The Founders: The 39 Stories Behind the U.S. Constitution
Grade 5-9–This companion volume to Fradin'sThe Signers(Walker, 2002) turns from the Declaration of Independence to the U.S. Constitution, with short biographies of the 39 men who created and signed it in September 1787. The introduction describes how divided the new states were as they argued about the framework of a balanced and strong federal government. Subsequent chapters describe the role of each state, with information on each delegate. McCurdy's scratchboard illustrations, indeed, the entire layout and typefaces used, look colonial and are very fitting for the subject. Fradin's writing is clear and inviting, drawing readers in to the fascinating lives of the men who came together to draft the document. As thorough as Robert Ferris'sSigners of the Constitution(Interpretive, 1986), and far more engaging, this title will be useful for history reports and should be a priority purchase for most libraries.–Linda Beck, Indian Valley Public Library, Telford, PACopyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.