A Kid's Guide to the First Amendment
May 29, 2023
Believing the First Amendment to be “something all people, even kids, may need, want, or have to use at some point in their lives,” as stated in an introduction, Matulli and Castro-Malaspina break down the functions of the First Amendment in this handy guide to American politics. Beginning with entries that provide a brief history of the Constitution, the Bill of Rights, and the U.S. federal court system, the creators separate each part of the amendment into individual chapters. Sections consider the limitations of each right and its impact on society, and provide examples of young people using their rights to fight for change, including the 1899 newsboys strike and anti–gun violence protests spearheaded by the students of Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in 2018. In “Freedom of Speech,” text clarifies legal boundaries (“The government has the right to punish speech that may cause violence or lots of harm”) while assuring readers that the amendment protects them “against being punished by the government for expressing yourself.” Through their conversational approach, the authors demystify the document to present a primer for young people. Throughout, Kendall’s fluidly lined illustrations, rendered in blue and orange tones, depict variously diverse figures exercising their rights. Ages 10–13. (July) ■
June 15, 2023
Two lawyers unpack the "five monster freedoms" supposedly guaranteed to all U.S. citizens, regardless of age. Following preliminary chapters on how the Constitution and its Bill of Rights were originally thrashed out and on the federal court system, the authors analyze each clause of the First Amendment (in what they describe as "regular-person speak") by presenting notable legal challenges and case studies in which young people were involved--mostly as plaintiffs or defendants but also as participants in labor strikes or other protests. The authors properly note many areas where the law is unclear and that some victories have been at best partial ones, but along with general encouragement, they argue truly that "by knowing your rights, you are more likely to use them." And if they neglect to mention that minors can't actually file lawsuits on their own, their profiles and brief interviews with "First Amendment heroes" highlight the rewards as well as the costs of taking personal or legal action to redress perceived wrongs. And, along with frankly acknowledging the existence of gray areas around parental rights, privacy, and other issues, they offer procedural guidelines for young activists, remind readers that they have a right to record official police actions, and tuck into one of several invitations to "Be the Judge" a cogent suggestion to think about whether responses to the events of Jan. 6, 2021, would have been different if some of the armed rioters had been Black or brown. Illustrations accompanying the eye-straining blue and orange text mix stock photos with views of diverse groups of young protesters by Kendall. Current, insightful, and savvy. (selected sources) (Nonfiction. 11-18)
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June 23, 2023
Gr 6 Up-Lawyers Matulli and Castro-Malaspina take readers on a tour through the Bill of Rights and Constitution with an extended layover in the First Amendment. Breaking down the First Amendment's five guarantees, the authors offer thorough explanations of what those freedoms mean and where gray areas still leave them open to interpretation. What makes this guide so powerful is that while most books about the First Amendment provide examples of landmark cases brought before the courts in defense of adult rights, all the cases here are brought on behalf of minors. Students' Freedom of Religion and Freedom of Speech include such well-known examples as prayer at school-sponsored events, forced creationist curriculum, and dress codes. The Freedom of Assembly section, too, encourages readers to embrace their power as activists like the students of Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School and the 1963 Children's Crusade. There's a helpful primer to how the U.S. court system functions, which curiously never indicates that minors cannot file lawsuits. Other than that small oversight, this is a thoughtfully crafted book. VERDICT A useful addition to most libraries.-Abby Bussen
Copyright 2023 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.
Starred review from May 15, 2023
Grades 7-10 *Starred Review* This offering's subtitle includes the words ""A Kid's Guide,"" and here those words are especially apt. Readers are addressed directly, kids' rights and relatable issues are kept at the forefront of every discussion, and heady topics, such as the federal court system, are introduced in an informal, conversational manner. After some preliminary material on the Constitution, chapters consider the freedoms guaranteed under the Bill of Rights from the perspective of tweens and teens, taking time to explain concepts thoroughly. The First Amendment begins with freedom of religion. Why? Why was religion so important to those upper-crust white men? Manageable paragraphs, accessible text, lists, charts, and insets help explain, citing court cases that directly affect students: evolution in science courses, religion-related clothing, the effect of school bathroom policies on transgender kids. Every chapter offers fresh perspectives and interactive activities, including tips on how to petition for change. Students, parents, and teachers will appreciate the generous back matter and direct approach, and this works equally well as leisure reading for young activists, a homework helper, or a classroom supplement. Most important, this book empowers kids, telling them how to use their voices and defend their rights.
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