Your Freedom, Your Power: A Kid's Guide to the First Amendment

by Allison Matulli, Clelia Castro-Malaspina Narrated by Joniece Abbott-Pratt

Overview

A nonpartisan, unbiased look at the First Amendment and how it informs our daily lives, this book clearly explains the fundamentals of American politics to middle grade readers.

The First Amendment grants kids and every other citizen five monster privileges: freedom of religion, freedom of speech, freedom of the press,
freedom of assembly, and the right to petition the government.*If the First Amendment is everywhere in their lives, shouldn't kids know more about it? Yes!

In Your Freedom, Your Power, middle grade readers get a focused look at their freedoms and rights through the lens of this all-powerful First Amendment. The book engages children in learning more about their country and their rights and responsibilities. Each section will answer key questions readers may have thought about like: Do I have the right to protest at school? Can I be punished at school for something I say on social media? Why can't I wear whatever I want? Can I text whatever I want? While answering these questions and explaining fundamental legal concepts every kid should know, Your Freedom, Your Power*shares the fascinating stories behind some of the most important legal cases and social movements that have affected kids' lives and rights.

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

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. Manageable paragraphs, accessible text, lists, charts, and insets help explain, citing court cases that directly affect students: evolution in science courses, religious-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.”
 —Booklist, starred review

"Current, insightful, and savvy."—Kirkus Reviews

“Matulli and Castro-Malaspina break down the functions of the First Amendment in this handy guide to American politics. Through their conversational approach, the authors demystify the document to present a primer for young people.”—Publisher's Weekly

“An ideal and unreservedly recommended addition to middle school and community library Political Science collections for young readers.”—Midwest Book Review

"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. A useful addition to most libraries."—School Library Journal

Publisher's Weekly

Matulli and Castro-Malaspina break down the functions of the First Amendment in this handy guide to American politics. Through their conversational approach, the authors demystify the document to present a primer for young people.

Midwest Book Review

An ideal and unreservedly recommended addition to middle school and community library Political Science collections for young readers.

Kirkus Reviews

2023-05-24
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)

Product Details

BN ID:	2940176927511
Publisher:	Hachette Audio
Publication date:	07/25/2023
Edition description:	Unabridged
Age Range:	10 - 13 Years

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