 1787 . . . A really delightful way to learn American history."—Children's Literature 

ALA Notable Book
An American Bookseller Pick of the Lists
A Notable Children’s Trade Book in the Field of Social Studies
A Child Study Children’s Book Committee (Bank Street College) Children’s Book of the Year

Product Details

BN ID:	2940172288449
Publisher:	Weston Woods
Publication date:	01/01/1989
Edition description:	Unabridged
Sales rank:	1,067,399
Age Range:	8 - 11 Years

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