The U.S. Constitution and You

Gr 3-5–The United States Constitution can be a daunting document to try to understand or explain to others. This is an easy-to-read, albeit uninspiring, explanation of it. As in previous editions, it covers functions, branches, checks and balances, rights of the people and the states, changes, and responsibilities of citizens as outlined in the Constitution. This fourth edition is a barely updated version of the 2001 and 2019 editions. The only noticeable differences are updated formatting and the addition of boxed discussion questions. The text is nearly verbatim. The blue-toned artwork remains the same with the addition of a large illustration depicting the various Cabinet agencies. Oddly enough, for a book about the Constitution, there is no actual text of the document or accompanying amendments. There is a strong glossary, index, and (dated) bibliography. While adequate, the information feels shallow and uninspiring. Katie Kennedy’s The Constitution Decoded is more interesting and should appeal to more readers.