Guest Author - Sylvia Cochran

Book Review: CONSTITUTION Translated for Kids
Cathy Travis
Ovation Books
September 2008 reprint (originally published 2006)
Juvenile Literature/American History
http://www.constitutiontranslatedforkids.com/
ISBN: 0981453414

CONSTITUTION Translated for Kids is written specifically for the 9-12 year old age group. A very comprehensive book, it offers the text of the Constitution of the United States on a split page. On the left is the original, somewhat hard to understand, text and on the right is a modern English “translation” that makes it easier for kids in 4th through 7th grade to wrap their minds around these laws.

CONSTITUTION Translated for Kids also offers the Constitutional Amendments in easy to understand everyday English. In the back of the book there is a glossary of terms that are a good idea to become familiar with, while there is also a summary section that helps kids put together what they just read. Young readers have the opportunity to see at a glance the various obligations and privileges the different branches of government have, while now already being familiar with the text that offers them these rights in the first place.

CONSTITUTION Translated for Kids has found favor with teachers as well, as it features a downloadable teacher’s guide that makes for excellent classroom projects, discussions, and even debate club fodder. A link to the download is located in the resources section of the article.

It is noteworthy that this book is penned by a political science insider who nonetheless has remained staunchly true to the source text and who – in a labor of love – has taken on the task of teaching youngsters about the most important secular piece of writing currently in existence in the United States. As sad as it sounds, the odds are good that for many parents this may also be the first time that they are reading through the text of the Constitution and actually understanding what it says.

The CONSTITUTION Translated for Kids introduces American children to their birthright and with the upcoming holiday season, it would be a wise idea to refrain from buying another toy or novelty book that is soon going to be forgotten and instead take a good look at this gem that will help kids understand the real law of the land – not someone’s second hand interpretation. Moreover, this is the perfect springboard for parents who want to raise up politically savvy offspring; after all, reading through the Constitution together is sure to open the door to discussions and also open the mind to some natural curiosity.

This is a good read and should be on every child’s bookshelf. There is one caveat: the book, although slated for 9 year olds, is a bit too advanced for that age group to read by themselves, and it is a good idea for mom or dad to still sit down and read it together with children of this age … in small, bite sized increments.