The Creation of the U.S. Constitution

by Michael Burgan, Gordon Purcell (Illustrator), Terry Beatty (Illustrator)

Overview

In this fascinating graphic novel, witness the real-life debates, disagreements, and compromises that led to the formation of the U.S. Constitution during the Constitutional Convention of 1787. Eye-popping artwork and easy-to-read text offer an appealing, accessible alternative for nonfiction readers. An additional information section provides key facts and further understanding. The perfect book for budding historians, comic book fans, and everyone in between!

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780736896535
Publisher:	Capstone
Publication date:	09/01/2006
Series:	Graphic History
Pages:	32
Product dimensions:	7.00(w) x 9.00(h) x 0.12(d)
Age Range:	8 - 14 Years

About the Author

Michael Burgan has written numerous books for children and young adults during his nearly 20 years as a freelance writer. Many of his books have focused on U.S. history, geography, and the lives of world leaders. Michael has won several awards for his writing, and his graphic novel version of the classic tale Frankenstein (Stone Arch Books) was a Junior Library Guild selection.  Michael graduated from the University of Connecticut with a bachelor’s degree in history. He lives in Santa Fe, New Mexico, with his cat, Callie.

Table of Contents

Government for the revolution — Creating the constitution — Battle in the states — A new government at work.

Editorial Reviews

After the Declaration of Independence was signed and the first feelings of euphoria had worn off, the leaders of the new United States set about creating a government and they put together a set of Articles of Confederation which would allow the states to defend themselves and allow their citizens to “protect their liberties.” Unfortunately, once the war against the British was won, it soon became clear that these Articles of Confederation were woefully inadequate. Under the Articles, the thirteen colonies had so many powers that it was almost as if they were thirteen independent countries. Each state had different money, there was no cap on taxes, and the overall result was that rebellion broke out in many parts of the country. Finally Congress called a convention to meet in May of 1787. The time had come to change the Articles. Under the strictest of secrecy the delegates decided that an entirely new form of government was needed. There would be a strong national government which would have three branches and there would be a Constitution to guide the policies of that government. Of course it took a long time for the delegates to agree on these matters but they did eventually come to the end of their discussions and the Constitution at last was approved. Readers who don’t know much about what happened after the exciting happenings of the Fourth of July 1776, will find that this story will help them understand how the United States came to have its current form of government. An engaging and well written text, and an easy to follow graphic novel format makes this story from history perfectly suited to readers who normally find non-fiction stories uninteresting. This is one of the excellent titles in the highly recommended “Graphic Library” series.

Through the Looking Glass Children's Book Review

The format of this informational book on King Tut differs from most of the books on this subject. Author Burgan has chosen a cartoon format to examine the curse of King Tut. Burgan has Howard Carter and Lord Carnarvon, the two men responsible for the excavation of the tomb, tell the story. There are only four chapters in this thirty-two-page book, but the material is presented in an interesting and visual way. The reader feels he is reading a cartoon page with colorful figures telling the story. Vivid blue, purple, and gold illustrations are used throughout the book. Chapter one opens the story with Carter heading to Egypt to find King Tut’s Tomb. Chapter two describes the opening of the tomb and the riches found inside. When Lord Carnarvon falls ill and dies and soon after his dog mysteriously dies, a mummy’s curse is suggested as the reason for the deaths. Other people who were associated with King Tut’s Tomb also died. The last chapter takes a look at the curse. Is it real or a myth? Many people thought the curse was real, while others thought the curse had been made up to generate more interest in King Tut. Scientists have said that some type of mold or fungus that grew in the tomb caused the deaths of the people who entered the tomb. Another mystery is how King Tut died. Some people think he was murdered because x-rays of King Tut’s skull show he suffered from a blow to the head. A glossary, further reading, a bibliography and internet sites are included.

Children's Literature Comprehensive Database