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

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) ■

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