It seems as though no matter where you turn nowadays, you encounter a new controversial article, news segment, or social media post about American politics. From the current state of unrest in the American political system to the craze surrounding the hit Broadway musical Hamilton, the concept of freedom in America is at the forefront of many people’s minds. But just how did we acquire our freedom? What monumental decisions did our founding fathers have to make in order to create the very first ideals of “the American dream?” And, most importantly, how have these actions and ideals survived and adapted to the America we know today?
Books on the topic of American freedom and government can be found by searching the online catalog using subject terms similar to “politics and government” and “juvenile” or “United States Constitution” and “juvenile” in the advanced search boxes.
Explore the list of books below to learn more about America’s rocky and resilient journey to freedom.
The Founding Fathers
Fritz, Jean.
Alexander Hamilton: The Outsider. 2011.
The fascinating story of Alexander Hamilton’s life, death, and influence on the creation of America’s government is told in this chapter book. A great read for Hamilton fans or anyone interested in the founding father’s fraught life.
[SSHEL S Collection SB.H217f]
Fritz, Jean.
Shh! We’re Writing the Constitution. 1987.
Complemented by colorful illustrations, the story of the Constitution’s creation is told. Important names, dates, and Congressional debates are highlighted throughout.
[SSHEL S Collection S.342.7302 F919S]
Mack, Stan.
Taxes, the Tea Party, and those Revolting Rebels: A History in Comics of the American Revolution. 2012.
This fun book of comic strips follows America’s path from its earliest revolts for freedom to its emergence as an independent country. The engaging format helps make America’s complicated history exciting and accessible for readers of any age.
[SSHEL S Collection S.973.3 M1901t]
Weidner, Daniel.
Creating the Constitution: The People and Events that Formed the Nation. 2002.
Beginning with the weaknesses of the Article of Confederation, this book discusses the various governmental plans and concepts that led to the Constitution’s creation. It delves into descriptions and explanations of each Constitutional amendment.
[SSHEL S Collection S.342.73029 W426c]
The Declaration of Independence
Nardo, Don.
The Declaration of Independence. 2003.
With brief entries about key protests and meetings leading up to America’s freedom, this book offers a highly informative summary of the Declaration of Independence’s creation.
[SSHEL S Collection S.973.3 N166d]
Pierce, Alan.
The Declaration of Independence. 2005.
Filled with historic paintings and political cartoons, this book follows the events that led to America’s rebellion for freedom, Jefferson’s influence on the important document, and the continued legacy of the Declaration of Independence.
[SSHEL S Collection S.973.313 P611d]
St. George, Judith.
The Journey of the One and Only Declaration of Independence. 2005.
A colorful and interactive book that prompts the reader with questions about the Declaration of Independence’s history throughout the story. An incredibly informative adventure awaits all readers.
[SSHEL S Collection Q. S.973.3 St103j]
Yero, Judith Lloyd.
The Declaration of Independence. 2006.
Striking images stand out in this detailed book about America’s journey to freedom and the document that paved the way to a free nation. It includes the Declaration of Independence’s influence on civil rights movements throughout the country’s history. Thomas Jefferson’s rough draft of the declaration is included in the back.
[SSHEL S Collection S.973.313 Y45d]
The Constitution
Catrow, David.
We the Kids: The Preamble to the Constitution of the United States. 2002.
Colorful, creative, and full of wonder, this book incorporates the preamble of the Constitution into a story about a group of children going on a camping trip. A perfect introduction to the Constitution.
[SSHEL S Collection S.342.7302 C293w]
Finkelman, Paul.
The Constitution. 2006.
Part of National Geographic’s American Documents series, this book explains the history, structure, and continuing influence of the Constitution on America’s past and present government. A glossary of important terms and the entire Constitution are included.
[SSHEL S Collection S.342.7302 F495c]
Sobel, Syl.
The U.S. Constitution and You. 2012.
This book acts as a brief, easy-to-read reference book for anyone interested in the Constitution’s contents and the inner-workings of the U.S. government.
[SSHEL S Collection S.342.7302 So121u]
Spier, Peter.
We the People: The Constitution of the United States. 2014.
The preamble of the Constitution is beautifully woven throughout colorful drawings of America’s past and present. The second half of this book offers information explaining the creation of the Constitution. The entire Constitution is included in the very back of the book.
[SSHEL S Collection S.342.73029 Sp44wc2014]
Travis, Cathy.
Constitution: Translated for Kids. 2006.
This book is filled with kid-friendly explanations of each individual article and amendment. Lists of important vocabulary words and definitions are included throughout. This is a great source for anyone interested in better understanding the often complicated language of the Constitution.
[SSHEL S Collection S.342.7302 T698c]
American Freedom Today
Granfield, Linda.
America Votes: How Our President is Elected. 2003.
A history and explanation of voters’ rights, campaign vocabulary, the Electoral College, and election procedures. A great introduction to America’s unique voting process.
[SSHEL S Collection S.324.6 G765a]
Grodin, Elizabeth.
D is for Democracy: A Citizen’s Alphabet. 2004.
An incredibly comprehensive guide for learning about America’s democratic government. This book uses the alphabet to highlight important people, events, and functions of America’s history and government.
[SSHEL S Collection Q. S.320.973 G892d]
Maestro, Betsy.
The Voice of the People: American Democracy in Action. 1996.
Another great guide for learning about America’s government, democratic values, and entire political system. Specific information about the inner-workings of Congress, national conventions, primaries, elections, and presidential duties are included.
[SSHEL S Collection Q. S.324.973 M268V]
Myers, Walter Dean.
We are America: A Tribute from the Heart. 2011.
A beautiful tale of America’s fraught history and present diverse culture written in poetic verse and interspersed with meaningful quotes from prominent figures in American history. A truly relevant and effective read.
[SSHEL S Collection Q. S.811.54 M9929w]
Raczka, Bob.
The Art of Freedom: How Artists See America. 2008.
Featuring images of paintings, photographs, statues, and artifacts, this inspiring book highlights important ideals, places, and past-times that make up America’s diverse and ever-changing atmosphere.
[SSHEL S Collection S.704.9 R115a]