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Lynne V. Cheney

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We the People: The Story of Our Constitution Hardcover – Bargain Price, September 9, 2008

by Lynne Cheney (Author), Greg Harlin (Illustrator)

4.6 392 ratings

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America had won the Revolution, but our troubles were far from over. The thirteen states were squabbling, the country could not pay its bills, and in Massachusetts farmers had taken up arms against the government. Was our country, which had fought so hard for its independence, going to survive? In May 1787 delegates from across the country -- including George Washington, James Madison, and Benjamin Franklin -- gathered in Philadelphia and, meeting over the course of a sweltering summer, created a new framework for governing: the Constitution of the United States. Their efforts turned a shaky alliance of states into a nation that would prosper and grow powerful, drawing its strength for centuries to come from "We the people" and inspiring hope for freedom around the world.

From School Library Journal

Starred Review. Grade 3–5—In clear, cogent prose, Cheney lays out the tumultuous situation of the country at the end of the Revolutionary War. She moves on to the gathering of the representatives at the convention and colorfully describes the various issues and arguments that had to be resolved before the Constitution could be written. The vocabulary is rich, and the author incorporates fascinating details about the personalities who undertook this monumental task. The text is placed on clean white space on a quarter of each spread, with a quote from one of the historical figures at the bottom. The remaining three quarters of the spread is given to Harlin's impressive artwork, described as being done in "various water media." The sweep of these realistic paintings across the pages highlights the drama of each situation, and the artist makes remarkable use of perspective, making readers feel as though they are part of the actual scene. A delight for history buffs, perfect for reports, and a good read in general, this well-researched offering should be a first purchase for most libraries.—Grace Oliff, Ann Blanche Smith School, Hillsdale, NJ
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

About the Author

Lynne Cheney's most recent book is the New York Times bestseller, We the People: The Story of Our Constitution, illustrated by Greg Harlin. She is also the author of the New York Times bestsellers America: A Patriotic Primer, A is for Abigail: An Almanac of Amazing American Women, When Washington Crossed the Delaware: A Wintertime Story for Young Patriots, A Time for Freedom: What Happened When in America, and Our 50 States: A Family Adventure Across America, and has written a memoir, Blue Skies, No Fences. Mrs. Cheney is a senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute and former chair of the National Endowment for the Humanities. She lives in Washington, D.C., with her husband, Vice President Richard B. Cheney.

Greg Harlin is an acclaimed artist and illustrator. His books for children include Dangerous Crossing, Paul Revere's Midnight Ride, Mississippi, and Hanukkah at Valley Forge, winner of the 2007 Sydney Taylor Book Award. He has spent much of his twenty-eight working years recreating history through his paintings. His work has appeared in many national periodicals, including National Geographic, National Park Service publications, and Kids Discover magazine, and has received award recognition from the Society of Illustrators and American Illustration, among other entities. Mr. Harlin lives in Annapolis, Maryland.

Reading age

6 - 10 years, from customers
Print length

40 pages
Language

English
Dimensions

0.25 x 10.5 x 11 inches
Publisher

Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing
Publication date

September 9, 2008
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Product details

ASIN ‏ : ‎ B002N2XGTA
Publisher ‏ : ‎ Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing (September 9, 2008)
Language ‏ : ‎ English
Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 40 pages
Reading age ‏ : ‎ 6 - 10 years, from customers
Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 3.2 ounces
Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 0.25 x 10.5 x 11 inches

Customer Reviews:
4.6 392 ratings

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Lynne V. Cheney

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Lynne Cheney's most recent book is the New York Times bestseller, We the People: The Story of Our Constitution, illustrated by Greg Harlin. She is also the author of the New York Times bestsellers America: A Patriotic Primer, A is for Abigail: An Almanac of Amazing American Women, When Washington Crossed the Delaware: A Wintertime Story for Young Patriots, A Time for Freedom: What Happened When in America, and Our 50 States: A Family Adventure Across America, and has written a memoir, Blue Skies, No Fences. Mrs. Cheney is a senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute and former chair of the National Endowment for the Humanities. She lives in Washington, D.C., with her husband, Vice President Richard B. Cheney.

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A. Cole

A wonderful introduction of our Constitution for children of all ages........

Reviewed in the United States on January 6, 2019

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WE THE PEOPLE: THE STORY OF OUR CONSTITUTION is a factual and beautifully illustrated book about how and why our Constitution was created, including the compromises that had to be made in order for all the states to accept and ratify it. This is the kind of book that can pique a child's interest in history at an early age. I think many adults will find they have forgotten or were never taught the real history behind our Constitution. This book could take weeks to read completely as discussion and additional research on the side naturally occurs. I recommend this book for children and adults alike. Lynne Cheney did a really good job, in my opinion.

4 people found this helpful

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Diane Daniel

great

Reviewed in the United States on August 20, 2021

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this and other books like it go into our Constitution Week supply bin for local schools for their programs.

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Mantic

This book should be required reading in all levels of education.

Reviewed in the United States on July 3, 2020

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Since our history isn't focused on enough in our public schools, this book would do well to inspire further research by children upon reading this. It was wonderful to read and fostered many m questions.

Reviewed in the United States on August 12, 2019

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I think it’s a great introduction to the Constitution for young children. I bought it for my 8 year old that is academically advanced for his age and it wasn’t enough content for him. He only reads non fiction books and when he reads he wants it to go into great depth so he can really learn about whatever topic he’s reading about. So for other parents that have those kind of children. Then I wouldn’t recommend buying it. Otherwise it is a really good book and well written for young children

4 people found this helpful

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volleyballmom

Kids learn about the preamble

Reviewed in the United States on November 5, 2020

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Great little book. I was recorded reading this for our Constitution Week celebration for our county library and local tv for education.

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Julie

Excellent account of little talked about part of history

Reviewed in the United States on October 1, 2008

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I am SO glad Mrs. Cheney wrote this book, it is a wonderful way to teach your children about the time between the end of the Revolutionary War and when George Washington becomes president. Most children's books skip over that part and children don't understand how hard it was to come up with a government that had never been done before. What a monumental task! Mrs. Cheney does a wonderful job of leading you through that time in history and gives James Madison his due in writing the Constitution.

7 people found this helpful

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vicki

How America came to be

Reviewed in the United States on February 17, 2018

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Lynne writes a great historic book for young ones. schools just don't teach children these important issues of how America came to be. A must for any homeschooler. Grandparents and parents alike should buy all her books for the young ones in their life

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N. Fox

Spread love and understanding of our Country

Reviewed in the United States on January 30, 2010

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I start out the 3rd grade school year teaching the Revolutionary War and the founding of our nation. That is my subject and I weave the curriculum standards around it. If the kids understand the Revolution then I am ready to teach all about the Constitution and governance by Constitution Day in October. This book along with Cheney's "When Washington Crossed the Delaware" are perfect! The artwork is beautiful and the historical background accurate. Make your life easy teachers!

3 people found this helpful

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